652 These Industries Are BEGGING For Better Accounting Firms [The greatest opportunities in the accounting profession today]

Jason Staats argues that accounting firms win by partnering with the support ecosystems around a vertical—associations, software vendors, lenders, recruiters and coaches—so they can become the default provider. He then reviews recent workflow-tech updates from Canopy, Digits, Gusto, Double, Kick and RightTool, with practical advice on admin delegation, lead tracking, remote work and avoiding vendor lock-in.

Key points

• Vertical industries now have templated support ecosystems; firms should partner with the hubs, not only chase direct buyers.
• Canopy, Digits, Gusto, Double and Kick are adding APIs/MCPs that let AI assistants read and write across systems.
• Gusto’s multi-client MCP is built for accountants managing many entities, not just single-business owners.
• Admins can absorb pre-accounting and tax intake work, becoming a pipeline for bookkeepers and preparers.
• Lead tracking should live inside practice management or a simple spreadsheet, not necessarily a separate CRM.
• Avoid tax-software vendor bundle lock-in; use best-of-breed tools when they outperform the suite.