Case study: Ensure accuracy by augmenting human expertise with artificial intelligence

Unleashing the power of technology

For Ekrem, the scarcity of quality staff is a significant challenge faced by the accounting industry. She affirms, "One of the biggest challenges facing our industry is quality staff. And I really see that as the number one crisis." 

Recognizing the immense knowledge and experience held by seasoned professionals, Ekrem believes that technology can be the key to unlocking this expertise and sharing it with younger staff. "Wherever technology can take us to help us bring staff up to speed faster, will help us best serve our clients," states Ekrem. 

She believes that leveraging technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is a powerful tool in bridging the knowledge gap between experienced professionals and younger staff. “So there's a whole bunch of people with gray hair like me that have many years of experience and knowledge in our heads,” she says. “How can we get that out and share it with our younger staff so that they too have that brain trust, right? And artificial intelligence is really one of the tools that will help us level that playing field.”

By leveraging tools like artificial intelligence (AI), DME CPA Group is leveling the playing field and empowering their team to provide top-notch service to clients.

Improved accuracy with CCH Axcess™ Tax

Ekrem highlights the benefits of CCH Axcess Tax in delivering accurate tax returns. She explains, "I find [the diagnostics feature] really helpful for the preparers as well as the reviewers to check their own work, and to make sure that the return is as complete as we can make it." The real-time, actionable diagnostics feature allows staff to identify errors promptly and navigate to the specific input requiring attention. This feature empowers staff to take ownership of their work and ensures the accuracy and completeness of tax returns.

Integrated AI-enabled tax research

The integration of CCH AnswerConnect with CCH Axcess Tax is a game-changer for DME CPA Group. Ekrem expresses her enthusiasm, stating, "CCH AnswerConnect is a great library and resource, truly. And as an extra bonus, it integrates with CCH Axcess Tax." She emphasizes the convenience of having tax regulations and code sections just a click away, directly linked to the relevant line items in the tax return. Ekrem adds, "It eases our burden of making sure that we're doing things right.”

CCH AnswerConnect’s integration of machine learning and AI not only simplifies tax research but could add value for clients, Ekrem predicts. “I'm really excited about it” she says, “That with machine learning and AI, it will take your question and also then generate a summary for your co workers. It will also perhaps put it into more common English for your client in really just a click. I'm looking forward to that.”

The role of AI in CPA firms

Ekrem acknowledges the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on the accounting industry. She envisions Wolters Kluwer as a technology leader, stating, "I kind of envision Wolters Kluwer as almost the architect of that AI. And what I mean by that is really helping inform AI of what information to gather, and then taking that information that's been gathered and putting it into a format that we can then get a value add for our customers." Ekrem believes that AI will play a significant role in shaping the future of CPA firms, enabling them to provide value-added solutions and exceptional client service.

By utilizing Wolters Kluwer's CCH Axcess Tax software and CCH AnswerConnect, DME CPA Group is able to improve accuracy, simplify tax research, and provide value-added services to their clients. The integration of AI into daily operations offers promising opportunities for the future of CPA firms, enabling them to stay at the forefront of innovation and deliver exceptional client service.