AI Tools and Strategies for Accountants
This course explores the powerful and practical ways that generative AI is reshaping the accounting profession. Participants will discover how AI tools are no longer just futuristic concepts, but are instead active drivers of efficiency, value creation, and competitive advantage across all areas of accounting and financial services. It has been delivered to members of the Chartered Professional Accountants association of Ontario (CPA Ontario) and Chartered Professional Accountants association of Alberta (CPA Alberta).
From automating routine tasks like data entry, reconciliation, and tax preparation to supporting strategic decision-making through predictive analytics and scenario modeling, AI is helping firms of all sizes do more with less. Attendees will learn how generative AI can streamline client communications by drafting reports, emails, and proposals; summarize lengthy documents and meeting transcripts; and monitor compliance risks in real time.
We will also cover emerging capabilities such as automated audit procedures, natural language querying of financial data, and tools that enhance client engagement and lead generation—giving professionals a new edge in business development and advisory services.
Beyond tools, this course delves into how to promote an AI-forward culture within an organization, including how to train teams, evaluate new solutions, and integrate AI into firm-wide workflows. Ethical and legal implications, regulatory considerations, and industry best practices will also be addressed through relevant case studies and examples.
Whether you're an independent practitioner or part of a larger firm, this session provides actionable guidance on staying competitive and compliant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape—all delivered in clear, non-technical language.
Speaker Steve Prentice is an expert in the technologies of business as well as in the psychology of the working person. He founded his company in 1994 specifically to address the conceptual disconnect between humans and workplace technologies, and consults to companies including Cisco and SAP, as well as many others in a wide variety of industries. He is a published author of three books including one on time management that uses physiology and influence, and another on the impact of fear on digital transformation. He teaches regularly on business strategy and technology topics at the Continuous Learning Department at Ontario Tech University. He is also a researcher, producer, and voice talent for Cyber Security Headlines, one of the top ten cybersecurity news podcasts in North America, as well as the Thales Security Sessions podcast.
This engaging session is filled with compelling stories, techniques, and actionable takeaways that will allow organizations and individuals to refine their cyberhygiene practices in a way that can truly take root and grow.
To make the keynote as relevant as possible to the audience, questions and topic requests are welcomed up to two weeks prior to the presentation.