AI for Accountants

Move from AI curiosity to AI confidence – practical use cases your firm can deploy this quarter.

Artificial Intelligence has moved from buzzword to billable reality. In 2026, leading accounting firms are no longer asking whether to adopt AI – they are competing on how well they use it. From automated workpaper preparation and intelligent client correspondence to advisory-grade insight generation, AI is reshaping the cost base, the client experience, and the career path of every accountant in practice.

This session gives accountants a practical, jargon-free tour of the AI tools and techniques delivering real productivity gains in Australian firms today. Drawing on live demonstrations and case studies from public practice, Nick Beaugeard shows how to identify high-value AI use cases, evaluate the major platforms (ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and accounting-specific tools), and avoid the common pitfalls that derail early adopters.

What You’ll Learn:

• The 2026 AI landscape for accountants – what’s new, what’s mature, what’s still hype

• High-impact use cases across compliance, advisory, audit, and tax

• Live demonstrations of AI handling real accounting workflows end-to-end

• Choosing the right tools for your firm’s size, stack, and risk appetite

• Quick-win automations you can deploy in the next 30 days

This is an introductory, practical webinar suited to accountants and firm leaders at any technical level. No prior AI experience is required.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

1. Understand the current state of AI adoption in Australian accounting firms and where the value is being captured

• Distinguish between generative AI, agentic AI, and embedded AI features in accounting tools

2. Identify at least five high-ROI AI use cases relevant to compliance and advisory work

• Map use cases to the right AI platform (ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, or specialised tools)

3. Apply prompt techniques specifically tuned to accounting tasks such as variance analysis, working paper review, and client communications

4. Evaluate the time, cost, and accuracy trade-offs of replacing manual processes with AI workflows

5. Recognise the data security, confidentiality, and professional standards considerations when using AI on client data

6. Design a 90-day AI adoption plan for their team or practice, with measurable productivity outcomes

Suited to:

This session is designed for accountants in public practice and industry who want to use AI to deliver more value with less effort. It is suitable for all firm sizes, from sole practitioners through to large multi-partner practices, and for both leaders setting strategy and practitioners doing the work.

• Partners & Firm Owners

• Practice Managers & COOs

• Accountants & Senior Accountants

• Tax Agents & Tax Specialists

• Auditors & Assurance Professionals

• Bookkeepers & BAS Agents working with accounting firms

• Corporate finance and management accountants in industry

No prior AI technical knowledge is required. Attendees should have general familiarity with their firm’s accounting software and standard compliance workflows.

This On Demand recording Includes: 

• Recording of the Live Webinar, which can be viewed multiple times, for as long as required 
• Presenters contact details for follow up questions 
• CPD Quiz
• CPD Certificate 
• CPD Report – Logged automatically 
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Verbatim Transcript, with Searchability
• Supporting Documentation