From audits to algorithms: How one CPA took on tech
Dive into efficiency and tech with Kelly Mann
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By Janet Berry-Johnson | writer
Most auditors grumble about inefficiencies—Kelly Mann, CPA did something about them. After 12 years in public accounting and launching her own firm, she saw how broken Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) audits could be and decided to fix the process herself. Enter AuditMiner, a tool born not from a pitch deck but from lived experience, a cancer diagnosis and a whole lot of grit. In this Q&A, Mann shares how she made the leap from CPA to tech founder and why “done” beats “perfect” when you’re building something that actually solves a problem.
What specific challenges or inefficiencies in the audit process sparked your idea to create AuditMiner?
After 12 years in public accounting, specializing in audit, I intimately understood the inefficiencies plaguing EBP audits. The manual data collection process was time-consuming and prone to human error; standardization was lacking and every auditor approached similar problems differently, creating inconsistency and redundancy.
The move into tech wasn’t something I planned; it evolved naturally from seeing a clear need in the audit process. After launching my CPA firm in 2018, I gained firsthand visibility into process inefficiencies without the constraints of traditional firm structures. When my cancer diagnosis came in 2020 during the pandemic, I found a different perspective on what mattered. I simply identified an opportunity to improve a process I understood deeply and started putting one foot in front of the other. Developing AuditMiner during treatment wasn’t part of some grand career transition plan; it was a practical response to a problem I knew needed solving. Sometimes, the most meaningful paths aren’t the ones we deliberately chart but the ones that unfold as we respond to the circumstances around us.
As a CPA, what unique perspective did your background bring to developing a technology solution that resonates with auditors?
My experience as a practicing auditor was invaluable in developing AuditMiner. I wasn’t just theorizing about problems; I lived them daily. This first-hand knowledge allowed me to design a solution that addressed auditors’ actual pain points rather than perceived ones.
My background as a firm owner was equally important. I understood the business side—the pressure to be efficient while maintaining quality, the challenges of resource allocation and the constant balance between client service and profitability. This dual perspective of practitioner and business owner helped create a solution that doesn’t just solve technical problems, but delivers real business value to firms of all sizes.
What advice would you give to other accountants who see inefficiencies and want to build a solution or product to address them?
First, trust your instincts. If you’re experiencing inefficiency, others are too. Don’t dismiss your ideas simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” The accounting profession needs innovation from those who understand it best—practitioners like you.
Second, find your community. My experience at the AICPA Leadership Academy showed me the power of connecting with like-minded professionals who challenge conventional thinking. These relationships provided encouragement, feedback and eventually became my first customers.
Third, start small but think big. I initially expected AuditMiner to generate around $30,000 in revenue, but we reached $1 million in our first calendar year because we addressed a genuine need. Begin by solving a specific problem exceptionally well before expanding.
Finally, embrace authenticity. I built my business around my strengths rather than trying to conform to traditional expectations. This authenticity resonated with clients and employees. Your unique perspective is valuable; don’t diminish it by trying to fit a conventional mold.
This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
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