Guy Pearson, CEO of Ignition, shares his forward-thinking approach to technology in the accounting industry. Guy discusses the transformative power of being tech-forward, not just through cloud solutions but by embracing technology to simplify operations and enhance service delivery. He emphasizes a pragmatic approach where solving customer problems takes precedence over technology hype. Discover how AI and other innovations can be leveraged to address real challenges, streamline workflows, and empower firms to focus more on advisory roles. Whether you're a tech-savvy professional or new to these advancements, this episode offers valuable insights for navigating the evolving landscape of accounting technology.

Follow Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guypearson1/
Find out more about Ignition: https://www.ignitionapp.com/

Where to find us:

• Find Spark here: https://ai.rightworks.com
• Join the Spark AI Community: https://sparkai.circle.so/home
• Follow Spark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rw-spark 
• Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWSpark
• Follow host TJ Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-lewis/

In this episode of the Spark AI Show, we dive deep into the crucial topic of AI implementation within accounting firms. Our host, TJ Lewis, shares valuable insights on how to effectively introduce and integrate AI tools across your organization, emphasizing the importance of empowering staff at all levels. Learn about designating an AI champion, forming an AI council, developing a comprehensive AI policy, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation with AI technologies.

Download our guide to Using GenAI Safely, including an AI policy template you can use as a starting point for your firm.

Where to find us:

• Find Spark here: https://ai.rightworks.com
• Join the Spark AI Community: https://sparkai.circle.so/home
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rw-spark 
• Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWSpark

In this episode of the Spark AI show, host TJ Lewis, interviews Steven Lyon, Product Marketing Lead at SafeSend, about the impact of AI on the accounting profession and SafeSend's products. Steven shares insights on SafeSend's history, their approach to AI integration, and the future of AI in accounting workflows. The discussion covers the challenges and opportunities of AI implementation, specific use cases in SafeSend's products, and predictions for AI's transformative potential in the accounting space.

Find out more about SafeSend:

• Website: https://safesend.com/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@safesend
• Connect with Steven: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-lyon-9aa37657/

Where to find us:

• Find Spark here: https://ai.rightworks.com
• Join the Spark AI Community: https://sparkai.circle.so/home
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rw-spark 
• Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWSpark

In this episode of the Spark AI Show, host TJ Lewis sits down with Dave Haase, a CPA and founder of TruePrep.ai. They discuss the transformative potential of AI in the accounting profession, focusing on how Dave identified long-standing manual challenges in tax preparation and chose to tackle them head-on with innovative AI solutions. Dave shares his journey from managing a traditional CPA firm to pioneering automated approaches in tax prep. Discover the benefits of AI, the hurdles faced in bringing a new product to market, and the future opportunities AI presents for the accounting industry. Whether you're an accounting professional or an AI enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology and accounting.

Where to find us:

• Find Spark here: https://ai.rightworks.com
• Join the Spark AI Community: https://sparkai.circle.so/home
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rw-spark 
• Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWSpark

Overview

In this episode of "The Spark AI Show," host TJ Lewis welcomes Roman Kepczyk, the Director of Firm Technology Strategy at Rightworks. The episode explores the latest trends in AI and technology within the accounting industry, focusing on the impact of AI on accounting firms, the practical applications of AI tools, and the future of AI in streamlining workflows and processes.

In this episode:

• Event Insights: Roman attended several events, including Engage, CPAFMA, and BDO Midwest Conference, where AI was a dominant topic. The discussions revolved around the practical applications of AI versus the hype, indicating a growing interest in AI's real-world impact.

• Practical AI Applications: Current practical applications of AI in accounting include tools for automating payables processes, generating emails through generative AI like ChatGPT, and transcription tools like Clari Copilot that summarize meetings and provide action steps.

• Future of AI in Accounting: Roman predicts significant advancements in AI tools by 2025, which will automate basic tasks like scanning, organizing, and preparation, transforming the workflow of tax returns and audits.

• Adoption Challenges: Despite the rapid progress, adoption remains a barrier due to a wait-and-see attitude among many firms. Education and internal promotion of AI tools are crucial for wider adoption.

• Impact on Billing Practices: The efficiency gained through AI may lead to a shift from billable hours to fixed-fee or monthly billing arrangements, encouraging a more advisory role for accountants.

Where to find us:

• Find Spark here: https://ai.rightworks.com
• Join the Spark AI Community: https://sparkai.circle.so/home
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rw-spark 
• Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWSpark

In this episode TJ and Aaron take a look at the recent release of the 2024 Work Trends Index Annual report from Microsoft and LinkedIn. In this year's report there are some interesting findings related to the use of AI in the workplace. Approximately 75% of employees say that they're using AI in the workplace, and around 75% of those people state that they are using their own AI tools. In other words, most employees aren't waiting on their employers to provide them with approved tools.  

Accounting firms can choose to ignore this, or they can choose to engage with it. We recommend a "Top down, bottom up" approach for implementing AI. The top down is critical for permission and empowerment so that the bottom up learnings can happen. The users doing the majority of client and production work will be the ones to find the biggest gains if they are empowered to do so and incentivized to share those learnings with the firm.

Listen as TJ and Aaron give their take on this latest report and check out the links below to read the report.

