As artificial intelligence continues to shape the future of audit and assurance, auditors are facing a new set of challenges. From understanding what constitutes “AI” to ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, governance has emerged as a critical priority for firms adopting digital tools. In a recent April webinar hosted by Caseware and Chartered Accountants ANZ, Dr Kobi Leins, an expert in AI ethics and governance, laid out practical strategies for close to 900 accountants and auditors in attendance navigating this increasingly complex terrain. 

One of the most compelling takeaways from the session was Dr Leins’ insistence on abandoning the idea of AI as a mystical or inherently transformative force. Instead, she encouraged auditors to view AI as a tool—no different than a calculator or spreadsheet—that demands scrutiny, structure, and oversight. “Would you call a toaster responsible?” she asked. “It’s a technology. What matters is whether it’s used in compliance with existing regulation and best practice international and Australian standards.” 

Asking the right questions 

Dr Leins emphasised that the foundation of good AI governance lies in asking the right questions. Whether evaluating a vendor product or developing an internal solution, auditors should interrogate the data sources, algorithmic design, and decision-making processes involved. Are the training datasets inclusive and free of bias? Is there clear documentation about how decisions are made? Can outcomes be traced and explained? 

These questions are particularly salient in the audit profession, where even small miscalculations can have outsized impacts on stakeholders. Leins pointed to the infamous Zillow incident—where poor AI modelling led to hundreds of millions in losses—as a cautionary tale. 

Five pillars of AI governance 

To help firms build effective governance frameworks, Dr Leins proposed a structure based on five interlocking elements: 

1. Policies – AI policies should be integrated into broader company strategies, including codes of conduct and executive KPIs. 

2. Processes – Auditors must map where and how AI is used, particularly in high-risk areas like client data handling and automated analysis. 

3. People – Staff training is critical. Leins cautioned against assuming that users inherently understand AI risks, noting that many still feed confidential data into public platforms. 

4. Planning – Firms should avoid implementing AI just to “keep up” with competitors. Instead, AI should be deployed in line with specific business problems. 

5. Performance metrics – Success should be measured not just by usage, but by outcomes. Is the technology saving time? Enhancing quality? Empowering staff? 

The auditor’s role 

Auditors are uniquely positioned to act as stewards of responsible AI use. Their familiarity with compliance, documentation, controls and regular audits equips them to identify both risk and opportunity in emerging technologies. Yet according to polls taken during the webinar, over 25% of attendees had not yet begun using AI in any formal capacity. 

This hesitation may be linked to the “black box” nature of some AI tools, which can make it difficult to verify outputs. Leins recommended critical engagement with outputs, regular validation processes, and always maintaining human oversight. 

Caseware AiDA and industry certification 

While not the focus of the webinar, Caseware’s own AI tool, AiDA, was mentioned in the discussion. AiDA recently received certification from Holistic AI, a third-party assessor of responsible AI systems. The certification reflects alignment with ISO/IEC 42001, the international AI management standard. 

Rather than endorsing any single tool, Leins stressed the importance of firms selecting solutions that align with their specific risk appetite and business goals. The broader message was clear: the success of AI in audit depends less on the tool itself and more on how it is governed and applied. 

Leveraging AI as an assistant 

When used well, AI has the potential to function as an invaluable assistant—sifting through documents, highlighting anomalies, or generating first-draft summaries. However, auditors must remain vigilant about where it is appropriate to delegate tasks and where human judgement remains irreplaceable. 

This approach aligns with a key piece of advice from Leins: always begin with your business problem, not the technology. “Start with the issue you’re trying to solve,” she urged. “Then decide whether AI is the right tool.” 

Looking ahead 

With regulatory scrutiny increasing and client expectations evolving, now is the time for audit firms to solidify their AI governance practices. Accountants and auditors looking to better understand these principles can download Caseware’s AI Guide for Accountants here. 

If you missed the April session, we’re gearing up for the next event in Caseware’s Speaker Series, scheduled for July. 

The series offers discussions with professionals across the audit and accounting field, focusing on current trends and practical insights. 

Subscribe now to stay in the loop and be the first to know when registration opens. 

