ATL218
Episode ATL218: AI Audit Innovations – 1H 2025
Recording Date: July 21, 2025
Duration: 25:01
Hosts: Randy Johnston and Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA
Series: Accounting Technology Lab Podcast
Source: CPA Practice Advisor
Summary
In this episode, Randy Johnston and Brian Tankersley discuss the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence on auditing and assurance in 2025. They explain how AI, machine learning, and automation are enabling auditors to move from traditional sampling to 100% population testing—transforming both accuracy and efficiency. The hosts highlight a wave of new audit technologies, including CCH Axcess Engagement, Thomson Reuters Engagement Manager, CaseWare Cloud, AuditBoard, Validis, and DataSnipper, as well as rising AI-native platforms such as FieldGuide, Inflow, and AuditSite. They explore specialized tools like Audit Intelligence (AssurancePrep), Audit PAL, MindBridge, and CCH Teammate Document Linker that streamline audit workflows and automate reconciliations, data extraction, and workpaper generation. Johnston and Tankersley note that roughly 60% of U.S. firms are now investing in AI for audit accuracy and quality, describing this shift as an “audit renaissance.” They predict that standards will evolve to require full-data testing, continuous auditing, and AI-assisted analytics—marking a new era where auditors apply professional judgment supported by intelligent automation.
Key Quotes
- “We’re finally seeing machine learning detect anomalies faster than any human could.” — Randy Johnston (00:20)
- “100% auditing is here — firms can now test entire populations instead of samples.” — Brian F. Tankersley (05:44)
- “AI lets your audit team focus on professional judgment, not data entry.” — Randy Johnston (07:21)
- “Audit isn’t dying — it’s having a renaissance powered by AI.” — Brian F. Tankersley (22:22)
- “Audit quality and profitability can both rise together — if you implement these tools.” — Randy Johnston (11:48)
- “Partners need to spend R&D time learning these systems — AI is changing everything.” — Brian F. Tankersley (16:22)
Social Media Posts
- The audit renaissance is here — powered by AI and automation. #ATL219
- From sampling to 100% population testing — AI is rewriting audit standards.
- Machine learning can now spot anomalies faster than any human. #AuditTech
- AuditBoard, CaseWare, and CCH lead the AI assurance revolution. #ATL219
- FieldGuide and Inflow are redefining what modern audit platforms can do.
- Continuous auditing is here — AI runs tests 24/7. #AccountingTechnology
- DataSnipper, Validis, and Audit Intelligence: the new audit toolkit.
- AI automates reconciliations, workpapers, and tick marks. #ATL219
- MindBridge, Audit PAL, and Audit Intelligence drive smarter assurance.
- Teammate Document Linker and Workiva ESG reporting join the AI audit stack.
- Audit quality and profitability are rising together — thanks to AI.
- 60% of firms now invest in AI audit tools. Are you one of them? #ATL219
- Partners: it’s time to take R&D seriously — the audit revolution is here.
- Continuous assurance isn’t theory anymore — it’s practice. #AuditAutomation
- AI isn’t replacing auditors — it’s empowering them.
- ESG, GRC, and audit are converging faster than expected. #ATL219
- Data accuracy is approaching 100% — and margins are improving.
- The future of audit: efficient, data-driven, and AI-assisted.
- Firms ignoring AI audit tools risk being left behind.
- Hear why audit’s “rumors of death” are greatly exaggerated. #ATL219
Companies, Products, and Services Mentioned
| Company / Product | Description | X (Twitter) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCH / Wolters Kluwer | Developer of Axcess Engagement, Knowledge Coach, and Teammate Document Linker | @Wolters_Kluwer | Wolters Kluwer | Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting | @wolters_kluwer |
| Thomson Reuters | Developer of Engagement Manager, Guided Assurance, and Audit Intelligence Analyze | @ThomsonReuters | Thomson Reuters | Thomson Reuters | @thomsonreuters |
| CaseWare | Cloud-based audit and assurance platform with AI analytics and automation | @CaseWare | CaseWare | CaseWare | @caseware |
| AuditBoard | Risk, compliance, and audit management software with AI-driven analytics | @AuditBoard | AuditBoard | AuditBoard | @auditboard |
| Validis | Data extraction and financial verification platform used for audit and assurance | @Validis | N/A | Validis | N/A |
| DataSnipper | AI workpaper automation and audit documentation platform | @DataSnipper | DataSnipper | DataSnipper | @datasnipper |
| FieldGuide | AI-native audit platform expanding from SOC reporting to full assurance | @FieldGuideAI | N/A | FieldGuide | N/A |
| Inflow | Cloud-based audit management and analytics solution | N/A | N/A | Inflow AI | N/A |
| AuditSite | AI-powered audit automation and workflow optimization platform | @AuditSiteHQ | N/A | AuditSite | N/A |
| AssurancePrep (Audit Intelligence) | Developer of Audit Intelligence, an AI workflow and procedure automation tool | N/A | N/A | AssurancePrep | N/A |
| MindBridge AI | Early pioneer in AI-powered anomaly detection and risk analysis | @MindBridge_AI | MindBridge AI | MindBridge AI | @mindbridgeai |
| Workiva | ESG, GRC, and financial reporting automation platform | @Workiva | Workiva | Workiva | @workiva |
| Audit PAL | AI-enabled audit documentation and data ingestion platform | N/A | N/A | Audit PAL | N/A |
| TrulyOn / Validate | Data ingestion and fraud detection tools for audit and litigation support | N/A | N/A | Validate AI | N/A |
| DebtBook | Governmental accounting and debt management platform with audit integration | @DebtBook | N/A | DebtBook | N/A |
| CPA Practice Advisor | Publisher of the Accounting Technology Lab Podcast | @CPAPracticeAdv | CPA Practice Advisor | CPA Practice Advisor | @cpapracticeadvisor |
See Also
- Episode_ATL219:_AI_Tax_Developments_–_1H_2025
- Episode_ATL220:_Small_Business_Accounting_Innovations_–_1H_2025
- Episode_ATL221:_AI_Regulation_Update_–_August_2025
- Episode_ATL222:_Ricoh_ScanSnap_iX2500_Review
- Episode_ATL223:_Blue_J_AI_and_the_Future_of_Tax_Research
- Episode_ATL224:_Agentic_AI_Update_–_Summer_2025
- Episode_ATL225:_Zoho_SMZ_and_Balance_Conferences_Recap
- Episode_ATL226:_Audit_Automation
- Episode_ATL227:_AICPA_Blockchain_Symposium_2025
- Accounting_Technology_Lab_Podcast_Index
