Research & Thought Leadership
The future of advisory services should be built on evidence, not opinions.
Brianne Academy exists because Dr. Brianne Smith Hart believes CPAs deserve education grounded in real research, real practice experience, and real implementation. Throughout her career, she has studied the intersection of financial planning, accounting, technology, investor behavior, and artificial intelligence while simultaneously building businesses, serving clients, teaching students, and advising professionals.
Unlike many educators who only teach or practitioners who only work in practice, Brianne brings together academic research, professional experience, and industry leadership to help CPAs build modern advisory businesses.
Why Brianne's Perspective Matters
Dr. Brianne Smith Hart, PhD, CPA/PFS, ABV
Brianne's work spans multiple disciplines:
- Personal financial planning
- Tax strategy
- Accounting education
- Artificial intelligence adoption
- Investor behavior research
- Practice development for CPAs
- Financial decision-making
She has more than 25 years of professional experience and has served in leadership roles with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), including the Personal Financial Planning Executive Committee and the PFP Champions Task Force.
Areas of Research
Artificial Intelligence & Professional Skills
Brianne's current research focuses on how AI is reshaping professional work, education, advisory services, and critical thinking.
Current working papers explore topics such as:
- AI leadership in accounting practice
- AI curriculum design
- Future-ready professional skills
- Troubleshooting and judgment in an AI-driven economy
These topics form the foundation of many Brianne Academy courses, workshops, and speaking engagements.
Financial Planning & Investor Behavior
Brianne's research examines how people make financial decisions and how advisors can help clients make better choices.
Key areas include:
- Cryptocurrency investor behavior
- Risk tolerance and financial decisions
- Women's financial decision-making
- Financial planning education
- Tax-aware planning strategies
Selected research has been published in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Accounting and Finance and professional publications such as The Tax Adviser and the Journal of Accountancy.
Selected Publications
Artificial Intelligence & Education
Why AI Makes Troubleshooting the New Critical Thinking (working paper)
AI Leadership in Accounting Practice: Early Signals for Curriculum Design (working paper)
Personal Financial Planning
Integrating Personal Financial Planning into Individual Income Tax Courses - The Tax Adviser - 2025
Preparing Accounting Students for a Career in CPA Financial Planning - Journal of Accountancy - 2024
Women and Finance-Specific Human Capital: Impact of Gender Role Attitudes - Journal of Accounting and Finance - 2023
Investor Behavior & Financial Decision-Making
The Life-Cycle and Character of Crypto-Assets: A Framework for Regulation and Investor Protection - Journal of Accounting and Finance - 2019
Industry Leadership
Brianne's work extends beyond research and teaching. She actively contributes to the future of the profession through service and leadership.
Notable appointments include:
- AICPA Personal Financial Planning Executive Committee
- AICPA PFP Champions Task Force
- Uniform CPA Examination Passing Score Panel (Tax Compliance & Planning)
- Auburn Women's Philanthropy Board Executive Committee
These leadership roles allow Brianne to remain deeply involved in conversations shaping the future of accounting, financial planning, and professional education.
Featured Speaking Topics
Brianne is a frequent speaker for professional associations, accounting firms, universities, and industry conferences.
Recent topics include:
- Artificial Intelligence for Accounting Professionals
- Building a Personal Financial Planning Practice
- Future Skills for Advisory Firms
- AI for Research and Workflow Design
- Women, Wealth, & Financial Independence
- Integrating Financial Planning into CPA Firms
She has presented for organizations including the AICPA, Alabama Society of CPAs, Auburn University, Auburn University Montgomery, and numerous industry conferences and leadership groups.
Want to Book Brianne For Your Event?Explore Brianne Academy
Whether you're exploring artificial intelligence, personal financial planning, advisory services, or the future of accounting, our goal is simple:
Help CPAs build expertise that remains valuable in a changing world.
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