For more information about strategic AI management, governance or compliance, whether policies, process or people uplift – feel free to reach out to either Kobi@infosphereeducation.com or for more information, check out  https://infosphereeducation.com/. 

As the 2025 audit cycle gains momentum, audit firms across the Asia-Pacific region—including Australia—are re-evaluating their operational models in response to mounting regulatory scrutiny, workforce shortages, and rising stakeholder expectations. In Australia, audit quality remains a key focus for regulators such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), driving firms to prioritise efficiency and accuracy in their engagements. Similar developments are taking place across Singapore, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, where regulatory bodies and professional associations are encouraging greater integration of technology to future-proof the profession. 

ASIC’s latest inspection report highlighted deficiencies in 24% of key audit areas reviewed across major firms, with notable concerns around auditor independence. These findings reflect the increased scrutiny facing auditors and underscore the need for rigorous documentation and defensible professional judgements. The International Federation of Accountants’ 2024 global snapshot similarly emphasises the critical role digital adoption plays in strengthening audit resilience worldwide. 

Alongside regulatory challenges, audit firms continue to struggle with talent retention. According to Chartered Accountants ANZ, the professional services sector is facing ongoing difficulties attracting and retaining qualified auditors, particularly at junior levels. This shortage places added pressure on existing staff during peak periods and has prompted many firms to streamline processes and upskill their workforce. 

This workforce shift is not unique to Australia. In Asia, countries like Singapore and Indonesia are experiencing a drop in accounting graduates, while New Zealand is grappling with an ongoing shortage of experienced auditors. According to the IMA Global Talent Retention Report, Indonesia faces a shortfall of nearly 180,000 accountants. In New Zealand, firms are finding it difficult to complete audits on time due to understaffing, as reported by Acuity Magazine. These trends point to a regional need for scalable and sustainable solutions. 

Digital transformation has emerged as a key strategy in addressing these challenges. Audit firms are increasingly turning to tools that reduce manual workloads and enhance collaboration, allowing auditors to focus more on risk areas and value-added insights. This includes the adoption of automated data checks, PDF parsing tools, and real-time reporting platforms. 

One such tool, Caseware Validate, is being adopted across firms for its ability to conduct thousands of checks on financial statements within seconds. This automation allows audit teams to quickly identify inconsistencies or anomalies and make decisions faster. By cutting down manual review time, Validate improves both the speed and reliability of the audit process, especially during busy season workloads. 

Additional features such as casting verification and prior period mismatch detection help ensure accuracy, while its cloud-based infrastructure supports real-time team collaboration, version control, and secure data handling. These efficiencies are particularly valuable for mid-sized firms managing multiple clients with limited staffing. 

The push for digitisation is also supported at the regulatory level across the Asia-Pacific. In Australia, ASIC and the Financial Reporting Council have highlighted the importance of digital tools in lifting audit quality and resilience. In Asia, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has introduced programs promoting digital literacy and technology adoption. Similarly, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) continues to encourage the use of data analytics and emerging technologies to modernise audit practices. 

The future of auditing in the Asia-Pacific, including Australia, is undoubtedly digital. As compliance obligations become more demanding and stakeholder expectations rise, audit professionals will increasingly depend on agile, tech-enabled systems to meet these demands. Tools like Validate can play a pivotal role in enabling faster decision-making and improving audit consistency—particularly when integrated with well-structured professional frameworks and ongoing digital upskilling. 

For firms reviewing their audit readiness this season, now is a good time to assess how effectively current systems support quality, scalability, and resilience. 

For further information on how automation tools are influencing audit quality practices, explore Caseware Validate.

Challenge 

HLB Mann Judd Perth wanted to reduce the time staff spent reviewing approximately 300 financial statements each year including many half-year reports. 

Solution 

The firm turned to Caseware Validate, an AI-powered cloud-based solution that performs thousands of unique financial checks in seconds, cross-referencing thousands of data points for consistency, accuracy and compliance. 

Results 

HLB Mann Judd Perth has significantly reduced the time staff spend reviewing financial statements.  

