SingerLewak partner speaks at AICPA ENGAGE as firm highlights AI and mentorship shift

SingerLewak partner Jeremy Dillard presented on non-GAAP frameworks at the 10th annual AICPA ENGAGE conference in Las Vegas, where the firm said the event underscored how technology, AI, and mentorship are reshaping the CPA profession. The conference also drew a surprise appearance by actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds.

Why it matters: - The conference spotlighted how fast the accounting profession is changing around AI, regulation, and client expectations. - SingerLewak framed the event as a signal that CPAs need new skills, stronger mentorship, and more comfort with non-GAAP reporting practices. - The appearance of Ryan Reynolds added attention to a conference already focused on the future of the profession.

What happened: - SingerLewak partner Jeremy Dillard presented a session on non-GAAP frameworks at the 10th annual AICPA ENGAGE conference in Las Vegas. - The conference used the theme “The Next Wave” and drew CPAs, financial executives, and accounting and advisory leaders from across the country. - Actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds made an appearance at the conference. - SingerLewak said its team got a memorable moment with Reynolds on the conference floor.

The details: - Dillard’s session focused on how CPAs can guide clients through the trade-offs, investor questions, and compliance issues tied to non-GAAP metrics. - Dillard said the profession is at an inflection point, with conversations at ENGAGE centered on technology, AI, mentorship, and the future of client service. - Conference themes emphasized that change across technology, the economy, and regulation is now constant. - The event reinforced that client relationships and peer relationships remain central to the CPA role. - Mentorship was presented as intentional work, not an optional extra, because the next generation will be running firms sooner than many expect. - The conference also reflected a broad view that CPAs need to learn AI, even if AI does not replace most accounting jobs.

Between the lines: - SingerLewak is using the conference to position itself as a firm focused on technical accounting issues and on broader workforce shifts. - The message from the event was not that technology replaces CPAs, but that firms risk falling behind if they do not adapt quickly. - The Ryan Reynolds cameo gave the conference a pop-culture moment, but the more lasting takeaway was the profession’s push toward modernization.

What's next: - The accounting profession is likely to keep pushing toward faster technology adoption and more practical AI use in client work. - Firms will also need to build more formal mentorship pipelines as younger CPAs move into leadership faster. - SingerLewak said it remains focused on audit, tax, and advisory services across California while investing in the next generation of accounting professionals.