657 The COMPLETE AI Checklist for Accounting Firms [9 essential steps to take today]

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Welcome to Accounting Firm Coach Office Hours presented by Canopy. I’m Jason Staats. Ready to get 1% better at running an accounting firm? In this episode, I’m breaking down nine essential AI security to-dos, explaining why responsible AI agent deployment matters more than compliance alone, and sharing some useful battery tech in 🤖 You Need This Tech. Then we’re building an HVAC accounting niche from scratch, tackling shareholder resistance to change, dealing with clients challenging tax returns using AI, and exploring why APIs and MCPs matter when choosing software. Plus, I respond to the local AI backlash, discuss whether accountants should buy sheep, and consider what a future with less work might look like.

// Chapters:
00:00 - Your 9 AI To-do’s
17:42 - This Is More Important Than AI Rules!
22:38 - Let’s Talk About Batteries
25:29 - Live Build an HVAC Firm Niche from Scratch
31:32 - Getting Shareholders to Change
35:12 - Fighting My Client’s AI
40:37 - Avoid Apps Without APIs?
44:51 - Local AI Backlash!
49:26 - Should Accountants Buy Sheep?
50:06 - We Love Them

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