UMO Roundtable Explores the Future of AI in Accounting
March 12, 2026
Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE – Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the accounting profession, and students at the University of Mount Olive (UMO) recently had the opportunity to hear firsthand from industry professionals during the Tillman School of Business “Let’s Talk: AI in Accounting Roundtable.”
The event, hosted by the Tillman School of Business Accounting Society, marked the first panel discussion in what organizers hope will become an annual series focused on emerging issues shaping the accounting and finance professions. Students, faculty, staff, and industry partners attended the program, which examined how artificial intelligence and automation are influencing the future of accounting.
Waylon Woodall, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Tillman School of Business Social Media Coordinator, said the event was designed to connect classroom learning with real-world industry insight. “The purpose of the event was to help students better understand how artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies are transforming the accounting and finance professions,” Woodall said. “By bringing in professionals who are already using these tools in practice, students were able to gain a clearer picture of what future roles and skill sets may look like.”
The roundtable featured three industry professionals representing major accounting firms: Krista King of EY, Samuel Olivares of Forvis Mazars, and Matt Raynor of TRP Sumner. EY is one of the “Big Four” global accounting firms, while Forvis Mazars ranks among the top ten accounting firms nationally, and TRP Sumner is a prominent regional firm.
King, who also serves as a UMO adjunct instructor, opened the program with a brief overview of artificial intelligence and its various forms before the panel discussion began. In her professional role as a Senior Manager in EY’s Tax Technology and Transformation department, she regularly works at the intersection of accounting and emerging technologies.
The panel discussion explored several key themes, including the real-world impact of AI on the profession, how accounting firms are integrating AI into their long-term strategies, ethical considerations surrounding automation, and the skills students will need to succeed in an evolving professional landscape.
Despite the rapid pace of technological change, panelists emphasized that AI should be viewed as a tool that enhances the profession rather than replacing it. “AI will not replace accountants,” said Raynor, a Tax Senior with TRP Sumner. “But accountants who know how to efficiently use AI will replace other accountants.”
Rather than a traditional audience question period, the event incorporated interactive participation through the use of Kahoot polling technology. Students responded to questions on their phones, allowing panelists to see real-time audience feedback and incorporate those responses into the discussion. In one activity, students shared what they believed to be the biggest misconceptions about artificial intelligence, with their responses appearing live on the screen for the panel to address.
Accounting Society President Joshua Hernandez served as moderator for the roundtable, guiding the conversation with a prepared list of questions and facilitating the flow between panelists. Woodall praised Hernandez for his leadership and professionalism in the role. “Joshua did a fantastic job keeping the discussion moving and engaging each panelist,” he said.
Several key takeaways emerged from the discussion. Panelists agreed that artificial intelligence will continue to expand across the profession, making it essential for students and faculty to develop the skills needed to work effectively with emerging technologies. At the same time, they emphasized that careers requiring professional judgment and accountability will continue to rely on human expertise.
Another theme highlighted was the growing intersection between accounting, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. As firms increasingly use AI-powered tools for auditing, fraud detection, and data analysis, the responsibility to protect sensitive financial information becomes even more critical.
Students learned that future accountants will need not only strong technical knowledge in financial reporting and regulation, but also an understanding of how to manage data responsibly and evaluate risks associated with automated systems. Many firms, particularly larger organizations, are now actively seeking professionals who possess both accounting and cybersecurity expertise.
Woodall said events like the roundtable play an important role in preparing students for these emerging realities. “It was such a value-add to our students’ journeys and to the continuous improvement of our programs to have these professionals provide an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how AI is transforming the worlds of finance and accounting,” Woodall said. “Each panelist brought unique perspectives on the topic, and I’m certain that everyone walked away with a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges that the future holds with AI.”
Organizers say the success of this year’s event sets the stage for future “Let’s Talk” discussions that will continue connecting UMO students with professionals working at the forefront of industry change.
About the University of Mount Olive
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