• Significant time savings on first drafts and 40-50% efficiencies on subsequent drafts 

• 600 hours saved annually 

“Validate makes the process of checking the accuracy of financial statements more efficient and of higher quality, which in turn allows the user to focus on the higher-level issues in their review.” 

Noah Syed, Audit Manager, HLB Mann Judd Perth 

Company Profile 

For over 40 years, HLB Mann Judd Perth has been a leading provider of accounting and advisory services in Western Australia. Based in Perth and ranked among the top 12 accounting firms in the city, the firm combines deep local expertise with the global strength of the HLB International network – the eighth largest accounting network worldwide. 

With 10 Partners and a team of 90 dedicated professionals, HLB Mann Judd Perth’s four divisions (Corporate & Audit Services, Business Advisory Services, Tax Advisory Services and Wealth Management Services) assist a broad range of clients, from start-ups and family businesses to large private enterprises and listed entities. In 2025, the firm was named “Best Accounting and Consulting Services Firm” at the national Client Choice Awards for the 10th time – a testament to their commitment to quality, insight and exceptional client service. 

Challenge 

As their client base became larger and more complex, HLB Mann Judd Perth sought to improve their financial statement review process to make it first rate, said Noah Syed, Audit Manager with the firm. Each year, the firm reviews over 300 sets of financial statements, including many half-year reports. This volume demanded considerable time and resources. The first review of full-year financials took audit teams 3–4 hours, while half-year reviews took 1.5–2 hours. With a minimum of 4–5 drafts per engagement, the team spent approximately 1,200 hours annually on reviews of the first drafts of financial statements. 

The firm had previously adopted a software solution to streamline the review process, but it fell short in key areas, Syed noted. It lacked functionality for half-year reviews, a critical need for the firm given its Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed client base. The automated tool was developed as an Excel add-in, which occasionally crashed and caused data loss. 

“You’d spend significant time doing all the checks and suddenly Excel would freeze,” Syed recalled. “And then you’d have to force close it, reopen it and all your work would be gone.” 

The solution also had Optical Character Recognition (OCR) inconsistencies, which required manual corrections and the absence of markup carry-forward between versions forced the team to redo casting and referencing with each draft. 

Solution 

The firm turned to Caseware’s Validate, an AI-powered software solution designed to streamline the financial statement review process. Validate performs thousands of accuracy checks in seconds, eliminating manual errors and speeding up review cycles. 

Crucially for HLB Mann Judd Perth, Validate supported half-year sets of accounts. Unlike the previous locally installed software solution, Validate was completely cloud-based, eliminating the previous software’s reliance on Excel and the associated risk of crashes, Syed noted. The shift to Validate ensured all work was saved in real-time, preventing data loss and the need to redo tasks. 

The new software also provides more reliable and accurate OCR, reducing the need for HLB Mann Judd Perth to make manual fixes and enhancing overall efficiency. Additionally, it enabled the carry-forward of prior checks and markups, allowing auditors to maintain consistency across different versions of financial statements. 

“If you check one set of financials then, all of your casting and references move on to the next set, which means that with any subsequent versions it’s very quick because Validate picks up everything and rolls it forward,” Syed explained. “Whereas with our other product we had to bring forward our checks and references manually.” 

Results 

Validate significantly improved HLB Mann Judd Perth’s financial statement review process, according to Syed. The firm saw time savings on first drafts and up to 40-50 percent efficiencies on subsequent versions, resulting in approximately 600 hours saved annually. 

Validate’s marked-up PDF exports, featuring clear annotations and cross-reference links, quickly became a firm favorite. These tools not only streamlined the review process but also enhanced confidence in the accuracy of the financial statements by providing a clear audit trail of all changes. The ease of use allows the initial input process to be performed by any team member, letting senior staff focus on disclosures and judgment areas. 

“I think the beauty of Validate is in the first statement version all the casting and referencing and prior-year references are handled by the software,” Syed said. “But it can be monitored and reviewed by any team member. So a manager and senior can focus on the key risk areas as well as the compliance and completeness of disclosures. This really improves both the quality and efficiency of our financial statement reviews.”  

