Angel Zhen, CPA, recognized for efforts in automation, efficiency and advancing modern advisory model

NEW YORK, NY (Dec. 8, 2025) — CPA.com, the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, named Angel Zhen, CPA, as the recipient of the 2025 Digital CPA Innovative Practitioner Award. The annual award recognizes practitioners who demonstrate forward-thinking leadership and innovative approaches that inspire positive change across the accounting profession.

“As a solo practitioner, I have seen how much freedom and impact you can create when you design your firm with intention and lean into innovation,” said Zhen. “This recognition reflects the future of the profession, where CPAs combine technology, better systems and deeper advisory to serve clients at a higher level without burning out. My focus has been to show that a one-person firm can be both highly profitable and deeply human, and I am grateful that work is resonating.”

Zhen is redefining how sole practitioners can operate at scale by pairing modern technology, streamlined workflows, and intentional practice design. His approach has enabled faster delivery, greater advisory capacity, and a more sustainable model for solo firm owners seeking operational efficiency without sacrificing client experience or value.

Earlier this year, Zhen introduced The Profitable Solopreneur Playbook, which has helped more than 200 practitioners modernize processes, strengthen firm performance, and build freedom-focused practices. He was also selected to participate in the 2025 AICPA Leadership Academy, a program that identifies and supports emerging leaders within the profession.

“The DCPA Innovative Practitioner Award recognizes practitioners who are committed to finding better, smarter ways to serve their clients and strengthen their firms,” said Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com. “Angel has shown how a solo practitioner can use modern systems to support mundane tasks, accelerate delivery and create more opportunities for meaningful advisory conversations. His willingness to share those insights with others reflects the type of leadership and innovation this award is designed to celebrate.”

Zhen was recognized at Digital CPA, CPA.com’s annual conference for progressive practitioners focused on innovative technologies and business strategies impacting the accounting and finance landscape.

Barrett Young, CPA, marketing and tax partner, GWCPA, and Rose Araghchy, CPA, founder and principal, R2 Advisors PC, were named runners-up for the award.

Young is leading a shift within his firm toward subscription-based pricing and more transparent client engagement. He has helped implement AI-enabled processes and EOS-driven workflows that support stronger collaboration, clearer communication, and more streamlined client experiences. Young also shares insights with the profession through his firm’s YouTube channel and his podcast, The Art of Succession, where he spotlights challenges and opportunities facing small business owners navigating transition.

Araghchy developed the Financial Strategy Integration Framework (FSIF), a patent-pending model that unifies operations, tax and finance into one integrated, data-driven system. Under her leadership, R2 Advisors has embedded AI-assisted compliance layers, automation-enabled review systems and predictive financial dashboards that turn static reporting into actionable strategy. She also created the Catalyst Collective, an internal innovation lab that pilots new automation and data solutions designed to support clients’ long-term decision-making.

“What’s most powerful about all three of the practitioners recognized this year is their willingness and commitment to share their strategies with others,” Cerami noted. “It’s core to what makes this profession great.”

To learn more about this year’s recipients, as well as the other distinguished nominees shaping the future of the profession, visit the CPA.com Digital CPA Innovative Practitioner Award page.

About CPA.com

CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.CPA.com.

• Enhancements incorporate firm-led feedback, furthering DAS’s position as the leading audit platform built by the profession for the profession
• Industry content available across all major sectors

NEW YORK, NY (Dec. 8, 2025) — The AICPA and CPA.com today announced additional standards coverage, content and functionality for the AICPA Dynamic Audit Solution (DAS). Recent product releases deliver significant enhancements that refine the user experience, optimize functionality for engagements of all sizes, and expand applicability of the tool across all major industry sectors and standards.

Shaped directly from practitioner feedback, the updates improve the audit experience through automation and redesigned risk and internal control evaluation workflows. The releases also broaden market reach by covering audits conducted in accordance with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standards.

DAS, powered by a transformative methodology developed by the AICPA in partnership with audit professionals from leading firms, reimagines the audit process with a data- and risk-driven approach that enhances efficiency, promotes a higher quality audit, and deepens the use of data to strengthen value delivered to clients. It’s built on the Caseware Cloud platform and is the profession’s most advanced and only fully integrated, end-to-end, cloud-based audit solution.

