56. The AI Shift Is Already Here — Is Your Firm Ready?

AI isn’t coming for your firm — it’s already here. In this episode of The Practicing Accountant, Doug shares a real story from inside a Top 60 firm that’s now using AI agents to fully automate the month-end close. He and Dan break down what this means for SOHO (single-owner, home office) firms and why most accountants are completely unprepared for what’s coming.

If you think you still have years before AI affects your pricing, staffing, or margins — think again. Doug and Dan talk through the two paths forward: volume or value. Big firms will win the volume game. But SOHOs still have a massive opportunity — if they start acting now.

Topics covered:

• What AI agents are and why they matter (now)

• How much time (and margin) bookkeeping firms stand to lose

• Why billing by the hour is a ticking time bomb

• What it really means to become an “advisor”

• How to start planning for a future where AI does the transactional work

• The “Plan B” every small firm needs

👉 If your business relies on doing what AI is about to do faster, better, and cheaper… you’ve got decisions to make. The good news? There’s still time to shift.

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