Overview
Not all AI platforms are created equal. This course provides accounting professionals with an objective framework for evaluating and selecting AI platforms strategically. Participants will explore the defining characteristics of today's leading platforms: ChatGPT (broad capability, OpenAI ecosystem), Claude (strong reasoning, Anthropic focus), Gemini (Google integration, multimodal strength), Microsoft Copilot (enterprise integration), Grok (real-time data), Perplexity (research and discovery), and NotebookLM (document intelligence).
The course compares platforms across multiple dimensions: technical capability in accounting workflows, security and data handling, pricing and token economics, integration with existing accounting systems, and governance considerations. Real-world case studies demonstrate how to apply different platforms to tax research, audit planning, financial analysis, client communication, and advisory work. The course emphasizes that platform selection is not one-size-fits-all-different tools excel in different contexts. By course end, participants will have the judgment to select platforms aligned with their firm's needs, budget, and risk tolerance.
Areas Covered in the Session
- Comparative overview: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Grok, Perplexity, NotebookLM
- Technical capabilities: reasoning, coding, analysis, document handling across platforms
- Security models, data handling, and privacy considerations by platform
- Pricing, token economics, and subscription models
- Integration capabilities with accounting systems and workflows
- Platform selection framework: matching platform strengths to use cases
- Governance, compliance, and risk management in platform adoption
Who Will Benefit
- CPAs
- Accountants
- Finance Professionals
- Tax Practitioners
- Consultants
- Firm Leaders
- Technology Decision-Makers
- Audit Professionals
Speaker Profile
Garrett Wasny , MA, CMC, CITP/FIBP is an award-winning artificial intelligence (AI) skills advisor to accountants worldwide.
Since 1995, Garrett has delivered thousands of presentations on Internet strategy to hundreds of leading accounting institutes, industry associations, Fortune 500 companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, business schools and other legal, medical, engineering, pro sports and executive education organizations.
Garrett's writing credits include four books, dozens of e-books and hundreds of articles on online business for scores of leading business publishers, syndicates and magazines including McGraw Hill, John Wiley and Sons, Knight Ridder, the Financial Post, Journal of Commerce and World Trade.
He's also won numerous awards for his writing, speaking and web design.
Garrett’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) degree and a Master of Arts (MA) degree. His professional accreditations include Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and FITP (FITT International Business Professional).
Garrett is trusted by the most respected governing bodies for accounting and business today. In the United States, his webinars are approved by NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy). In Canada, his in-person seminars are approved by the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Canada provincial institutes.
In 2017, Garrett is scheduled to deliver 150+ professional development events across North America on a range of technology and accounting topics. The presentations are hosted by leading accounting CPE providers such as Thomson Reuters, CPE Solutions, CPA Crossings, CPE Link, Clear Law Institute and CPA Institutes. His courses cover online productivity, Internet search, digital transformation, mobile computing, social enterprise and tax.
Full disclosure: Garrett Wasny is an independent Certified Management Consultant (CMC) who provides objective information based on his own impartial research and due diligence. He has no vested interest or affiliation with any of the enterprises or technologies reviewed in his courses.
He has more than 20 years experience in the Internet field and started his career at Price Waterhouse. He is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Instructor
Garrett Wasny
