“We Need to Do Something, But We Don’t Know What” is how a leader at a large, national accounting firm recently answered our question of “what made you reach out to us at interVal?” They were not the only ones who had this sentiment. A week earlier we had another practice leader at a national firm say, with regards to business valuation, “I imagine a future where financial statements can be read by AI and a valuation can be determined from that” and our response was “that future is now.”
In 2025 we have had numerous examples of these types of conversations. In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, accounting firms face a pivotal moment. The traditional reliance on compliance work such as financial statements, tax filings, and audits, is no longer sufficient to meet the growing demands of clients. Business owners now seek proactive advice, real-time insights, and strategic guidance. Coupled with a talent shortage in the accounting profession, firms recognize the urgent need to adapt. However, many find themselves at a crossroads, acknowledging the necessity for change but uncertain about the path forward. This uncertainty is driving a growing interest in innovative solutions like inter-val.ai, designed to transform accountants into advisors and address critical challenges in three key areas: time, tools, and expertise.
Time: The Irreplaceable Resource
Time is a finite resource, and for many accounting firms, it's stretched thin. Balancing compliance deadlines, client meetings, and internal operations leaves little room for advisory work. Even with the evolution of firms towards advisory services, the lack of time poses a significant barrier.
Technology serves as a human multiplier in this context. Platforms like inter-val.ai automate data collection and analysis, surfacing valuable insights that enable accountants to scale advisory services without extending their work hours. By shifting from reactive compliance to proactive advisory, firms can provide clients with the insights they need before they even ask, embodying the principle that your clients’ future depends on your advice today.
Tools: Building a Future-Proof Tech Stack
Many firms operate with outdated or disconnected systems, relying on spreadsheets and legacy software that create inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Investing in the right tools is essential for firms aiming to look smarter and work faster, enabling them to provide advisory services at scale.
Inter-val.ai is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, delivering data-driven insights that strengthen client relationships without adding complexity. Firms that embrace future-proof technology position themselves to stay ahead, while those that don't risk being left behind. As the saying goes, differentiate with data; win with relationships.
Expertise: Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Even with time and tools in place, some firms hesitate to offer advisory services due to a perceived lack of expertise. Identifying insights is one thing; delivering strategic advice with confidence is another.
Technology can act as a partner in bridging this gap. Inter-val.ai doesn't just generate reports; it helps firms interpret data and deliver actionable recommendations. As firms navigate the great wealth transfer, the need for trust-based, human-first relationships becomes more critical than ever. Clients seek advisors they can't live without, and technology can empower firms to meet.
Author: Dave Bunce