Beyond the Chatbot: What It Actually Takes to Deploy AI Safely in Your Firm
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026Time: 01:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenter: Luke Frye, CPA, Accountant in Residence, Canopy
Moderator:
Objective(s):
1. Identify the limitations of general-purpose AI tools when handling firm and client data.
2. Differentiate the security tradeoffs between connecting outside AI to client data via API versus a closed, platform-native system
3. Understand how recent IRS guidance on AI use affects review requirements for AI-assisted work.
4. Apply a human-in-the-loop review framework, from always-allow to review-required, to reduce risk in AI-assisted workflows.
5. Explore practical, firm-wide automation use cases, including file routing, scope creep detection, and client communication drafts.
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
Program Level: Intermediate
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based
No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
Course Description
General AI chatbots are everywhere in accounting firms today, approved or not, but they hit a wall fast: every new conversation means rebuilding context from scratch, and every upload is a judgment call about security. This session breaks down the real difference between general-purpose AI and a platform-native system built with firm data already in context, including what recent IRS guidance means for how firms should be reviewing AI-assisted work. We'll ground the discussion in a live look at Coworker, Canopy's native AI execution layer, and the human-in-the-loop framework that keeps your team in control of every output before it reaches a client.
Presenter and Moderator Bios
Presenter: Luke Frye, CPA, Accountant in Residence, Canopy
Luke Frye, CPA, is the Accountant in Residence at Canopy, where he brings a background in accounting tech startups and private practice to help firms build smarter, more scalable businesses. After growing his own bootstrapped firm to $500K ARR and helping platforms like Bench and Pilot reach thousands of clients, Luke now focuses on one mission: helping firms add $10 million in collective revenue this year. He bridges modern software and firm operations so practitioners can reclaim their time and build firms that are not just profitable, but truly valuable.
Cost$40.00 for CPAFMA Members / $80.00 for Non-Members / Free for PAFMs
Delivery System
- All programs are delivered using the Zoom platform.
- Confirmations will include log-in instructions.
- Participants are able to participate using any device with an Internet connect (if the device does not have speakers, the participant can also dial-in) or they can participate with audio only by dialing in.
- All registrants will receive a link to the webinar’s recording by email within 48 business hours of event’s conclusion.
- There will be assistance available to help with technical and connectivity issues up to 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.
Registration
All registration is done on-line with the names and email addresses of each individual guest. Log-in details will be emailed to all registrants approximately 1-2 days prior to each session.
Refund Policy
CPAFMA will not issue refunds for webinars. If a registrant is unable to participate in the webinar and sends written notice to info@cpafma.org 48 hours prior to the session, a credit will be provided for a future webinar. Alert the CPAFMA staff member monitoring the webinar if technical difficulties are encountered and technical support will be provided to eliminate problems with future webinars.
Additional Information
Live participation is required for CPE credit and polling questions must be answered to show active participation. All registrants will receive an email following the session with links to the slides and/or handouts, and a link to the webinar recording (unless otherwise stated). If you are unable to participate in the live session, you can still watch the recorded session, but you will not be eligible for CPE credits.
For more information regarding CPAFMA webinars or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the CPAFMA Headquarters at 937-222-0030, or info@cpafma.org.
What is an CPAFMA webinar?
An CPAFMA webinar is a live, interactive 30 or 60-minute conference presented over the Internet. You can attend from any location that has Internet access from any device. You pay just one registration fee for as many participants as you wish at each location.
Note that high-speed Internet access is not mandatory.
Who presents at an CPAFMA webinar?
Your webinar will have one or more speakers who are recognized experts on the topic. Webinars typically include a Q&A session; you can ask questions by audio or chat options.
CPE Credits
CPAFMA is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.
Webinars qualify for Public Accounting Firm Manager (PAFM) continuing education credit through the CPA Firm Management Association (CPAFMA). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the PAFM section of this website.
Why CPAFMA webinars?
Fast.
No wasted time. Get right to the heart of the matter in a 30 or 60-minute session designed to easily fit into your busy schedule.
Convenient.
No airlines. No travel. No time out of the office. Listen and follow along from the comfort and convenience of your own device or conference room.
Easy.
A device with an Internet connection is all you need. If your device does not have sound capabilities, the ability to dial in from a telephone is available.
Ideal for multiple attendees.
Use a speakerphone and projector/monitor and invite as many people as you want to participate - at no extra cost to you.
Affordable.
CPAFMA webinars are a fraction of the cost of travel and attendance fees for other high-priced conferences or seminars. PAFMs attend for free. PCPS members are able to register at the CPAFMA member rate.
CPAFMA has partnered with the AICPA PCPS to offer PCPS members the same member rate for webinar. PCPS members should indicate their membership when registering.