Transforming Canadian corporate accounting: Bateman MacKay’s approach to AI adoption
Oscar Torres
by Oscar Torres
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer an experimental edge case for corporate accountants, it is becoming essential. Across Canada, businesses face an urgent productivity crisis. Labour productivity has increased by just 0.9% annually over the past decade, making it one of the lowest growth rates in the G7. But with the right tools, the accounting profession can help reverse this trend.
At Bateman MacKay LLP, we’ve embraced this moment of transformation. By integrating proven AI solutions into both our client-facing work and internal operations, we are not only keeping pace with innovation, we are also helping to shape how it’s applied in Canadian accounting.
A national imperative: Why AI matters now
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, via its Business Data Lab, forecasts that generative AI could increase national productivity by 1–6% over the next ten years. However, only 14% of Canadian companies have adopted it, and over 70% haven’t even begun evaluating its use. In response, the federal government’s 2024 Budget committed CAD 2.4 billion toward AI investments.
Where AI is already creating value at Bateman MacKay
We’ve taken a focused, practical approach to AI adoption at Bateman MacKay, divided into two strategic areas:
Financial services for clients
Blue J Legal uses generative AI to deliver verifiable tax answers and draft communications. It streamlines complex tax legislation analysis, providing:
Real-time answers with citations to legislation and case law;
AI-generated drafts for internal and client communication; and
High-confidence research workflows backed by Canadian tax professionals.
This enhances both speed and confidence in delivering client-facing advice.
MindBridge AI analyses 100% of transaction data to identify irregularities that might be missed through traditional sample-based reviews. It enables:
AI-powered financial control;
Early identification of anomalies or risks; and
Streamlined preparation for audits or assurance engagements.
Together, these tools elevate our advisory capabilities while maintaining integrity and oversight.
2. Internal operations and strategic functions
We also deploy AI internally (without using client data) to support operational efficiency across several functions. ChatGPT assists with marketing content, internal communications, and high-level planning. To ensure effective adoption, we provide dedicated training for team leaders, enabling them to understand its capabilities, including the use of custom, purpose-built bots. In addition, models like ChatGPT are used in strategic planning to stress-test assumptions, brainstorm initiatives, and develop outlines.
Use cases in the broader accounting industry
According to CPA.com, generative AI already supports a variety of high-impact applications across the accounting profession. These include (i) structured data extraction, which automates the digitisation of invoices and receipts; (ii) AI-enriched key performance indicator (KPI) analysis to turn financial reports into actionable insights; and (iii) recruitment agents that streamline candidate screening and communications.
Additional use cases include transcript assistants that generate summaries from meetings and webinars, and tax legislation research assistants that accelerate the interpretation of complex legal material.
While the Big Four have invested heavily in proprietary AI platforms, many small and mid-sized firms remain on the sidelines. Thomson Reuters reports that nearly half of smaller firms have no AI adoption plans. Yet, agile firms that invest early can outpace slower competitors in both service quality and operational capacity.
Risk management and responsible use
AI is powerful, but it must be deployed responsibly. At Bateman MacKay, we recognise and address the critical risks identified by industry leaders. Data privacy is a top priority – we do not allow client data to be processed by open AI platforms. To mitigate bias, our professionals critically assess AI-generated results and never rely on them for final judgments. Every insight produced with AI undergoes human oversight to ensure accuracy and relevance. Additionally, our use of AI remains intentionally limited in scope, applied only where it enhances efficiency and clarity without compromising client trust or confidentiality.
The road ahead
AI is a multiplier, not a replacement. By integrating AI tools into our tax, assurance, and advisory services, we’re creating more space for strategic thinking, deeper client relationships, and more meaningful advisory work.
Automate the routine, so we can humanise the other things we need to do with clients. That’s really the skill we are driving towards – getting to the things the client truly values
We’re not simply riding the AI wave; we’re steering into it with purpose, planning, and professional care.
Oscar Torres delivers optimal long-term solutions that assist his clients in growing their businesses to the full potential. Rather than offering template accounting & taxation solutions, he provides personalised advice and expertise, building trust and fostering lifelong relationships. Contact Oscar.
XLNC member firm Bateman MacKay LLPBurlington, ON, CanadaT: +1 905 632 6400
