Automation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is completely changing and disrupting how accounting firms market and deliver their services. At a recent Vic.ai webinar, 88% of attendees polled felt that automation would play a "hugely important role" in their firm's future. Historically, clients looked for accounting firms with a local or regional presence. The rise of cloud accounting opened the door to an emerging category of accounting firms that are not geographically constrained. Lately, a few hybrid bookkeeping firms have raised large amounts of venture capital. These hybrid bookkeeping firms are increasing the pressure on accounting firms to adopt the same kinds of AI and machine learning technology or risk irrelevance in the marketplace. Many accounting firms have so far failed to recognize this threat.

As a result, these slow-movers are leaving their firms incredibly vulnerable. In much the same way that brick-and-mortar retailers all had ample warning to avoid their current fate, accounting firms must recognize that the time for procrastination, denial, and burying their heads in the sand has long passed. The only question you need to ask yourself is: Will your firm future-proof itself by aggressively adopting technology? Or will it "plan" for its ultimate irrelevance and extinction? In the workbook for The Future of Outsourced Accounting and Accounting Technology, you'll learn how to: Provide exceptional service to your clients Stand out in a field of mostly indistinguishable competitors Compete and win the best clients going forward Adapt to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning Create happier clients Build a superior service offering Survive and thrive in an automated world Avoid being disrupted by more tech-savvy firms Profit from key trends in client accounting and outsourced accounting Position for the future Authors: Joshua Feinberg Alexander Hagerup Joerg Joergensen Kristoffer Roil.