BDO Unveils $1 Billion AI Strategy to Boost Efficiency and Client Value
BDO USA, a leading accounting and advisory firm, has launched the next phase of its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy with a $1 billion global investment over five years. The goal is clear: empower employees and clients to work smarter, faster, and more strategically by embedding AI into operations and service offerings.
Since early 2023, BDO has piloted various AI tools and approaches, achieving key milestones. These include establishing a Responsible AI governance framework, rolling out an AI learning curriculum for professionals, and launching innovative AI-powered tools tailored to their business needs.
Leadership Driving AI Innovation
To lead this transformation, BDO appointed Mike Gerhard as Chief Data and AI Officer in 2024. Gerhard oversees the firm's data and AI initiatives and manages the Research and AI Development (RAID) team. This group focuses on rapid research and prototyping to create proprietary AI tools that support employees and enhance client service delivery.
"AI is already unlocking new opportunities for our people and clients," says Gerhard. "Our RAID team ensures we develop innovative, responsible AI solutions that drive business growth and operational excellence."
Purpose-Built AI Tools Enhancing Productivity
BDO’s AI tools are designed to augment human skills and reduce errors, freeing professionals to focus on strategic work. Seamless integration with existing systems ensures smooth adoption and maximizes impact.
- Chat BDO: An internal generative AI platform customized for BDO’s processes, serving over 12,000 users. Since its August 2023 launch, it has saved more than 600,000 professional hours by boosting productivity.
- Consultative Selling Account Insights: This tool uses AI agents to analyze extensive web data, enabling professionals to identify client opportunities and make informed recommendations in minutes instead of hours.
- Risk Assessment Coach: Currently in evaluation, this AI coach reviews audit documentation and offers actionable feedback aligned with firm guidance and regulatory standards.
- BDO DocPro: Launching later this year, it will automate document handling by processing both structured and unstructured files through AI workflows, saving time and enhancing focus on strategic tasks.
Fostering a People-Centered AI Culture
BDO recognizes that successful AI adoption requires engagement across the firm. To support this, they provide extensive learning programs and communication strategies to help professionals use AI responsibly.
- AI Ambassadors: Employees champion AI initiatives, run workshops, and collaborate with the AI team to develop business-specific use cases while gathering feedback to improve tools and training.
- AI Literacy: A comprehensive upskilling program covers AI tools, best practices, trends, and ethics, with workshops suited for beginners to advanced users.
Looking Ahead: AI’s Role in Future Services
BDO is focusing on several AI-driven areas that will shape its future operations and client offerings:
- Generative AI Assistants: Assistants will help draft reports, analyze data, and model scenarios, improving efficiency and enabling teams to concentrate on strategic decisions.
- AI-Driven Personalization: Hyper-personalized advisory services will tailor solutions to client needs, including tools like Task and Event Organizers to boost productivity and client engagement.
- AI Business Automation: Automation will streamline operational processes such as billing, scheduling, and service desk functions to reduce manual work and enhance productivity.
- Multimodal AI: Integrating text, voice, podcast, and visual data will deepen client insights and improve interaction quality.
With a clear focus on responsible governance, continuous learning, and tailored innovation, BDO is positioning itself as a leader in AI integration within professional services. This strategy builds on existing AI-enabled platforms like BDO Tax UserVerse and BDOADVANTAGE, further supporting professionals as they advise clients and optimize internal workflows.
BDO’s approach highlights the practical value AI can bring when aligned with business goals and people-centered design, setting a new standard for how professional services firms can leverage technology to deliver client value and operational excellence.
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