Instructor
John Higgins
Instructor
John is the founder and CEO of Higgins Advisory, LLC, established with the mission of helping CPAs, CFOs and other financial professionals to successfully guide their firms and business organizations through a successful digital transformation that leverages the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, data analytics, workflow automation and more.
John is a seasoned entrepreneur with experience as the founder of two separate accounting technology advisory firms that were acquired by larger organizations. In addition, he has experience with a local CPA firm and as a technology advisory practice leader partner in a national CPA firm. John shares his expertise as a nationally recognized thought leader, strategic advisor, and speaker on accounting technology through coaching and speaking engagements. His primary contribution is his passion for helping the profession move forward through the understanding and adoption of emerging technologies.
Some of John's notable accomplishments include: * Co-founder of CPA Crossings, LLC, a national provider of CPA technology advisory and educational services * Founder of Computools, Inc. a provider of financial and ERP solutions for small and mid-size businesses * Strategic technology advisor to CPA firms * AICPA Business & Industry CPA Hall of Fame inductee * Top 25 Thought Leader recognition by the _CPA Practice Advisor magazine_ (2011 - 2023) * Nationally recognized speaker on accounting technology * National technology advisory partner with BDO, LLP * Past Chair of the Michigan Association of CPAs * Michigan Association of CPAs Innovative User of Technology award * Co-author of _10 Steps to a Digital Practice in the Cloud_, published by the AICPA * Contributing author to _The Insiders' Guide to Accounting Advisory Success _on Amazon
AI is reshaping audit, tax, and finance. This update surveys what’s real in 2026: core concepts, major
tools, risks/controls, and practical CPA use cases. Leave with a clear vocabulary, a current landscape
view, and actionable talking points for staff, clients, and vendors.
In partnership with Higgins Advisory, this program will be held on the Higgins Advisory learning platform. You will receive an access link in your confirmation email.
• Assess recent advancements in AI and their implications for CPA workflows and client services.
• Distinguish key AI categories and common terminology used in practice.
• Identify high-impact CPA use cases and associated risk/control considerations to discuss with
stakeholders.
Program Content
• State of AI technology in 2026: capabilities, limits, and vendor landscape
• Essential terminology: models, training data, prompts, agents, guardrails
• CPA use cases: audit procedures, tax research/drafts, controllership
• Risk, control, and governance: data privacy, bias, accuracy, documentation
• What’s next: near-term trends and how to evaluate new tools
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CPAs in public practice, CFOs/Controllers/FP&A, internal audit, firm/finance leaders