DCPA 2025: Audit transformation takes center stage

Practitioner and audit technology consultant Will Hill isn’t new to change. As the founder of Will Hill Consults, he’s spent over two decades helping accounting firms navigate transformation—from operational shifts to technology adoption. Because of that, his enthusiasm for the 2025 Digital CPA Conference—the annual gathering of more than 1,000+ accounting leaders and technology leaders-- keeps building momentum every year.

We caught up with Will to hear why he’s excited to return for his third DCPA and why he thinks the "D" in DCPA may as well stand for “Different”.

Q: Will, this will be your third year attending DCPA. What keeps you coming back?
This community is always trying something new and that’s what makes it electric. I started out more as an observer the first year. Last year, I dipped my toe in and participated more—went all in on networking, conference content, and integrating with tech vendors that bring cutting edge solutions to the accounting profession. This year, I’m all in—I'll be presenting a session with Sarah Flischel of AAFCPAs titled “Securing Buy-In for Audit Transformation Initiatives.”

[DCPA] has a broad spectrum of people who aren't afraid to take a leap. They want to experiment; they want to improve. That spirit of curiosity is infectious and inspiring.

Q: You’re also part of the DCPA advisory board now. What motivated you to accept the invite?
I wanted to help shape the conversations we’re having. Working with firms across Texas and beyond, I hear their day-to-day struggles and wins—especially related to technology. Being on the advisory board gives me a way to bring that real-world insight to the table and make sure the programming reflects what firm owners actually need when it comes to innovation and audit transformation.

Q: You mentioned innovation—especially in the audit space. What are you seeing there?
It’s exploding. Over the last three or four years, there’s been this burst of innovation around audit technology. We’re seeing both niche tools and new platform-level solutions enter the market.

It forces firms to ask bigger questions: If the tech is different, what else can we rethink?

Watch the full interview with Will Hill

Q: How have attitudes toward tech changed in the profession?
There’s been a real mindset shift. A year ago, you’d hear, “What’s this going to do to us?” Now, it’s more like, “What can this do for us?” That curiosity is powerful. It moves us from fear to possibility.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you think audit is heading?
I think we’ll keep pushing for both greater efficiency and deeper understanding. The new tools are helping teams not just execute the audit better, but also reflect more critically on what they’re doing—and why.

It’s no longer just about checking boxes. It’s about asking, “What are we really trying to accomplish here as auditors?” That kind of thinking elevates the work.

Q: What areas are you most excited to dive into at the conference?
A couple stand out. One is how technology change can drive broader business change—that’s always exciting. I’m also really curious to see how agentic AI continues to evolve and what that unlocks next for firms.

Q: For someone on the fence about attending DCPA, what would you say?
Come on out. Seriously. You’re going to meet like-minded people who are leaning into change early—not resisting it. We'll have good conversations, and you’ll leave with a ton of fresh ideas.

Plus, if you're at all curious about what’s next for the profession, there’s no better place to get ahead of it.

Secure your spot onsite or virtually and start planning your conference experience today.
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