AIGAS joined accountants and bookkeepers at AI Connect Day at the Accountants Mastermind to explore how practices can embrace artificial intelligence while managing the risks around GDPR, client confidentiality and professional responsibility.
Salmaan Nasser, Founder and Chair of the AI Governance Assurance Standard (AIGAS), delivered a practical session focused on one of the biggest questions facing the profession: How can accounting practices take advantage of AI without putting their clients or businesses at risk?
AI Adoption Is Already Happening
One of the most encouraging aspects of the event was hearing directly from accountants about how they are already using AI to improve workflows, save time and increase efficiency.
The conversation has clearly moved beyond what AI might be capable of. Practices are experimenting, adopting tools and finding genuine opportunities to work more effectively.
However, as Salmaan highlighted, AI adoption is often moving faster than the governance needed to support it.
Understanding the Risks Without Creating Fear
The session explored several practical considerations for accounting firms:
- GDPR and client confidentiality: Understanding what information can safely be shared with AI tools and why public AI platforms require particular care.
- Shadow AI: Employees can introduce AI into a practice simply by opening a browser, often bypassing traditional software approval processes.
- Accuracy and accountability: AI can produce convincing but incorrect answers. Professional judgement and human oversight remain essential.
- Practical governance: Knowing which AI tools are being used, introducing sensible policies and ensuring staff understand the risks.
The central message was straightforward: AI governance should enable innovation, not prevent it.
Firms do not need complicated frameworks to begin. Simple steps, such as maintaining an AI Tool Register, establishing clear guidelines and providing staff training, can make a meaningful difference.
Moving Forward with Confidence
What made the event particularly valuable was the opportunity to hear what is actually happening within practices, including the challenges, successes and questions accountants are encountering.
It was encouraging to see the profession embracing AI with enthusiasm while recognising the importance of using it responsibly.
At AIGAS, our aim is to help practices of all sizes take a practical, proportionate approach to AI governance.
For firms looking to get started, two useful resources are available:
Free AI Tool Register: Understand and document which AI tools are being used within your practice.
AI Safety Essentials for Accountancy Practices: Practical training from PPCS to help accountants and their teams use AI safely and confidently.
https://learn.ppcs.uk/courses/ai-safety-essentials-for-accountancy-practices
The opportunity AI presents to accountancy is enormous. With the right safeguards in place, firms can embrace that opportunity with confidence.
Take the Next Step Towards Responsible AI
Whether your practice is just starting to explore AI or already using it regularly, having the right safeguards in place is essential.
At AIGAS, we’re helping accounting firms adopt AI confidently through practical tools, guidance and proportionate governance.
- Explore the AIGAS Standard – Discover how our framework helps accounting practices manage AI risks and demonstrate responsible AI adoption.
- Create Your Free AI Tool Register – Start documenting and managing the AI tools being used across your practice.
- Get Support with Your AI Policy – Establish clear, practical guidelines for the safe use of AI.
- Explore AI Safety Training – Give your team the knowledge and confidence to use AI responsibly.
Responsible AI doesn’t have to be complicated. The important thing is to get started.