Buyer's Guide
How to choose AI accounting software for a firm
Most AI tools are evaluated like software. They should be evaluated like a hire. This is the 7-question scorecard partners use before saying yes.
The 7 questions
- What specific workflow does this replace? If the vendor can't name one, it's a feature, not a tool.
- Where does the data sit and who can see it? Get the data-residency and sub-processor answer in writing.
- Is there an audit trail of every action the AI takes? Non-negotiable for anything client-facing.
- Who is accountable when the AI is wrong? Spoiler: legally, you are. Make sure your process reflects that.
- How does it integrate with Xero/MYOB/QBO/Karbon/our PM system? Native vs Zapier vs custom matters a lot at scale.
- What is the total annual cost at 12 months including review time? The seat price is rarely the real cost.
- What changes on the P&L if this works? Hours back, fees recovered, headcount avoided. If nothing changes, don't buy.
Score it
1-5 on each. Anything under 25/35 is a no. The most expensive mistake in this category isn't buying the wrong tool, it's buying the right tool and never deploying it because the rollout was an afterthought.
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About the author
Josh Jefferd is the founder of Install & Scale, an agency that builds AI agents for accounting, tax and bookkeeping firms. Connect on LinkedIn.