Resource Links:

• Work Trend Index: https://news.microsoft.com/annual-wti-2024/
•  Blog - AI at Work Is Here. Now Comes the Hard Part: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/ai-at-work-is-here-now-comes-the-hard-part

Where to find us:

• Find Spark here: https://ai.rightworks.com
• Join our Spark AI Community: https://sparkai.circle.so/home
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rw-spark 
• Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWSpark

Welcome to another episode of "The Spark AI Show," where we explore the groundbreaking realm of artificial intelligence and its multifaceted impact on our world. This week, we're taking you inside the MIT Media Lab's "Imagination in Action" event, a convergence of minds focused on the fusion of business and AI. Hosts TJ Lewis and Aaron Van Ruler share their insights and experiences, offering a unique glimpse into the future of AI. Here's what you can expect from this episode:

Key Takeaways:

• Exploring MIT's Imagination in Action: Dive into the highlights and key themes of this pivotal event, where the future of business meets AI innovation. Understand how industry leaders and thinkers envision the role of AI in shaping new business paradigms.

• The Democratization of AI: We discuss the importance of making AI technologies accessible to a wider audience, encouraging innovation across various sectors. Learn about the initiatives aiming to bring AI tools and knowledge to the masses.

• Versatile Applications of AI: From the fashion-forward technologies at MIT Media Lab to IKEA's vision of empowering every customer to be their own interior designer, discover the diverse and surprising applications of AI in today's world.

• User Experience in AI Development: Uncover the critical role of user experience in the successful deployment of AI technologies. Whether it's enhancing search functionalities or improving service delivery in professional services, user experience is key.

• Networking and the Future of AI Innovation: Hear about the networking opportunities at the event that foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas among startups, investors, and innovators. These connections are vital for driving the AI revolution forward.

Join us on "The Spark AI Show" as we explore these fascinating topics and more, shedding light on how artificial intelligence continues to transform every facet of our lives. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a professional in the field, or just curious about the technology shaping our future, this episode is for you.

Don't forget to subscribe to "The Spark AI Show" on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on all things AI. We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions with us through our community platform or leave us a review.

Where to find us:

• Find Spark here: https://ai.rightworks.com
• Join our Spark AI Community: https://sparkai.circle.so/home
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rw-spark 
• Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWSpark

In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the transformative concepts presented in Ethan Mollick's latest book, "Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI." Join hosts TJ and Aaron as they unpack the intricate relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, exploring how we can navigate this partnership to enhance our daily lives and work environments.

Key Highlights:

• Unpacking "Co-Intelligence": We explore the core premise of Ethan Mollick's groundbreaking work, shedding light on how co-intelligence reshapes our understanding and interaction with AI technologies.

• The Four Pillars of AI Integration: Delve into the strategic framework proposed by Mollick, including inviting AI to the table, being the human in the loop, treating AI as a collaborative partner, and maintaining a forward-thinking perspective on AI's evolution.

• Real-World Applications: From personal anecdotes to broader societal implications, we discuss how the principles of co-intelligence are already shaping industries, enhancing productivity, and fostering creative problem-solving.

• Navigating the AI Landscape: The episode provides insights into the dynamic and sometimes jagged frontier of AI development, offering guidance on how to adapt and thrive amidst rapid technological advancements.

• Future-Forward Thinking: Embrace a mindset that views current AI capabilities as just the beginning. We speculate on future possibilities and encourage listeners to anticipate the exciting developments on the horizon of co-intelligence.

Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a professional seeking to leverage technology, or simply curious about the future of human-AI collaboration, this episode offers valuable perspectives on co-intelligence as a fundamental shift in the way we live and work with artificial intelligence. Join us for a thought-provoking journey into the heart of AI's potential to transform our world.

Where to find us:

• Find Spark here: https://ai.rightworks.com
• Join our Spark AI Community: https://sparkai.circle.so/home
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rw-spark 
• Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWSpark

This episode of the Spark AI Show delves into the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the daily work routines of accounting professionals, focusing on the psychology behind forming new habits with technology, addressing anxieties and hesitations associated with adopting AI, and exploring the critical role of trust and value in incorporating AI into professional practices. The conversation between TJ and Aaron offers insights into habit loops, the significance of rewards in establishing new habits, and the impact of AI on enhancing productivity and decision-making in the accounting field.

In this episode:

• Habit Formation with AI: Discusses the process of integrating AI into daily routines, emphasizing the importance of habit loops in making AI a natural part of work processes for accounting professionals and their clients.
• Addressing Anxieties and Trust: Explores the common anxieties and hesitations professionals have towards AI, highlighting the importance of skepticism, trust, and the tangible value AI tools bring to the professional setting.
• Impact of AI on Productivity: Examines the potential of AI to significantly improve productivity and decision-making in the accounting profession by offering quicker access to information and enabling professionals to focus on higher-value advisory roles.

Where to find us:

• Find Spark here: https://ai.rightworks.com
• Join our Spark AI Community: https://sparkai.circle.so/home
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rw-spark 
• Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWSpark

Welcome to the Spark AI podcast! Join hosts TJ Lewis and Aaron Van Ruler as we explore the transformative power of AI in the world of accounting. This isn't just another AI show; it's a dedicated resource for accountants everywhere to discover how AI can be leveraged across the industry. From enhancing productivity to deepening client relationships, we're here to guide you through the impacts and opportunities AI brings to the table. Plus, get the scoop on Spark, our tailored tool for accountants venturing into AI, and share in our personal AI integration stories. Whether you're AI-curious or eager to amplify your accounting practice, this episode marks the beginning of an insightful journey.

• Find Spark here: https://ai.rightworks.com
• Join our Spark AI Community: https://sparkai.circle.so/home
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rw-spark 
• Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWSpark