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
New to AI? Start here. This beginner-friendly course explains how generative AI works, what terms like
“LLM” and “agentic AI” really mean, and how CPAs can safely put these tools to use. You’ll leave with a
solid understanding of AI fundamentals and how they apply to accounting, tax, and finance.
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.
• Identify core AI concepts (generative AI, large language models, agentic AI) relevant to
accounting and finance.
• Differentiate common CPA/CFO use cases (e.g., research, content generation, data/document
analysis.)
• Evaluate key risks (hallucinations, bias, confidentiality, and select mitigating controls.
Program Content
• ABC's of how generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) work
• What inherent risks are associated with this powerful technology
• Actionable steps you can take to mitigate the risks
• Practical examples of how AI can be applied in accounting, auditing, tax and finance services
None
None
Anyone working in accounting, tax or finance who wants to gain better understanding of what AI is and
how it can be applied