Already running high amid the profession's digital transformation, interest in artificial intelligence has exploded this year, with large numbers of firms weighing its applications. Accountants who are experimenting with these AI systems are already seeing results. Some report using it for generating marketing copy or internal staff memos. Others are exploring it as a research reference. One is even planning to use it to develop training videos to speed up employee development and onboarding.
Meanwhile, investments in machine learning and automation continue to grow at tech-forward firms, giving small practices the capacity to punch well above their weight as their professionals are able to do more with less. The degree to which this year's class of the Best Firms for Technology has embraced automation reflects the changing nature of the profession, less concerned with mundane routines and more with strategic planning and analysis.
Firms are also pursuing these technologies to improve their work with clients, especially in advisory matters, where the human touch remains relevant (at least for now). Professionals are using AI not just to handle mundane tasks but to provide powerful data insights for their clients, provide ongoing communication support, and even code custom solutions.
With all this in mind, we usher in the 2023 cohort of Accounting Today's Best Firms for Technology. (The full report, including profiles of the individual firms,
