NYTechWeek always creates space for connection, learning, and fresh ideas across New York’s tech community. This year, Shay CPA was proud to support that energy through the inaugural NYSSCPA Hackathon, hosted by the Emerging Technologies Committee. Tech Week is a week-long Decentralized Conference hosted by A16Z (Andreeson Horowitz).
The event brought together accountants, students, technologists, professionals, volunteers, judges, workshop presenters, and sponsors. Together, they spent the day exploring AI, automation, and the future of the accounting profession.
Teams tackled real-world challenges across accounting, tax, audit, not-for-profit accounting, and data analytics in finance. As a result, the day highlighted how emerging technologies can support practical problem-solving across the profession.
Using AI and Automation to Solve Real-World Accounting Challenges
The creativity, collaboration, and quality of the demos stood out. Participants from different backgrounds shared ideas, tested new approaches, and explored how AI can improve existing workflows.
One standout team included students from CUNY Hunter and City College. They developed a concept to make the VITA intake process more seamless for preparers using AI. VITA, or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, supports individuals who need help filing their taxes. Therefore, the team’s idea connected technology with a real community need.
As our CEO, Akshay Shrimanker, CPA, shared after the event:
“The hackathon was a reminder that the next generation of accounting students is AI-native.”
That message came through clearly throughout the day. Students and professionals did not treat AI as a distant concept. Instead, they focused on how to use it responsibly, creatively, and practically within the profession.
The Future of the Accounting Profession
The event also showed that innovation in accounting goes beyond adopting new tools. It requires collaboration, curiosity, and a willingness to rethink familiar processes. More importantly, it asks professionals to consider how technology can improve client service, internal workflows, and community impact.
Akshay also reflected:
“Today’s success was the result of a group of professionals who are deeply invested in the future of our profession and committed to embracing emerging technologies responsibly, with governance, cybersecurity, and privacy at the forefront.”
That balance matters. AI and automation continue to evolve quickly. However, accountants have an opportunity to lead with both curiosity and care. As the profession explores new tools, we must keep data, security, privacy, and trust at the center of the conversation.
Looking Ahead After the NYSSCPA Hackathon
Overall, the inaugural NYSSCPA Hackathon was an inspiring way to wrap up NYTechWeek. We are grateful to the planning committee, volunteers, judges, presenters, sponsors, participants, and the NYSSCPA team for bringing this event to life.
We are excited to see where these ideas, relationships, and innovations go from here.