AI in Practice: What Actually Works and What Comes Next

AI is everywhere - but many firms are still asking the same question: What does this actually look like in practice? This panel session brings together real-world perspectives on how AI is being used across accounting and bookkeeping workflows today - and where it is heading next. We’ll explore how firms are applying AI across core activities such as client communication, data processing, task management and reporting, while highlighting the importance of structured workflows, strong data foundations, and maintaining a “human in the loop”. The discussion will also go further - examining how firms can begin to reposition themselves in an AI-enabled world. From creating capacity and improving client experience, to exploring emerging opportunities such as AI advisory services, we’ll look at what comes next for the profession. You’ll hear practical examples of: • Where AI is genuinely saving time (and where it isn’t) • How firms are approaching adoption, training and cultural change • The risks of over-automation and how to maintain trust with clients • How AI may reshape service delivery and pricing models