The Future 

HLB Mann Judd Perth aims to build on the efficiencies already achieved with Validate by deepening its use of the platform, further streamlining review processes and enhancing consistency and accuracy across engagements. There is also potential to expand Validate’s adoption across additional service areas, Syed said, unlocking new opportunities to improve workflows and drive firm-wide efficiency. 

HLB Mann Judd Perth will continue to provide feedback to the Validate team, playing an active role in shaping future enhancements and ensuring the platform continues to evolve in line with the firm’s needs. 

Syed’s advice to firms still manually reviewing their financial statements is to get on board the software solution train. 

“Manual processes just increase the chance of error,” he said. “As we are checking financial statements, which often contain 80—90 pages with extensive data throughout, an automated tool such as Validate provides an efficient underlying process to promote the highest levels of quality in our financial statement reviews. 

“Validate makes the process of checking the accuracy of financial statements more efficient and of higher quality, which in turn allows the user to focus on the higher-level issues in their review.” 

Contact us today to discover how Validate can accelerate your financial statement reviews, while enhancing the accuracy of your work. 

As audit practices across Australia and New Zealand push deeper into 2025, a clear pattern is emerging: regulatory expectations are climbing, resources are tightening, and the demand for smarter, tech-enabled workflows is growing rapidly. These forces aren’t just shaping how audits are delivered—they’re redefining what it means to be audit-ready. 

From Canberra to Auckland, auditors are navigating a period of intense change. And amid this flux, one trend is becoming increasingly evident: the need for systems that don’t just support audit delivery—but power it. 

Heightened scrutiny: A new era of independence 

The audit profession is under sharper scrutiny than ever. In Australia, ASIC has signalled its focus on audit independence, transparency, and improved quality. Recent recommendations from the Parliamentary Joint Committee push for increased disclosure of non-audit services and mandatory audit tendering to mitigate perceived conflicts of interest. 

Across the Tasman, New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has overhauled its oversight framework, now requiring annual inspections of licensed audit firms—raising the bar for consistency and ongoing readiness. 

Workforce pressure and structural reforms 

A shrinking talent pool continues to strain audit practices. As noted by Chartered Accountants ANZ, the inclusion of auditors and accountants on Australia’s skilled migration list underscores the severity of the talent shortage facing the profession. 

Simultaneously, the government is exploring reforms to consolidate the AASB, AUASB, and FRC into a single regulatory body—raising questions about how these structural changes will affect audit policy, standard-setting, and oversight. 

Climate disclosures and technology adoption 

The introduction of mandatory climate-related financial disclosures in Australia from 1 January 2025, starting with large listed and financial institutions, marks a significant shift. These disclosures are not just regulatory tick-boxes—they demand detailed understanding of ESG risks and the capacity to incorporate new data streams into financial assessments. 

In this environment, embracing intelligent technology is not optional—it’s essential. From artificial intelligence to automated risk assessment, firms are turning to tools that can reduce manual tasks, support compliance, and deliver deeper insights. 

What auditors are really saying 

A recent blog from Validis captures a candid picture of Australia’s audit tech landscape. It notes: “If you want to understand the Australian audit tech ecosystem, start with Caseware.” 

That sentiment is echoed across the industry. As the author observed, “in nearly every meeting, the moment Caseware was mentioned, I watched partners perk up with immediate interest.” One Big 4 technology lead put it plainly: “That’s not a ‘nice-to-have’ integration—that’s table stakes for the Australian market.” 

The firms finding the most success are those integrating high-quality, standardised data into their Caseware workflows. The strength of the ecosystem doesn’t just lie in its popularity—it lies in how well it connects across systems, creating a cohesive audit process from planning through to final sign-off. 

Looking Forward 

The message for 2025 is clear: complexity is here to stay. The firms that thrive will be those that build adaptable, integrated ecosystems—supported by tools designed for the unique pressures of the ANZ market. 

Audit workflows need to be intelligent, connected, and resilient—ready to respond to regulatory change, workforce limitations, and evolving client expectations. 

Take the Next Step 

Is your firm ready to integrate smarter audit solutions into your existing ecosystem? 

