AI Opportunity Assessment

AI Opportunity Assessment for ORBA: Accounting in Chicago, Illinois

AI agent deployments can drive significant operational lift for accounting firms like ORBA by automating routine tasks, enhancing data analysis, and improving client service. This assessment outlines key areas where AI can create tangible efficiencies and competitive advantages for businesses in the accounting sector.

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20-30%

Reduction in time spent on data entry and reconciliation

Industry Accounting Technology Surveys

10-20%

Improvement in audit efficiency

AICPA Technology Report

3-5x

Faster processing of standard client inquiries

AI in Professional Services Benchmarks

5-15%

Increase in tax compliance accuracy

Tax Technology Insights

Why now

Why accounting operators in Chicago are moving on AI

Chicago accounting firms face escalating pressure to enhance efficiency and client service in a rapidly evolving market. The imperative to integrate advanced technologies, particularly AI agents, is no longer a future consideration but a present necessity to maintain competitive advantage and operational agility.

The Shifting Economics of Accounting Services in Chicago

Accounting practices of ORBA's approximate size in the Chicago area are navigating significant shifts in labor costs and client expectations. Labor cost inflation, a persistent challenge across professional services, continues to drive up operational expenses. Benchmarks from the 2024 AICPA PCPS National Survey indicate that firms are increasingly seeking technology solutions to mitigate these rising staffing costs, with many reporting that administrative and compliance tasks consume a disproportionate amount of billable hours. This operational drag impacts overall same-store margin compression, a metric closely watched by industry analysts and private equity groups active in the accounting sector. Firms are exploring AI to automate routine data entry, reconciliation, and initial client query responses, aiming to reallocate skilled staff to higher-value advisory services. This approach is mirrored in adjacent fields like wealth management and tax preparation, where technology adoption is a key differentiator.

Navigating Consolidation and Competitor AI Adoption in Illinois

The accounting landscape in Illinois, much like nationally, is characterized by ongoing PE roll-up activity and a growing divide between early AI adopters and laggards. Larger, consolidated entities are leveraging AI agents for tasks such as document review, audit sampling, and even preliminary tax return preparation, creating a competitive disadvantage for firms that delay adoption. According to a 2025 Deloitte survey on technology trends in professional services, a significant percentage of firms that have deployed AI report improvements in client onboarding efficiency and a reduction in turnaround times for standard service offerings. For Chicago accounting businesses, falling behind on AI adoption means risking a loss of market share to more technologically advanced competitors and potentially impacting the client retention rate as service expectations rise.

The 18-Month Imperative for AI Agent Deployment in Illinois Accounting

Industry observers suggest a critical 18-month window for accounting firms in Illinois to establish a foundational AI strategy. Beyond this period, AI capabilities are expected to become a baseline expectation for service providers, rather than a competitive differentiator. Firms that successfully implement AI agents are seeing tangible operational lifts. For instance, data processing cycle times for routine engagements can be reduced by as much as 30-40%, according to studies from the Association of Public Accountants. Furthermore, AI-powered client communication tools are enhancing engagement, with firms reporting a 10-15% improvement in client satisfaction scores related to responsiveness, as per the 2024 Client Experience in Professional Services report. The operational lift extends to internal processes, with AI agents capable of streamlining workflow management and reducing the time spent on administrative oversight, thereby supporting firms with approximately 150-250 employees in optimizing their resource allocation.

ORBA at a glance

What we know about ORBA

What they do

ORBA (Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd.) is a full-service accounting, tax, and business consulting firm located in Chicago. Recognized as one of the top 150 CPA firms in the U.S., ORBA employs around 250 professionals who serve a diverse clientele, including businesses, high-net-worth individuals, not-for-profits, and associations throughout the Midwest. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including client accounting and advisory services, tailored audit services, tax planning and compliance, and consulting for individuals. ORBA specializes in various industries such as health care, law, manufacturing, real estate, and wealth management. They utilize advanced platforms for customized strategies, providing cloud-based solutions for real-time financial access and reporting. The team consists of experienced professionals who deliver hands-on guidance and expertise to help clients achieve their financial goals.

Where they operate

Chicago, Illinois

Size profile

regional multi-site

AI opportunities

6 agent deployments worth exploring for ORBA

Automated Client Inquiry Triage and Routing

Accounting firms receive a high volume of client inquiries via email and phone. Efficiently triaging these requests to the correct department or individual ensures faster response times and improves client satisfaction. This process often consumes significant administrative staff hours.

Up to 30% reduction in manual triage time— Industry analysis of professional services automation

An AI agent monitors incoming client communications, analyzes the content to determine the nature of the request (e.g., tax, audit, advisory), and automatically routes it to the appropriate team or specialist within the firm. It can also generate initial acknowledgment responses.

Proactive Tax Compliance Monitoring and Alerts

Staying ahead of evolving tax regulations and client-specific compliance deadlines is critical for accounting firms. Manual tracking is prone to errors and missed deadlines, leading to potential penalties for clients. Proactive alerts ensure timely action.

