Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now, and the conversation is moving fast. Whether it’s in the headlines, in boardrooms, or in casual conversations, people are trying to make sense of what AI means for the future of work. At Murdock Martell, we’ve started that conversation internally as well, through a series of team trainings focused on the real-world implications of AI in our field.
We kicked things off with a session led by Bruce de’Medici, who has spent years studying how to strategically integrate AI into business processes. Our goal was to get grounded in the fundamentals, understand the risks, and identify the areas where this technology could actually benefit our clients. In our continuing professional education program, we defined AI as the ability of machines to simulate human intelligence to perform a variety of tasks. Those tasks could be repetitive, physically demanding, or even dangerous—like assembling parts, sifting through large data sets, or operating in environments where humans face risk. But as AI becomes more capable, the applications are expanding rapidly. We’re now seeing it used in autonomous vehicles, customer service tools, and even in fields like medicine and creative work.
Of course, as much as AI can improve productivity, it also raises important questions. What happens to the people whose jobs are replaced or redefined? How do we weigh the gains in efficiency against the broader social and economic costs?
How This Impacts Our Work
As a firm working in finance, accounting, and HR, we’re also thinking carefully about how AI affects the way we serve clients today. Here are a few areas we’re watching closely:
Data Confidentiality:
As generative AI tools become more accessible, we’re seeing new concerns about data privacy. Many platforms are built on models that continue learning from the inputs they receive. This means any proprietary or sensitive information entered into these tools—however innocently—could be retained or exposed. For a firm like ours, where client trust is paramount, this is not a risk we’re willing to take lightly.
Legal Ambiguity:
The legal landscape hasn’t caught up to the pace of AI innovation. Questions about accountability, liability, and intellectual property are largely unanswered. If an AI tool used by a business makes a flawed decision or introduces a reporting error, who’s responsible? Right now, there’s limited case law or guidance. As our clients explore AI within their own operations, this is an area where we’re providing counsel and caution.
Security Risks:
AI isn’t just a productivity tool—it can also be weaponized. We’re seeing it used to create more convincing phishing emails, deepfake communications, and other attack methods. These tactics can compromise financial systems, HR data, or internal controls. As we help clients design and maintain secure operations, AI’s dual-use nature is something we now factor into risk assessments.
Looking Ahead
We see the potential for AI to support accuracy, streamline operations, and even improve the way insights are delivered. But we also believe responsible adoption requires careful thought, not blind enthusiasm. As we continue exploring how to use AI internally, we’re focused on balancing innovation with security, compliance, and ethical standards.
This is an ongoing conversation within our team—and increasingly, with our clients. We’re committed to staying informed and sharing what we learn as the technology continues to unfold.
If you’d like help evaluating whether an AI solution fits within your finance or accounting workflows, we’re happy to talk. The goal is not just to keep pace with technology, but to make sure it serves your long-term business goals. Contact us to talk about what’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s worth pausing to consider.