The following is a guest article by Armanino partner Dean Quiambao. The views expressed are solely those of the author.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of the executive suite, from forecasting to compliance, and financial leaders are reaping the benefits. Today, CFOs can leverage AI to model tax scenarios, simulate investment outcomes, and run predictive analytics. Yet, as technology accelerates, one piece of the CFO's oversight landscape often lags behind: tax advisors.

If you're getting more strategic insights from AI than from your certified public accountant (CPA), it might be time to ask a pointed question: "Is my tax partner collaborating with me strategically, or just filing returns with the IRS?"

The truth is, not all CPAs have evolved for today's business world. The best CPAs serve both as a lens into other similar businesses and as business partners who participate in every decision, strategically shaping the future.

Here are six signs that your tax advisor might be holding you back.

1. You have more conversations with AI than with your CPA

If you find yourself turning to ChatGPT for perspective before calling your CPA, that's a warning sign. AI is a powerful ally, but it cannot replace the human judgment and business understanding that a strong advisory relationship brings.

Your tax partner should be part of this technology conversation. They help you interpret what AI tools reveal and connect it to broader business strategy. A modern-minded CPA helps you make smarter, faster decisions. If your CPA isn't eager to discuss AI's impact on tax or operations, they're not keeping pace with you and your business.

2. They react to change rather than lead it

Tax laws and business environments are constantly changing. But when your advisor's so-called "thought leadership" is merely forwarding a generic tax bulletin, you're not getting real insight.

A proactive CPA goes the extra mile to put changes into context. They should sit down and say, "Here's what this new regulation means for your business, cash flow, and long-term strategy. What should we be considering now?"

If you're not hearing this kind of tailored advice, your CPA is just checking boxes on a compliance list, not showing you opportunities for business growth.

3. They operate in a silo rather than collaborating within a system

Today's CFOs don't make decisions in isolation, and neither should their tax advisors. The tax function is interconnected with banking, legal, and investment strategies, each affecting the other in real time.

Your CPA should be part of this collaborative ecosystem, not a disconnected expert who shows up once a quarter. When your tax advisor works with the broader finance team, strategic tax planning becomes a lever for business growth.

4. They haven't evolved with technology

Is your CPA still sending static PDFs while your team runs on dashboards? Are they still manually entering data that your systems have already automated?

A forward-thinking accounting firm should be tech-enabled and AI-powered. They use automation to eliminate mundane work, letting experts focus on creating value. A modern tax partner leverages AI to deliver faster insights and more impactful strategies.

If your advisor hasn't updated their processes in years, they're holding you back.

5. They have no succession plan

Many CPAs are nearing retirement age, and few are cultivating the next generation behind them. For CFOs managing enterprise risk, this is a blind spot.

You wouldn't accept a supplier without a continuity plan. The same standard should apply to your tax partner. Ask them how they're investing in mentorship programs, developing new leaders, and integrating technology into every step of teaching. You need a partner who can be with you for the next 30 years, not just someone serving the next filing season.

6. They overlook the family balance sheet

For CFOs managing private or family businesses, corporate and family wealth are often intertwined. A competent advisor should look beyond the income statement to deeply understand the family balance sheet. Trusts, estates, alternative investments, and generational wealth affect family businesses in ways that aren't always obvious.

A great CPA can bridge the gap between the business and the family office, protecting legacy while reducing risk. If your advisor views tax only through a current-year lens, they're missing the bigger picture.

From executor to strategist

A modern CFO deserves a tax partner who can think strategically, communicate collaboratively, and leverage technology to drive growth. The next generation of CPAs will combine data intelligence with emotional intelligence.

In a world where technology can handle transactions, it's human relationships that define true advisory value. The CFOs who thrive will be those surrounded by advisors who look forward, not backward.