The Accounting Technology Lab

Title: ATL266 — AI Is the Ultimate Accounting Assistant
Wiki: ATL266 - CPA Tech Wiki
Guest: Sasha Orloff, CEO of Puzzle
Hosts: Randy Johnston and Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
Publisher/Sponsor: CPA Practice Advisor

In ATL266, hosts Randy Johnston and Brian Tankersley speak with Sasha Orloff, CEO of Puzzle, about why artificial intelligence should be viewed as an accounting assistant rather than an autonomous replacement for accountants. Orloff argues that accounting is fundamentally an accountability profession: AI can prepare work, identify anomalies, execute firm-defined rules, and accelerate close processes, but a qualified human must review, approve, and remain responsible for the books.

The conversation contrasts probabilistic generative AI with deterministic accounting workflows. Puzzle’s approach lets firms describe policies in natural language, confirm the system’s interpretation, and preserve those instructions as repeatable agents. Examples include automatically preparing depreciation for computer purchases and recognizing annual prepaid rent according to a fixed schedule. These agents preserve firm knowledge, create audit trails, and reduce repetitive clicking without silently changing records.

The speakers also explore accuracy, trust, staffing shortages, and the limitations of legacy accounting platforms. Orloff says firms adopting governed automation can close faster, improve accuracy, scale without proportional hiring, and potentially give staff significant time back each month. The central message is optimistic but disciplined: firms that combine AI speed with human judgment, transparent controls, and explicit sign-off can deliver better client service, higher margins, and more rewarding accounting work.

·       AI as an assistant and amplifier of professional judgment

·       Accountability, review, approval, and auditability

·       Deterministic agents versus probabilistic AI

·       Preserving firm procedures and client-specific knowledge

·       Faster monthly closes and improved consistency

·       Staffing leverage, higher margins, and better work-life balance

·       Gradual, opt-in adoption of AI-powered workflows

00:33 — Sasha Orloff:
“AI is going to be one of the biggest booms for accounting, and accountants are going to make more money because of AI than ever before.”

06:49 — Sasha Orloff:
“The difference is an AI is going to sound really confident when it guesses the wrong way.”

09:09 — Sasha Orloff:
“Our customer is the accounting firm, and what does that mean? It means we defer to them as the experts.”

16:01 — Sasha Orloff:
“An agent is a piece of software that executes a very specific task.”

21:31 — Sasha Orloff:
“This can be designed…not to replace you, but to make you the best version.”

22:13 — Sasha Orloff:
“You define your month close process as a set of agents…and just let it prepare and help you become your best version.”

24:14 — Sasha Orloff:
“The accountant is the expert. You just need too many clicks to get that expertise implemented.”

30:41 — Sasha Orloff:
“Could you imagine having a week of vacation every month and making the same amount of money?”