Top 25 firm
As an assistant for technical accounting work, the TimeCredit platform provides both automation and data-driven insights. Users can access streamlined audit contract testing, automated footnote disclosure drafting, and deep contract analysis for due diligence and complex transactions. The platform also sports a generative AI chatbot that responds to technical questions like "Is a lease with a buildout a separate deliverable even if there is no cost?"
Brent McDaniel, chief digital officer for Aprio, said in an email that the firm plans to leverage TimeCredit's technology as a foundation to build a new, Aprio-developed solution designed to fully integrate with and enhance the firm's existing client service model. Once developed, this new solution will be rolled out in phases across the firm, starting with service lines where the impact is immediate, such as audit, tax and advisory. Aprio's overall goal, though, is firmwide integration, ensuring every team member at Aprio has access to tools that amplify their experience and add value to their clients.
Richard Kopelman, Aprio's CEO, said in an email that while the firm may later explore client-facing applications for knowledge management or Q&A, but for now it will mainly be in the hands of staff members in order to improve the client experience and deepen relationships by enabling Aprio's ability to serve as a proactive, strategic and insight-driven advisor at every stage of the client journey.
"This is a major game changer in what's going to be expected by clients and our ability to help drive better outcomes alongside them," he said.
As part of the acquisition, three key members of the TimeCredit team—including CEO and co-founder Ndonga Sagnia—have joined Aprio. Sagnia now serves as senior director of AI transformation, where she will play a pivotal role in advancing Aprio's AI strategy and accelerating innovation across the firm.
"At TimeCredit, we have always believed that technology will be the key driver for growth in the accounting profession," said Sagnia. "With Aprio, we are combining truly advanced technology with strong domain expertise to create smarter solutions for clients and professionals alike. I'm excited to join a firm that is on the leading edge of the profession."
While Aprio staff already has AI capabilities, Kopelman said, with the integration of TimeCredit's capabilities, they will be able to build an enhanced solution as part of a wider strategy to create a smarter, more connected AI platform that works seamlessly across engagements.
"We are building an integrated AI ecosystem, not just adding technology," he said.
While Aprio does develop its own bespoke software solutions, the CEO said TimeCredit was purpose-built for accounting workflows and had clear traction in the profession, which gives them a proven framework for launching a new solution and scale quickly.
The larger $300 million that the acquisition was a part of will be deployed over five years, its moves guided by Aprio's AI Council, a cross-functional leadership group responsible for aligning technology investments with business strategy and client needs. Kopelman said the firm is especially interested in AI-driven automation in audit and tax, intelligent document processing, firmwide knowledge systems, and advanced analytics capabilities. He described a multipronged approach to implementing this strategy over the long term.
"We are approaching this from three angles," he said. "First, we are acquiring proven technologies and talent, as we did with TimeCredit. Second, we are deploying trusted platforms from a range of vendors to accelerate adoption. Third, we are continuing to develop proprietary tools and integrations where we see strategic opportunities. This multipronged approach allows us to stay flexible and scalable while ensuring that every initiative aligns with client needs and supports firmwide innovation. Our goal is to build a dynamic AI ecosystem that fuels growth and keeps Aprio on the leading edge of the profession."
But beyond the tech itself, a large part of the investment is in people. Aprio, he said, is investing to educate, equip and empower its teams to adopt and scale their skill sets and careers.
"We aim to be the firm of choice for the most innovative and forward-thinking in the profession," he said. "This is about building a new era of high-impact, insight-led client service, and our people are at the center of that transformation."
