ATL231
ATL231: Interview with Mary Delaney – AI and the Future of Accounting (Part 2 of 2)
Podcast Title: Interview with Mary Delaney – AI and the Future of Accounting (Part 2 of 2)
Series: Accounting Technology Lab Podcast
Hosts: Randy Johnston and Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
Guest: Mary Delaney, CEO of Karbon
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Episode Length: 28:19 minutes
- CPAPA Article
- YouTube
Summary
In this second part of the Accounting Technology Lab interview, hosts Randy Johnston and Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA, continue their conversation with Mary Delaney, CEO of Karbon, on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the accounting profession. Delaney outlines a hybrid AI-human model that prioritizes transparency, client data ethics, and compliance with AICPA standards. She explains how AI can drive more accurate pricing, enable earlier advisory engagement, and deliver real-time feedback to strengthen talent development. The discussion also explores culture in remote teams, AI as a recruitment differentiator, vendor partnerships, and her prediction that 12-hour workdays and years-long training tracks will soon disappear.
Key Quotes
- (03:27) Mary Delaney: "AI is imperfect, so transparency is key — it must show what it did, what it learned, and what it recommends."
- (06:30) Mary Delaney: "AI can help firms see what they’ve done, what they should charge, and how to communicate that value to clients."
- (12:20) Mary Delaney: "Over 70% of young graduates are looking for AI-forward firms — it’s now a talent strategy, not just a tech one."
- (23:27) Mary Delaney: "Be the Chief Repeating Officer — clarity and connection keep remote teams aligned."
- (26:43) Mary Delaney: "The 12-hour, six-day busy season will disappear — and that’s a good thing for accounting."
Mentioned Products and Companies
| Product / Company | Description | X (Twitter) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karbon | Workflow, communication, and client management platform with AI-powered features | @KarbonHQ | Karbon | Karbon | @karbonhq |
| Aider | AI advisory engine acquired by Karbon to enhance client insights | @AiderAI | — | Aider | — |
| AICPA | Professional standards body referenced for AI ethics and client data protection | @AICPA | AICPA | AICPA | @aicpa |
| CPA Practice Advisor | Publisher of the Accounting Technology Lab podcast | @CPAPracticeAdv | CPA Practice Advisor | CPA Practice Advisor | @cpapracticeadvisor |
| Accounting Technology Lab Podcast | Hosted by Randy Johnston & Brian F. Tankersley; covers innovation in accounting tech | @AcctTechLab | — | Accounting Technology Lab | — |
| Carbon Team (Global) | Karbon’s 300-member distributed workforce using AI collaboration tools | @KarbonHQ | Karbon | Karbon | @karbonhq |
Related Episodes
- Interview with Mary Delaney – Accounting Technology (Part 1 of 2) – Leadership, workflow, and advisory innovation
- Tech Innovation Awards 2025 (Part 1 of 2) – Tax Tools and AI-driven research solutions
- Tech Innovation Awards 2025 (Part 2 of 2) – Accounting and Audit Technology Highlights
