How an AI Consultant Helped This CPA Firm Streamline

Most accounting firms try to bolt AI on top of broken systems. In this episode, you’ll hear what happens when you bring in an AI consultant, tear everything apart, and rebuild your firm for speed and sanity.I’m joined by Bette Hochberger, CPA, CGMA, owner of a boutique CPA firm in Miami serving real estate, service businesses, crypto/Web3 and tech startups. We talk about AI in accounting, time tracking, billing, and what it really looks like to rebuild tax firm systems while still running a busy practice.Key Takeaways• Why Bette hired an external AI consultant instead of trying to do everything herself• How a “no sacred cows” mindset led to better tools, better integrations and less friction• Practical examples of AI and automation in a CPA firm (SmartVault, tax AI tools, Zoho CRM)• The ongoing battle with time tracking, billable hours and pricing tax work fairly• Why SOPs, documentation and “how you do one thing is how you do all things” shape firm cultureAt the end, Bette shares the simple rule that guides how she runs her firm and her life: how you do one thing is how you do all things. It’s a helpful filter for the systems you build, the clients you work with, and the standards you hold in your accounting firm.Guest: Bette Hochberger, CPA, CGMA – Owner, Bette Hochberger, CPA, CGMALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettehochberger/Website: www.bettehochberger.comConnect with me, Leonard De Beer:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonard-de-beer/Subscribe to the Business Growth Podcast and learn how top finance leaders are scaling smarter, serving better, and building firms that last.