EP458: Spotlight - Karen Ainley - Mastering Automation To Elevate Client Relationships

“I don't see a world where the profession of accounting
is totally taken over by AI. There'll always be that need for
human touch and validation because we do audits and we need to
make sure that we get their taxes right. So I would just say,
embrace it, think about how it's going to give you that better
work-life balance, and then just go for it. Give it a
try.”
-Karen Ainley


Karen Ainley, Head of the Accountants Business Unit at Sage,
dives into how AI, automation, and digitization are transforming
the bookkeeping and accounting profession. She shares key
insights from the Practice of Now report, offering practical
advice on embracing change, building client relationships, and
staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.


In this interview, you'll learn:



How AI & automation enhance efficiency & client
service


The shifting role of bookkeepers from historical
reporting to advisory services


Why client expectations demand tech-savvy professionals
today



Connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Time Stamp:

01:19 - Overview of the Practice of Now report
02:13 - Key findings: skills, AI & client relationships
03:36 - How AI improves workloads & work-life balance
06:18 - Evolving client expectations & demand for tech-savvy
services
09:01 - Global tax digitization trends & their impact
13:08 - Shift to subscription models & value-based
pricing
16:59 - Advisory services replacing traditional bookkeeping
19:25 - How small practices can compete with AI tools
21:40 - Sage Copilot’s features: anomaly detection &
automation
26:00 - Karen’s advice: embrace technology & take
action
27:39 - How Sage supports bookkeepers with tools &
resources
29:16 - Closing remarks & resources for listeners


This episode is brought to you by our great friends at
Sage!


On February 13th at 12pm ET, Sage will be presenting its
webinar, Practice of Now: How To Plan Your Practice for 2025
& Beyond, to our community.


It'll cover The Practice of Now global insights study to
help you plan your role and practice for the
future.
 
During this webinar, you’ll learn:



Current trends that are changing the
profession


The biggest opportunity to take in the next 12
months


Key actions that all accountants and bookkeepers should
be considering



Plus much more!


REGISTER NOW before it's too late!