Reduces missed compliance deadlines by over 90%— Internal audit and compliance benchmark studies

This AI agent continuously scans regulatory updates and relevant client data. It identifies upcoming compliance requirements, potential changes affecting clients, and flags any discrepancies or risks, alerting relevant client service teams and clients.

Streamlined Document Review and Data Extraction

Accounting professionals spend considerable time reviewing and extracting data from various client documents such as financial statements, invoices, and contracts. Automating this repetitive task frees up valuable time for higher-value analysis and client advisory.

20-40% faster document processing— AI adoption case studies in professional services

An AI agent analyzes uploaded documents, identifies key data points (e.g., dates, amounts, parties involved), and extracts this information into structured formats. It can also flag anomalies or missing information for human review.

Automated Audit Workpaper Preparation Assistance

The preparation of audit workpapers is a labor-intensive process involving data compilation and initial analysis. AI can assist by automating the generation of routine sections, ensuring consistency and adherence to firm standards.

15-25% reduction in workpaper preparation time— Accounting firm technology adoption surveys

This AI agent assists in the audit process by automatically populating standard workpaper templates with extracted financial data. It can perform initial data reconciliations and flag items requiring further auditor investigation.

Enhanced Client Onboarding and Data Collection

The initial onboarding of new clients involves significant data collection and verification. A streamlined process is crucial for client experience and operational efficiency. AI can automate data gathering and initial validation steps.

Reduces client onboarding time by up to 30%— Client services operational efficiency reports

An AI agent guides new clients through a digital onboarding process, collecting necessary information and documents. It performs initial validation checks on the provided data, flagging any issues for the client service team.

AI-Powered Research for Tax and Regulatory Queries

Accounting professionals frequently need to research complex tax laws, accounting standards, and regulatory changes. Efficiently finding accurate and relevant information is key to providing sound advice.

50-70% faster research cycles— Legal and financial research technology benchmarks

This AI agent acts as a research assistant, quickly searching vast databases of tax codes, regulations, and accounting pronouncements. It synthesizes information and provides concise summaries or direct answers to specific queries.

Frequently asked

Common questions about AI for accounting

What AI agents can do for accounting firms like ORBA?

AI agents can automate repetitive tasks within accounting workflows. This includes data entry and validation, accounts payable/receivable processing, bank reconciliations, and initial client onboarding document review. They can also assist with tax form preparation by gathering and organizing relevant data. For firms like ORBA, this frees up skilled staff to focus on higher-value advisory services and complex client needs.

How long does it typically take to deploy AI agents in an accounting practice?

Deployment timelines vary based on the complexity of the processes being automated and the firm's existing IT infrastructure. For targeted, single-process automation, initial deployment can range from 4-12 weeks. More comprehensive deployments involving multiple workflows might take 3-6 months. Integration with existing ERP or accounting software is a key factor in this timeline.

What are the data and integration requirements for AI agents in accounting?

AI agents require access to structured and unstructured data relevant to the tasks they will perform. This includes financial statements, invoices, receipts, client communications, and tax documents. Integration typically involves APIs connecting to accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP), document management systems, and client relationship management (CRM) platforms. Secure data handling protocols are paramount.

How do AI agents ensure compliance and data security in accounting?

Reputable AI solutions are designed with robust security measures, including encryption, access controls, and audit trails, to comply with regulations like GDPR and CCPA. For accounting firms, adherence to AICPA guidelines and industry-specific data privacy standards is critical. AI agents can be configured to flag anomalies or exceptions that require human review, maintaining oversight and control over sensitive financial data.

What kind of training is needed for accounting staff to work with AI agents?

Staff training typically focuses on understanding the capabilities and limitations of the AI agents, how to manage exceptions, and how to interpret AI-generated outputs. Training sessions are usually short, often 1-3 days, and can be delivered online or in-person. The goal is to enable staff to collaborate effectively with AI, not replace their core expertise.

Can AI agents support multi-location accounting firms?

Yes, AI agents are highly scalable and can support multi-location operations seamlessly. Once deployed and configured, they can process data and execute tasks across different branches or offices without requiring physical presence. This standardization of processes can lead to consistent service delivery and operational efficiencies across an entire firm.

What are typical pilot options for AI agent deployment in accounting?

Pilot programs often focus on automating a specific, high-volume process with a defined team. Common pilots include automating accounts payable invoice processing for a single department or handling initial client data intake for a specific service line. Pilots typically run for 1-3 months, allowing for evaluation of performance, accuracy, and user feedback before a wider rollout.

How do accounting firms measure the ROI of AI agent deployments?

ROI is typically measured by quantifying time savings on automated tasks, reduction in errors leading to rework, and increased capacity for client service or new business development. Firms often track metrics like processing time per document, error rates, and staff utilization. Benchmarks suggest that firms can see significant operational lift, often reinvesting freed-up resources into higher-margin advisory work.

Industry peers