AI for Accountants:
From Curiosity to Confidence
Wednesday, July 22, 2026. 11:00 am ~ 12:00 noon
Everyone is talking about AI. Few accountants know where to start. Should you use ChatGPT or Claude? What information is safe to share? Which tasks are actually worth using AI for? And how do you get useful answers instead of generic responses?
In this hands-on session, XcelLabs co-founder Jody Padar and AI developer Ben Vickery, creator of Navi by XcelLabs, separate the hype from reality. You'll learn how firms are using AI today to improve communication, summarize complex tax information, organize client work and save meaningful time without sacrificing professional judgment.
Along the way, you'll learn why becoming an AI-first firm isn't about replacing accountants. It's about helping your people spend less time creating information and more time applying it in conversations that create value for clients.
Learning Objectives
Understand where Claude fits alongside ChatGPT, Copilot and other AI tools
Write better prompts using a simple framework that produces more consistent results
Apply AI to real accounting workflows, from client communication to research and document analysis
Protect confidential information while using AI responsibly.
Recognize which work should stay human and where AI creates the biggest advantage.
Instructional Method: Group Internet Based
NASBA Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE Credits: 1
Level: Basic
Advance Preparation: None
Program Prerequisites: None
The CPA Trendlines Academy (Thomas Advisors LLC d/b/a), #170718, is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors via its website at nasbaregistry.org.
