AI that drives efficiency without sacrificing security or compliance

Safe AI adoption starts with three things: a written AI policy that defines approved tools and data boundaries, technical controls that prevent sensitive client data from entering public AI models, and training that teaches your team what they can and cannot do with AI. One82 implements all three. We evaluate every AI tool for security, compliance, and data handling before it touches your environment. Your clients' data stays protected while your team gains efficiency.

Accounting firms see the fastest ROI from AI-powered document processing (extracting data from client source documents), tax research acceleration, automated bank reconciliation, workpaper review, and client communication drafting. The specific tools depend on your existing software stack — we evaluate options that integrate with QuickBooks, Lacerte, CCH Axcess, and other platforms your firm already uses. We avoid tools that create compliance or data security risks.

Yes, but only with the right guardrails. Public AI tools like ChatGPT process data on shared servers, which creates privilege and confidentiality concerns. We deploy AI solutions that process data within secure, private environments — no client information leaves your firm's control. We also help your firm develop an AI policy that aligns with state bar ethical obligations around technology competence and client confidentiality.

AI integration costs vary based on scope. A readiness assessment and policy development engagement is a fixed-fee project. Ongoing AI tool management and optimization can be included in your managed IT agreement. Many AI tools themselves are surprisingly affordable — $20-50 per user per month for platforms that save hours of work weekly. We focus on implementations that deliver measurable ROI within the first 90 days. Book a 15-minute discovery call for a custom assessment.

An AI readiness assessment evaluates your firm across four dimensions: workflow opportunities (where AI saves the most time), data environment (whether your data is structured and secure enough for AI), team readiness (skills and willingness to adopt), and compliance constraints (regulations that affect how you can use AI). You receive a prioritized roadmap showing which AI projects to pursue first, expected ROI, and implementation timelines. The assessment typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Shadow AI — staff using ChatGPT, Claude, or other tools without approval — is the biggest risk professional services firms face today. We address it with a written AI acceptable use policy, technical controls that monitor and block unauthorized AI services, approved alternatives that meet the same needs safely, and ongoing training that explains why the guardrails exist. People use unauthorized tools because they lack good alternatives. We give them approved ones that work better.

Buying AI software is like buying a new car without knowing how to drive. AI integration means we assess where AI fits your workflows, select the right tools, configure them for your environment, train your team, secure your data, write policies, and measure results. Most AI implementations fail not because the technology is bad but because deployment was poorly planned. We handle the entire process — from strategy through adoption to ongoing optimization.

A focused AI implementation — one or two high-impact workflows — can be live within 4-6 weeks including assessment, tool selection, deployment, and training. A broader AI strategy covering multiple workflows and departments typically rolls out over 3-6 months in phases. We start with quick wins that build team confidence and demonstrate ROI before expanding to more complex use cases.

AI replaces tasks, not people. In professional services, AI handles repetitive work — data entry, document formatting, research compilation, first-draft writing — so your team can focus on judgment, client relationships, and complex analysis. The firms that adopt AI effectively do not reduce headcount. They increase capacity. A partner who saves 5 hours a week on admin work has 5 more hours for clients and business development.

We bring two things that most AI consultants lack: deep understanding of professional services workflows built over 26 years of serving CPA firms, law firms, and financial services, and enterprise-grade security and compliance expertise. AI without security awareness is dangerous for regulated firms. We integrate AI into your firm the same way we approach everything — with your compliance requirements, client confidentiality, and business outcomes as the foundation.