Download Caseware’s AI Guide for Accounting Firms and explore how the right tools can help you navigate 2025 and beyond. 

Generative AI (Gen AI) is reshaping audit and accounting. By automating routine tasks like summarizing lengthy documents, providing context-aware responses to accounting-specific questions and extracting key information from files, firms can free up their staff to focus on higher-value activities. 

However, leveraging AI effectively requires a balance between innovation and oversight. Firms must prioritize security, compliance and ethical considerations, ensuring Gen AI tools align with industry standards and protect sensitive client data. Purpose-built AI solutions, designed specifically for audit and accounting, deliver the most value, enhancing decision-making while respecting the critical role of human judgment. 

With 64% of companies already considering AI usage in their auditor selection process, the profession is rapidly evolving. Gen AI can elevate audit teams, refine engagement planning and even assist in financial forecasting. But human expertise remains essential. AI is a powerful assistant, not a replacement. 

This guide explores how firms can integrate AI responsibly, maximize its benefits and prepare for a future where technology and professional insight work together to improve audit efficiency and quality.  

Join us for an engaging session featuring Danielle Supkis Cheek, SVP AI, Analytics and Assurance, a renowned thought leader with extensive expertise in AI-driven audit solutions and data analytics. She will provide expert insights into the transformative opportunities and potential risks of AI-powered audit analytics.

What to Expect:

• ✅ Insights into the transformative impact of AI-powered data analytics on auditing.
• ✅ A demonstration of IDEA 13 and AiDA, showcasing real-world applications.
• ✅ Expert guidance on implementation strategies, including prompting and training requirements.

The webinar will also introduce the latest generation of the data analytics software IDEA 13, presenting short examples of AI driven audit analysis. Additionally, it will address the question of what is needed to implement the software, including prompting and training requirements. Secure your spot today and stay ahead in the world of AI-driven audit analytics.

Organisations across the globe are increasingly turning to AI to improve their financial processes and operations. Recent research from IDC found that 96 percent of organisations currently use, or plan to use, AI in their financial processes. There are several reasons why. Forty-eight percent of companies find AI helps them spend less time on menial tasks; 33 percent are investing in Gen AI assistants to improve employee productivity; 29 percent are relying on AI to handle manual processes that must be reconciled with technology systems; and 26 percent are turning to AI because they need help handling their workloads. 

This increasing use of AI in business has significant implications for firms. It will change how they conduct their audits and the technologies they use in the audit process. A paper from CPA Canada and the AICPA called “The Data-Driven Audit: How Automation and AI are Changing the Audit and the Role of the Auditor” identified several potential opportunities client use of AI tools creates for firms. These include: 

• Assurance reporting on a client’s AI tool 
• Assurance reporting on the client’s AI tool controls and process  
• Assurance reporting on the client’s appropriate use of AI 
• Assurance reporting on AI-enabled robotic process automation applications 

As clients increase the use of AI in their financial operations, firms will need to hire and train staff who understand how AI systems function, change their audit approach to account for AI-driven financial systems and invest in their own AI systems to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of their work. 

The need for AI skills in auditing processes 

With more clients deploying AI in their financial processes, accounting firms will need to understand how those AI systems work. This will include figuring out how AI algorithms function, where the AI is pulling data from, how the AI makes its decisions and how accurate the final output is, according to the CPA Canada/AICPA paper. 

Critical thinking, analytical skills, professional skepticism and sound judgement – the traditional core skills of all excellent auditors – will continue to be important in auditing AI systems.  

But audit teams examining AI systems and controls should also have a range of AI-specific knowledge, including: 

• Machine learning, a subset of AI that enables systems to learn patterns and make decisions without being explicitly programmed by analysing and adapting to data 
• Understanding how AI algorithms and the source underlying the system function 
• The risks presented by AI, such as inaccurate output, potential bias and compliance with privacy laws 

Firms have a few options to weave these skills into their audit teams. They can hire auditors who already possess some knowledge of AI. They can hire or collaborate with technology specialists to assist in auditing AI processes or invest in training their auditors in AI, machine learning and data science.  

