Cracking the AI Code for CPA Financial Planners

Host Cary Sinnett is joined by Dr. Brianne Smith, a PFP practitioner, CPA firm owner, and accounting professor at Auburn University, for a timely conversation on artificial intelligence in financial planning. Artificial intelligence is moving quickly into financial planning workflows, but not all "AI" tools are created equal. For CPA financial planners, the opportunity is significant: increased efficiency, deeper insights, and more client-centered communication. The risk lies in adopting technology without fully understanding what it does, how it works, and where human judgment must remain firmly in place. Explore with Dr. Brianne Smith how CPA financial planners can separate AI hype from real innovation and adopt emerging tools responsibly, with a clear focus on supervision, workflow integration, and maintaining client trust. What You'll Learn How to distinguish true AI from traditional automation and why that difference matters in practice Real-world examples of how AI is already enhancing document review, meeting documentation, and investment analysis How to supervise AI outputs responsibly while maintaining professional judgment and client trust How role mapping can help identify where AI and automation can free planners to focus on higher-value client work How AI can support both practice scalability and the next generation of CPA financial planners AICPA Resources: AICPA Personal Financial Planning Symposium Video: AI and Technology Updates for Financial Planning Practices Center: AI Tax Resource Learning: The AI Advantage: Leveraging AI for Efficiency and Impact Center: Tax Research This episode is brought to you by the AICPA's Personal Financial Planning Section, the premier provider of information, tools, advocacy, and guidance for professionals who specialize in providing tax, estate, retirement, risk management and investment planning advice. Also, by the CPA/PFS credential program, which allows CPAs to demonstrate competence and confidence in providing these services to their clients. Visit us online to join our community, gain access to valuable member-only benefits or learn about our PFP certificate program. Subscribe to the PFP Podcast channel at Libsyn to find all the latest episodes or search "AICPA Personal Financial Planning" on your favorite podcast app.