Key enhancements now include:

• Coverage of both private and public company standards: The solution now supports audits of public, private, non-profit and governmental entities.
• Enhanced risk workflow: The redesigned risk workflow introduces an intuitive and flexible approach to risk assessment and response.
• Scalability for all engagement types: DAS scales across engagement types, delivering comprehensive capabilities for complex audits with multiple entities, multiple regulatory requirements and large volume of transactions, while remaining efficient and adaptable for audits of smaller, less-complex entities.
• Advanced data analytics and intelligence: DAS continues to evolve its data-driven pillars through improvements to analytic tools, optimizing data reuse and AI-powered suggestions in a single, connected workflow. Enhanced carryforward, central planning and performance optimization empower firms to perform audits with greater efficiency.

In addition to DAS’s robust capabilities, a key differentiator is the dedicated support offered through CPA.com to assist firms with adoption readiness, including comprehensive implementation consulting, training and migration services to guide firms through the entire audit transformation journey.

Firm adoption and support

DAS adoption is accelerating within an increasing number of Top 25 firms progressing toward full migration. Usage is also expanding within firms of all sizes, underscoring DAS’s significant market impact as firms transform their audit practices. As firms increasingly recognize the advantages of a unified, integrated suite of applications, adoption of the OnPoint Suite (OnPoint DAS, OnPoint EBP, OnPoint PCR and OnPoint Audit) continues to advance with more than 27,000 active seats on the platform.

Schneider Downs & Co., Inc., a Top 60 Firm, is adopting DAS to support their audit transformation journey. Jeanne Barrett, a shareholder at the firm, commented:

“We appreciate being able to work closely with the DAS team to provide real-time feedback and then see that change reflected in the solution. DAS stands out not only for its advanced and purposeful methodology, but also for its flexibility and agility. The team’s responsiveness ensures that our needs as practitioners are heard and addressed, allowing us to deliver high-quality audits with greater efficiency.”

Ready for what’s next: A future-proof foundation for audit quality

With functionality that supports firms’ entire audit practices, including Employee Benefit Plans, Preparations, Compilations and Reviews, Government, Non-Profit and Commercial Financial Statement audits and integrated audits, DAS positions firms to thrive as standards and regulatory requirements continue to evolve, and engagement teams require new skillsets. The platform’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures that DAS evolves with regulatory changes, keeping audit quality, efficiency, and usability at the forefront.

To learn more or schedule a demo, visit cpa.com/DAS.

Audit transformation survey report

As a continued commitment to providing practice strategies to CPA firms, CPA.com and AICPA are releasing an audit transformation survey report that captures insights from firms of all sizes, offering benchmarks to measure progress, identify emerging trends, and highlight strategies that are driving innovation in audit practices. The report is based on a nationwide audit benchmark survey, conducted May through August 2025, with data collected from participating firms having audit practices that complete a minimum of two or more engagements annually. Sign up to receive a copy of the report as soon as it’s released.

About Dynamic Audit Solution (DAS)

DAS is the profession’s leading co-created audit platform, delivering transformative methodology, a guided approach, and practitioner-driven innovation for firms of all sizes.

For more information, visit CPA.com for the full announcement.

About CPA.com

CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.CPA.com.

King of Prussia, PA – December 5, 2025 - Vertex Inc. (NASDAQ:VERX) (“Vertex” or the “Company”), a leading global provider of indirect tax solutions, and CPA.com, the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, today announced an expansion of their partnership to include an AI-driven solution in collaboration with Kintsugi. The application helps accounting firms of all sizes and tax expertise deliver automated, accurate, and scalable sales tax compliance for clients.

Building on years of trusted partnership, Vertex and CPA.com are bringing advanced artificial intelligence and automation to the forefront of sales tax compliance. This enhanced solution enables Client Advisory Services (CAS) and State and Local Tax (SALT) teams to assess exposure, automate registration and filing, and manage ongoing compliance with confidence and efficiency. Through the expanded CPA.com Firm Advisor program, firms can now either manage clients’ compliance directly through a white-labelled platform or refer clients for hands-free automation supported jointly by Vertex and Kintsugi. Both options include dedicated support and seamless integration with leading ERP, billing, and e-commerce platforms. Teams benefit from fast setup, transparent workflows, and integrated reporting, enabling CAS and SALT teams to extend services confidently and efficiently.

“This launch marks an important next step in our journey to serve the accounting community,” said Bradd Wildstein, Vice President, Partner Sales at Vertex. “Through our partnership with CPA.com and Kintsugi’s advanced AI capabilities, we’re helping CPA firms unlock new revenue streams and simplify return filing with innovative automation.”

The expanded application, underpinned by Vertex and Kintsugi technology, delivers end-to-end sales tax compliance from exposure analysis and registration to filing and reporting, supported by real-time monitoring and proactive accuracy controls. CPA.com adds value through its Firm Advisor Program, offering flexible partnership models and expert guidance that help firms scale, serve multi-jurisdictional clients, and unlock new advisory revenue opportunities.