A variety of organisations, including the Institute of Internal Auditors and ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance, offer courses in auditing AI. And professional bodies, like the AICPA, offer resources on better understanding AI and its capabilities, AI governance and AI risk management.  

Adapting audit approaches for AI systems 

As firms begin auditing AI systems, they should update their methodologies to account for new processes. Risk assessments may evolve to incorporate AI-specific risks, such as a lack of transparency and bias.  

AI audits will also need to ensure systems comply with existing and emerging AI regulations, such as the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act. Firms will also need to address jurisdictional differences in AI-related regulations for clients with operations across multiple countries. 

Enhancing audit efficiency with AI tools 

Firms that don’t invest in their own AI systems may find it difficult to attract business. BDO USA’s “2024 Audit Innovation Survey” polled 200 finance leaders about their use of advanced technologies in audit. They found that 64 percent said they look for a firm that uses AI before engaging with an auditor. By investing in AI skills and tools, firms can harness AI’s potential to meet evolving client demands and enhance their services while improving audit quality. 

IDC’s research discovered there are several benefits audit firms identified in using AI tools. Forty-one percent of survey respondents said AI increased accuracy because it can identify anomalies and patterns that may be missed by manual review. Over one-third of respondents said AI improved business efficiencies by processing large volumes of data quickly. And more than one quarter said AI reduces overall costs by automating routine tasks.  

Here are a few examples of how a Gen AI tool purpose-built for auditors, like Caseware AiDA, an AI-powered digital assistant, can free up time for audit teams: 

• It can examine lengthy PDF files or other documents and quickly create accurate summaries with links and citations, saving auditors from having to read through hundreds of pages 
• AI tools trained on audit-specific information can provide context-aware answers to questions related to a document, such as lease agreements or inventory records 
• AI trained on audit standards can ensure a firm’s work meets the highest professional benchmarks 

Ensuring privacy and compliance in the use of AI tools 

Any AI systems accounting firms use should comply with professional standards and protect client privacy. General-purpose Gen AI tools don’t meet these requirements. They save the queries entered into them and use these queries to train the AI’s language models. This means that information can potentially be accessed by anyone using the same Gen AI tool because the tool retains every query and can include that information in its subsequent responses. 

Firms should instead rely on AI tools purpose-built for auditors and accountants. These tools should retain no user prompts and feed no information back into a large language model. This allows firms to maintain the highest standards of data security and client privacy.  

As AI continues to revolutionise financial processes, accounting firms must embrace the opportunities and challenges it presents. Firms can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape by equipping their teams with the necessary AI-specific skills, updating methodologies to account for AI-driven systems, and investing in cutting-edge AI tools. The integration of AI enhances efficiency and allows auditors to focus on high-value tasks, ultimately improving audit quality and client satisfaction. Firms that proactively adapt to the AI era will be well-positioned to deliver innovative and reliable assurance services, ensuring their relevance in an increasingly data-driven world. 

Request a demo today to learn more about how AI solutions like Caseware AiDA can streamline workflows, allowing your team to focus on the most critical areas of each engagement. 

Technology change is a constant in today’s fast-evolving audit and accounting landscape and navigating it successfully can be challenging. At a Caseware event, a panel of customers from leading accounting firms shared their experiences and insights on managing technological transformation within their firms.

The panelists included: Tricia Katebini, Partner, Audit and Assurance, GRF CPAs & Advisors; Matt Sutorius, Shareholder, Clark Nuber PS; and Mike Loritz, Shareholder, CBIZ.

The panelists shared how their firms managed all aspects of the transformation process, offering practical insights and recommendations from their experiences. Their discussion included targeting decision-makers, being sensitive to company culture and implementing training and support. Here’s what the panelists had to say.

Bringing change to decision-makers and across the firm

The panel discussed the necessity of bringing change not only to top decision-makers but to the entire firm. Loritz addressed the need for educating the whole practice about why a specific change is necessary. Rarely are all members of a practice on the same page. 

“You’ll have the full spectrum. You’ll have the individuals [who] embrace change. You don’t even have to tell them why. But you have individuals on the other end of that spectrum who say, ‘What’s the problem? Why do we need to do something?’”

