What AI can—and can’t—do for your firm
Plus: The trust-building move most firms skip
From AI tools that still can't reconcile a bank statement (but can clone your voice) to the Florida family that took "creative accounting" way too far, this issue has a little something for everyone.
But first: ever wonder how accounting firms differ around the world? Let's take a look.
Outsourcing outrage. One bookkeeping firm CEO says cheaper isn't always smarter.
Firm finesse. Three ways to run a tighter (and calmer) ship.
IRS anxiety. Budget cuts could jam up the 2026 tax filing season.
Talk human to me. Geni Whitehouse recommends ditching the jargon to build trust with your clients.
Use AI to work smarter, not smaller
From tracking competitor moves to cloning partner voices (yes, really), this article outlines six savvy ways AI can help your business development team save time and boost results. Think prompt libraries, personalized outreach and automated reports that actually make you look good. And the best part? You don't have to be a coder to start using these tools strategically.
Why this matters: Using AI to streamline busywork means more time for high-value conversations and fewer hours fiddling with PowerPoint. (Association for Accounting Marketing)
AI panic? Let's not lose our ledgers just yet
In a punchy YouTube short, accountant Tyler Hern asks the question that's quietly lurking in every firm: Is AI really coming for our jobs? Spoiler alert: maybe not?
While QuickBooks has rolled out shiny new AI features, it still can't do the one thing every accountant needs it to: reconcile the darn accounts. Hern points out that until the bots can handle nuance, judgment and that "something's off" gut feeling, your job's safe (for now).
Why this matters: It's easy to get swept up in AI hype, but this is your reminder that critical thinking still pays the bills—especially when the tech can't handle them. (Tyler Hern)
15%
Year-over-year growth in business travel. Meanwhile, leisure travel dipped by 1%. (Navan)
- A Florida woman cooked the books. Now she's cooking in federal prison.
- Help your clients master these five inventory control checkpoints
- The BEAT goes on. Congress tweaks but doesn't transform tax
- Explosive claim ties Big Four giant to shady side hustle
- Forget profit. Try this smarter metric to measure success without smoke and mirrors.
Communicate values without causing whiplash
In a recent episode of the "CPA Trendlines" podcast, Cass Bailey of Slice Communications joined host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk to talk shop on something many firms avoid until it's too late: communication strategy in a divided world.
Bailey breaks down how firms can express their values clearly and consistently without stepping into a PR pothole. She also shares how Slice helps clients navigate both employee messaging and public perception.
Why this matters: Whether it's a controversial policy, a cultural misstep or just an office coffee switcheroo, your firm's reputation hinges on how you communicate. This episode is a reminder that internal culture and external brand aren't separate lanes; they're merging traffic. Accountants might not love messaging strategy, but in today's climate, ignoring it is riskier than a missed tax deadline. (CPA Trendlines podcast)
The Net Gains is your one-stop shop for fresh, FREE accounting insights. You can reach the newsletter team at thenetgains@mynewsletter.co. We enjoy hearing from you.
Interested in advertising? Email us at newslettersales@mvfglobal.com
If you've been enjoying the newsletter, don't keep it a secret. Share it with an industry colleague. (Copy the link here.)
The Net Gains is curated and written by Janet Berry-Johnson and edited by Bianca Prieto.