“We are building on our long-standing relationship with Vertex and adding new AI-powered capabilities,” said Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com. “By making sales tax compliance easier, more accurate and scalable, we can help practitioners focus on what matters most: building trusted relationships and delivering real value, while making it easier for mid-market and SMB firms to access enterprise-level compliance that is right-sized for their business.”

Vertex, CPA.com, and Kintsugi will showcase the enhanced application and share insights on the future of AI in tax advisory services at the upcoming Digital CPA Conference, December 7-10 in Washington, D.C. As a proud sponsor for the past decade, Vertex continues its long-standing commitment to this premier event. To learn more, visit booth #47. Firms can also learn more about this program by attending the upcoming webinar, “Automate, scale, advise: The new AI-powered sales tax compliance model for CAS and SALT practices,” Jan. 15 at 2pm ET.

About Vertex
Vertex, Inc. is a leading global provider of indirect tax solutions. The Company’s mission is to deliver the most trusted tax technology enabling global businesses to transact, comply and grow with confidence. Vertex provides solutions that can be tailored to specific industries for major lines of indirect tax, including sales and consumer use, value added and payroll. Headquartered in North America, and with offices in South America and Europe, Vertex empowers the world’s leading brands to simplify the complexity of continuous compliance.

For more information, visit https://www.vertexinc.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Copyright © 2025 Vertex, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein is intended for information purposes only, may change at any time in the future, and is not legal or tax advice. Any product direction and potential roadmap information is not a guarantee, may not be incorporated into any contract, and is not a commitment to deliver any material, code, or functionality. This information should not be relied upon in making purchasing, legal, or tax decisions. The development, release, and timing of any features or functionality described for Vertex’s products remains at the sole discretion of Vertex, Inc. Any statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties described in Vertex’s filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC) that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. Vertex cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which Vertex has no obligation to update and which speak only as of their dates.

About CPA.com
CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.cpa.com.

About Kintsugi
Kintsugi provides an AI-powered tax automation platform that transforms complex tax management into a streamlined, automated process. By leveraging artificial intelligence and seamless integrations, Kintsugi reduces preparation time by 75% and compliance costs by 50% for e-commerce and SaaS businesses. The company offers transparent pricing, exceptional customer service, and advanced capabilities for multi-state and international tax compliance. Learn more at www.trykintsugi.com.

Vertex Company Contact:
Rachel Litcofsky | Manager, Public Relations
mediainquiries@vertexinc.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Joe Crivelli | VP, Investor Relations
investors@vertexinc.com

CPA.com Contact:
Sonia Bauer | Director, Corporate Communications
sonia.bauer@hq.cpa.com

Artificial intelligence, Practice Transformation Strategies and Change Management Set the Stage at Premier Event for Progressive Firms

NEW YORK (Sept. 11, 2025) — In today’s dynamic business environment, purposeful strategy and intentional innovation are critical for firm growth. The Digital CPA (DCPA) Conference® delivers the latest technology, insights and connections that progressive CPAs and accounting firm leaders need to design the future of their practices and position for ongoing success.

DCPA25, hosted by CPA.com and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), will take place Dec. 7-10 at the Gaylord National Resort in Washington, D.C., and online.

This year’s theme, “Growth by Design,” underscores the importance of strategic decision-making and innovative practices that enable firms to thrive in an era of rapid change. In addition to the robust client advisory services (CAS) content the conference is known for, the 2025 agenda expands the audit and tax session tracks, ensuring professionals across all practice areas gain actionable insights to fuel growth.

The three-day program will feature more than 50 speakers and sessions on the impact of AI, aligning technology and workflows with evolving standards, and exploring new practice structures and business strategies to help firms scale.

Featured speakers will examine the fast-changing technology and business environment, offering strategies for firms to grow with purpose. They include:

• Zack Kass, AI futurist and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping business models and what firms must do to thrive in the AI-powered era.
• Pascal Finette, CEO and co-founder, radical, will lead a high-energy, interactive session with practitioners and solution providers around the latest AI breakthroughs, failures and bold predictions in accounting, and provide actionable strategies for leaders putting AI to work in their firms.
• Lisa Bodell, CEO, FutureThink and leading expert on simplification and innovation, will highlight strategies to eliminate complexity and spark meaningful transformation in firms.
• Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO, CPA.com, Mark Koziel, president and CEO, AICPA, and other practice innovators will discuss issues and opportunities driving transformation within the accounting profession and how firms are embracing advanced technologies, business strategies and services to maximize the opportunity.

