CPA Practice Advisor Tax & Accounting Technology Innovation Awards Report

Overview of the Innovation Awards

The CPA Practice Advisor Tax & Accounting Technology Innovation Awards recognize pioneering technologies that enhance the efficiency and profitability of accounting firms and their small business clients. These advancements contribute to improved workflow, increased accessibility, and enhanced collaboration, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Now in its 22nd year, the Innovation Awards spotlight technologies that are transforming the accounting profession and small businesses by fostering collaboration and productivity. These tools enable firms to manage workflows more effectively, increase productivity, and ensure security, while facilitating client engagement in convenient and productive ways. This supports SDG 9 by promoting innovation and infrastructure development within the industry.

Nomination and Award Process

1. Nomination Eligibility and Submission
   • Any individual or organization (vendors, users, or third parties) may nominate a product or service.
   • A nomination processing fee of $295 applies to cover evaluation and logistics costs.
   • Each product or service may only be nominated once; duplicate nominations will result in a refund of the fee.
   • Nominations must meet eligibility criteria to proceed; non-compliant entries are removed without charge.
2. Selection Committee
   • The awards committee comprises editorial staff from CPA Practice Advisor, thought leaders, and members of the Editorial Advisory Board.
   • Committee members include accounting and tax professionals from diverse practice areas nationwide.
3. Award Determination
   • Five award winners are selected annually based on committee voting.
   • Additional technologies may be recognized as finalists.
   • Awards are not ranked or categorized; all qualifying nominations have equal opportunity.
   • The selection is based on the subjective opinions of the committee without external votes or user testimonials.

Historical Context and Impact

Since its inception in 2004, the Innovation Awards have served as a platform to honor new or recently enhanced technologies that benefit tax and accounting professionals and their clients. The focus on improved workflow, accessibility, and collaboration directly supports SDG 8 by promoting sustained economic growth and productive employment, and SDG 9 by encouraging innovation.

Important Dates and Further Information

• Nomination Deadline: August 22, 2025
• Nomination Form: Access the Nomination Form

Conclusion

The CPA Practice Advisor Tax & Accounting Technology Innovation Awards continue to promote sustainable development within the accounting industry by encouraging technological advancements that improve efficiency, collaboration, and security. These efforts contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 and SDG 9, by fostering innovation and inclusive economic growth.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses technologies that help accounting firms and small businesses operate more efficiently and profitably, which supports sustained economic growth and productive employment.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The Innovation Awards honor new technologies that improve workflow, accessibility, and collaboration, fostering innovation and building resilient infrastructure within the accounting profession.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights collaboration among professionals and firms, as well as engagement with clients, reflecting partnerships that enhance productivity and innovation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and entrepreneurship.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
   • Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development and innovation.
3. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.16: Enhance global partnerships for sustainable development.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 8
   • Productivity metrics of accounting firms and small businesses (implied through improved workflow and profitability).
   • Number of small businesses adopting innovative accounting technologies.
2. Indicators for SDG 9
   • Number of new or enhanced technologies recognized by the Innovation Awards.
   • Adoption rate of innovative technologies in the accounting sector.
3. Indicators for SDG 17
   • Extent of collaboration and partnerships among accounting professionals and firms.
   • Engagement levels between firms and clients facilitated by new technologies.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cpapracticeadvisor.com