ATL226
Episode ATL226: Audit Automation
Recording Date: September 29, 2025
Duration: 45:33
Hosts: Randy Johnston and Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
Guests: Jonathan Womack (Co-Founder & CEO, AuditSite), Michael Zimmerman (CPA, AuditSite)
Series: Accounting Technology Lab Podcast
Source: CPA Practice Advisor
Summary
In this episode, Randy Johnston and Brian Tankersley welcome Jonathan Womack and Michael Zimmerman from AuditSite to explore the rapidly changing landscape of audit automation. The discussion focuses on how artificial intelligence, data extraction, and deterministic models are transforming audit testing, risk assessment, and efficiency. They examine the rise of continuous auditing, offshoring trends, and the challenge of retaining tech-savvy talent in public accounting. The guests emphasize that automation can eliminate tedious manual testing and enhance audit quality, but CPAs must still verify, document, and stand behind their work. The conversation concludes that the auditors of the future will combine analytical skills, standardized processes, and ethical AI use to deliver smarter, faster, and more reliable assurance services.
Key Quotes
- “The worst thing you want to do in life is change your auditor.” — Jonathan Womack (36:32)
- “AI should be treated like an intern — it can help, but you still have to review its work.” — Jonathan Womack (40:22)
- “If it’s not documented, it’s not done.” — Michael Zimmerman (38:40)
- “We’re driving talent out because we make them do things they’ve never had to do before.” — Jonathan Womack (08:25)
- “It’s a very exciting time to be in the accounting profession — more sizzle than steak right now, but the future is bright.” — Brian F. Tankersley (43:07)
- “Continuous auditing has been in the Big Four for years — now it’s coming for everyone else.” — Brian F. Tankersley (03:32)
- “Automation doesn’t replace expertise — it frees us to use it where it matters most.” — Michael Zimmerman (26:42)
Companies, Products, and Services Mentioned
| Company / Organization | Description | X (Twitter) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AuditSite | AI-powered audit automation platform | @AuditSiteHQ | N/A | AuditSite | N/A |
| PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) | Global accounting and audit firm | @PwC | PwC | PwC | @pwc_global |
| Ernst & Young (EY) | Big Four audit and consulting firm | @EYnews | EY | Ernst & Young | @eyglobal |
| CPA Practice Advisor | Publisher of Accounting Technology Lab Podcast | @CPAPracticeAdv | CPA Practice Advisor | CPA Practice Advisor | @cpapracticeadvisor |
| AICPA | American Institute of CPAs, regulator and educator for audit standards | @AICPA | AICPA | AICPA | @aicpa |
| AuditBoard | Cloud platform for audit, risk, and compliance management | @AuditBoard | AuditBoard | AuditBoard | @auditboard |
| CPA.com | Technology subsidiary of AICPA supporting innovation in accounting | @CPAcom | CPA.com | CPA.com | @cpadotcom |
