CohnReznick Guides Businesses Toward Practical AI Adoption With Trusted Expertise

CohnReznick, a provider of accounting, risk management and digital transformation services, is seeing increased demand from clients seeking guidance on artificial intelligence implementation according to Managing Director and Data & AI Practice Leader Mel Walker. The company, which serves clients across finance, healthcare, retail and manufacturing sectors, has positioned itself as an ideal partner for AI adoption due to its deep expertise in tax, audit and finance functions.

Walker notes that many clients are currently in the learning and exploration phase, examining what AI capabilities already exist within their current applications. The company is helping businesses prepare for future AI rollouts by ensuring proper policies, processes and data optimization are in place. Walker frequently finds that companies overestimate their data readiness for AI implementation, noting there is always room for improvement in data quality and organization.

While enthusiastic about AI's potential for improving productivity and efficiency, Walker urges caution in adoption strategies. She emphasizes that companies should not pursue AI implementation "full throttle" without careful consideration, advocating instead for targeted applications where AI makes practical sense rather than using the technology for its own sake. Walker uses the analogy of "killing a fly with a fly swatter, not a sledgehammer" to illustrate her point about appropriate technology application.

For businesses beginning their AI journey, Walker recommends starting with AI capabilities already embedded in existing platforms such as Hubspot for customer relationship management or Salesforce for sales lead management. This approach allows companies to familiarize themselves with AI functionality within tools they already use before implementing new AI systems.

Looking toward the future, Walker believes AI adoption will follow a slow and steady trajectory rather than rapid implementation. She predicts C-suite executives, particularly in financial roles, will cautiously test AI applications before full-scale deployment, implementing only those solutions that prove trustworthy and secure. Walker challenges negative perceptions about AI replacing human workers, arguing instead that AI will augment human capabilities and potentially lead to improved work-life balance, including the possibility of a four-day work week enabled by AI-driven efficiency gains.