Katebini echoed this sentiment and emphasised the crucial role of communication across the firm. Simply giving a mandatory directive can fail, as team members who need help understanding the reasoning behind the solution might not use it. They can see adopting a new solution as burdensome on top of their already hefty workloads. So, communicating the future benefits of the change is not just important; it’s critical. 

Sutorius said a solid strategy is to start with a small group of partners who are more receptive to the idea and work up from there. “Knowing when to bring that to the full group when you’ve done the work is important.”

Loritz’s organisation has a tech champ network – a group of individuals throughout the offices who act as the technology testing team. These individuals are early adopters of new technologies and are responsible for testing and providing feedback on new software or systems. The team also drives the technology and innovation culture within the firm through a boots-on-the-ground approach and being champions of change.

The importance of culture in driving change

The panel talked at length about how a practice’s culture can support or impede change. Practices driving change must be aware of its impact on culture. 

“We have to make sure that the changes we are implementing aren’t going to split apart the culture that we have created within the firm,” Katebini noted.

Sutorius noted the need for alignment with incentives. If firms tie bonuses to productivity and team members have to deal with a massive software change, there will be resistance. “Structuring their bonuses or their promotions around what we want them to do is important.”

Implementation of training and support

The panel discussed the methodology and philosophy behind training and implementation, emphasising a deliberate approach to training rollout. “Give yourselves a long runway,” Katebini said. “Be able to understand it’s not an overnight switch. It’s a long process, a long journey of understanding how the system works, what happens in the background and how to make the updates.”

Sutorius said it’s important to be deliberate about who gets trained when. Internal team members trained early on the technology, who can then train everyone else in the organisation, might work better than hiring an outside party to do everything. 

Loritz noted the importance of starting with early adopters who can offer firsthand accounts of their experience. “If they’ve bought in, now we take the benefits to our board or executive committee: here’s why the ROI is positive. That sells them.” 

Monitoring and feedback

How to assess an implementation’s success was also a topic of discussion. Aside from human feedback, there’s also great value in looking at the data.

Katebini said data can provide a significant amount of information. “We recently implemented a new technology, and we could easily take the engagements tied to that technology and calculate the time our firm saved. So, we can take some of that time saving in our budget and foster and develop that relationship with the client, which sparks additional revenue.”

Sutorius followed this point by emphasising the importance of authentic metrics, especially when selling value to clients. “You have to be genuine in those things.”

As for feedback and implementation, Sutorius discussed the importance of setting goals for the implementation of new software, to get it up and running. That can include making use of the new solution mandatory.

The insights shared by the panelists highlight the multifaceted approach required to successfully navigate technological change in the audit and accounting industry. By engaging decision-makers, fostering a supportive culture, implementing thorough training programs and continuously monitoring progress, firms can effectively manage transformation and drive future success. The experiences of the panelists underscored the importance of clear communication, strategic planning and leveraging data to demonstrate the value of new technologies. As firms continue to adapt, these strategies will be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge and achieving long-term growth.

Drive your technology change with Caseware

Caseware’s cloud-enabled audit, assurance and financial reporting solutions help firms transform their engagements and work smarter. The Caseware platform, for example, offers a consistent user interface across all audit products combining planning, analytics, documentation and reporting into a single solution. With seamless integration of third-party applications, it enables streamlined, automated workflows and real-time collaboration for enhanced efficiency.

The platform features top-tier security, extensive data ingestion capabilities, embedded AI and a developer toolkit for easy configuration and customisation. It also offers seamless connectivity to third-party applications and internal systems. The combination of the Caseware platform, Caseware’s robust technology stack and comprehensive methodologies results in industry-leading solutions that improve efficiency, enhance accuracy and deliver an exceptional client experience.

Learn how Caseware can transform your engagements by scheduling a demo today. 

Join Matthew Thomas for an exclusive walkthrough of the Caseware Cloud Connector, where he’ll demonstrate the powerful capabilities of this tool.

Join George Pinto for an engaging session to refresh and enhance your Caseware SQM skills. Stay ahead by exploring the latest features and updates, ensuring you’re making the most of this powerful tool.