BDO USA, one of the nation’s leading accounting and advisory firms, launched the next phase of its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, aimed at empowering its people and clients to work smarter, faster, and more strategically. As part of BDO’s commitment to purpose-driven, people-centered and responsible AI use, the firm has made significant strides over the last two years. These include implementing a Responsible AI governance framework, deploying an AI learning curriculum for its professionals, and, most recently, developing and launching new agentic AI-powered tools. The strategy is backed by a global investment in AI of more than one billion dollars over a period of five years.
“Embracing change is part of our DNA,” said Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO USA. “AI is improving and transforming how we do business, as well as how we serve and enable our clients. It enhances our productivity while unlocking the inherent ingenuity of our people. We are committed to helping shape a world where technology responsibly delivers value.”
To help lead and execute BDO USA’s AI strategy, the firm appointed Mike Gerhard to the newly established role of Chief Data and AI Officer in 2024. Gerhard spearheads BDO’s data and AI initiatives while also using data analytics and technology to drive business insights and innovation. Gerhard works collaboratively with leaders across the firm to develop proprietary AI tools that support how BDO professionals work and enhance their service delivery for clients. Gerhard also oversees the firm’s Research and AI Development (RAID) team, which focuses on fast-paced research and prototyping based on business priorities, creating a truly differentiated approach to enterprise-wide AI testing and deployment.
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“At BDO, we already see AI unlocking new opportunities for our people and our clients,” said Gerhard. “Our approach with the RAID team reflects BDO’s commitment to providing innovation that drives business growth, enhances operational performance, and adds value to our relationships. We are seeking to be both agile and responsible as this technology quickly develops.”
BDO began piloting potential tools and approaches in early 2023. Since then, BDO has achieved several business milestones in key commitment areas and seamlessly embedded AI in its operations and client service models.
Purpose-Driven Tools and Resources
BDO believes that AI must be purpose-built to augment the day-to-day needs of the people using it. This means creating BDO solutions that enhance human capabilities and minimize human error – freeing up professionals to focus on more strategic and satisfying work. The integration of these tools with existing systems is a priority to ensure seamless adoption and maximize outcomes.
- Chat BDO: Chat BDO is an internal, secure, generative AI platform customized for BDO-specific processes to help improve productivity. Serving over 12,000 total users, the proprietary tool developed using Microsoft’s Azure AI has saved BDO professionals more than 600,000 hours since its deployment in August of 2023. Metrics and KPIs are in place to measure ongoing productivity improvements.
- Consultative Selling Account Insights: This recently released tool uses multiple AI agents to analyze vast amounts of web-accessible data, helping BDO professionals identify opportunities and make more informed recommendations when advising clients and prospects. Manual data analysis and synthesization that typically took hours is now available for employee insight in minutes, enabling professionals to focus on recommendations and delivering additional value in client relationships.
- Risk Assessment Coach: To help improve the quality of risk assessment in the audit, the firm is evaluating its approach to an AI risk assessment coach; this tool observes documentation and provides actionable feedback rooted in firm guidance and regulatory standards.
- BDO DocPro: Available later this year, this powerful enterprise tool will enable users to upload and process structured and unstructured documents using AI-driven workflows. Automating document management processes will lead to significant time savings, allowing employees to focus on more strategic tasks that drive client growth.
People-Centered Approach
AI – like innovation more broadly – is most successful when it is championed by the entire firm. To help its professionals embrace this transformational shift, BDO has invested in learning and development opportunities and robust communications programs to empower BDO’s people to understand, engage, and adopt AI responsibly. Key elements of BDO’s approach include:
- AI Ambassadors: Professionals across practices champion BDO’s AI solutions and initiatives. Through hands-on workshops and education, they engage with their peers to encourage AI adoption while supporting change management and partnering with BDO’s AI team to develop business-specific use cases and tools. Feedback mechanisms are in place to continuously improve AI tools and training based on user experience.
- AI Literacy: Grounded in the firm’s culture of innovation, BDO’s AI upskilling program teaches professionals how to use specific tools as well as AI best practices, trends, and ethical considerations. The training includes customizable AI workshops for beginners and advanced users.
Source: Businesswire