(018) AI Is Rewriting the Finance Playbook: What Government Accountants Must Do Next

In this episode of Reshaping Finance, Lori Sexton, Associate Technical Director, Research & Development at AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Tamarra L. Brown, Director of Administrative Services for Alameda County Public Health Department, to discuss what AI means for the future of government finance.

Drawing on the report AI and the Changing Way of Working: How AI Redefines Management Accounting, they explore how AI is shifting the profession from routine processing towards judgement, communication and strategic influence. The discussion covers evolving entry-level and mid-career roles, the growing importance of data and model literacy, and how public-sector finance teams can prepare for real-time insights and AI-powered decision support.

They also examine the guardrails needed for responsible AI adoption, the role of leadership in managing workforce transformation, and why human judgement, ethics and accountability remain central in an increasingly automated environment.

Whether you're leading AI adoption, developing finance talent, or looking to strengthen decision-making in the public sector, this episode provides practical perspectives on how management accountants can create value in the age of AI.

CONNECT

Lori on LinkedIn

Tamarra on LinkedIn

OTHER RESOURCES

• Transformative Skills Pack: Creative mindset – Report

• Partnering with AI: A Strategic Blueprint for Finance and Accounting Excellence – Report

• Debut podcast episode: AI's impact on private equity – Blog

• Big data and AI: Challenges and opportunities in finance – The Reshaping Finance podcast – Blog