Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming organizations by increasing productivity while introducing new challenges. This session provides a practical introduction to today's AI landscape before exploring how AI is enhancing productivity across accounting and business operations. Participants will examine the impact of AI on internal controls and privacy. The session will also highlight the environmental impact of AI and conclude with current events that illustrate emerging ethical issues and practical strategies for managing AI-related risks responsibly.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain the current AI landscape in accounting.

• Identify productivity improvements using AI within business functions.

• Evaluate AI-related risks involving internal controls.

• Describe the sustainability considerations associated with AI.

• Recognize emerging AI ethical challenges.

Speaker Bio

Kimberly Swanson Church is the Forvis Mazars Leadership Professor & Director for the School of Accountancy at Missouri State University. Her primary teaching roles include accounting information systems with an emphasis in data analytics and emerging technologies. She is an award-winning educator for her many classroom innovations using experiential learning techniques that best reflect real-world application. She served as the CPA Evolution BAR taskforce co-chair to lead the integration of data analytics onto the professional licensure exam. She has published many academic and practitioner articles and won several best paper awards. Dr. Church works actively with a variety of professional organizations and serves as a frequent invited speaker on topics related to professional development and technology disruptions to the accounting profession.