There will also be a special AICPA Town Hall episode airing live from DCPA featuring the most pressing regulatory, legislative and technical updates impacting the profession.

Additionally, attendees will benefit from networking opportunities and peer-to-peer roundtable discussions, as well as demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies driving efficiencies and further enabling the shift toward advisory services.

“AI is accelerating change across every area of the profession and creating powerful opportunities for firms to reimagine how they operate and serve clients,” said Asgeirsson. “We've thoughtfully designed this year's conference to help firms cut through the noise, identify new capabilities and implement intentional strategies to transform practice areas and drive sustainable growth.”

Space is limited, and the conference continues to sell out every year. Registration for DCPA25 is now open. Practitioners who register by Sept. 30 can save with early-bird pricing. Group discounts are also available.

Upcoming pre-conference webcasts will cover topics such as AI adoption, trust and the evolving client experience. More details, including the full speaker lineup and access to on-demand sessions, are available at www.digitalcpa.com.

Media access: Reporters who would like press credentials to attend the event virtually or in-person can contact Sonia Bauer, Sonia.Bauer@hq.cpa.com.

About CPA.com

CPA.com brings innovative solutions to the accounting profession, either in partnership with leading providers or directly through its own development. The company has established itself as a thought leader on emerging technologies and as the trusted business advisor to practitioners in the United States, with a growing global focus. Our company’s core mission is to drive the transformation of practice areas, advance the technology ecosystem for the profession, and lead technology research and innovation efforts for practitioners. A subsidiary of the American Institute of CPAs, the company is also part of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the world’s most influential organization representing the profession. For more information, visit CPA.com.

About AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), advance the global accounting and finance profession through our work on behalf of 597,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates and registrants in 188 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license, the CGMA designation and specialized credentials, professional education and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members, candidates and registrants with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.

Successful applicants receive a grant, expert mentorship and visibility at premier profession events

NEW YORK (Aug. 7, 2025) — The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and CPA.com today announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Startup Accelerator cohort, a program designed to empower and accelerate growth for early-stage companies developing future-ready solutions for the accounting and finance profession.

Startup and early-stage technology companies focused on accounting, tax, audit and advisory solutions are encouraged to apply. Selected participants will receive a $25,000 grant, mentorship from industry subject matter experts and access to high-profile opportunities at premier profession events, including AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE and CPA.com’s Digital CPA conference.

"The Startup Accelerator program helped us develop key relationships with leading firms and provided valuable guidance around product positioning and strategy,” said Ben Stein, CEO and co-founder of Keeper, a 2025 program participant. “It made us much more informed about the accounting profession and was instrumental in accelerating our growth."

Participating startups gain access to a legacy network of advisors with deep experience in accounting, finance, emerging technology and professional services. Now in its eighth year, the program continues to spotlight cutting-edge innovation reshaping the accounting profession. Learn more about past participants.

“The Startup Accelerator is a key part of our efforts to drive innovation in the accounting profession by connecting firms and finance professionals with cutting-edge technology solutions that help enhance efficiency, transform service models and deliver deeper client value to support their long-term success,” said Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com.

To be eligible for consideration, companies must meet the following criteria:

• An innovative solution focused on accounting, audit, tax or advisory services
• Demonstrate the active use of artificial intelligence within the solution
• A working product with active users
• Financing at either seed or pre-Series A stage (with some exceptions)

Applications for the 2026 cohort are currently open through Nov. 30, 2025. After the application process closes, a short list of applicants will be invited to pitch their solutions to a committee of subject matter experts. The new cohort will be announced in early 2026.

To apply, visit accelerator.cpa.com. For inquiries, contact Vendela Hale at vendela.hale@hq.cpa.com.

About CPA.com

CPA.com brings innovative solutions to the accounting profession, either in partnership with leading providers or directly through its own development. The company has established itself as a thought leader on emerging technologies and as the trusted business advisor to practitioners in the United States, with a growing global focus. Our company’s core mission is to drive the transformation of practice areas, advance the technology ecosystem for the profession, and lead technology research and innovation efforts for practitioners. A subsidiary of the American Institute of CPAs, the company is also part of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the world’s most influential organization representing the profession. For more information, visit CPA.com.

About AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), advance the global accounting and finance profession through our work on behalf of 597,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates and registrants in 188 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license, the CGMA designation and specialized credentials, professional education and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members, candidates and registrants with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.