Candidates will operate in two areas with professional competency innovation, the first. The other is in technology and financial information, which can include advances in artificial intelligence, automation of routine tasks, and the application of blockchain/digital ledgers. (The latter is very interesting since in the last few months, the AICPA declined to provide anyone to talk about blockchain for a possible article on the subject.) Startups will have access to an advisor panel of leaders in the accounting technology field who can provide coaching and mentoring. ""There's a compelling business case for collaboration," Lawson Carmichael, the Association's EVP for strategy, people and innovation, said in a prepared statement. Well, the AICPA is a master in playing all the angles.