How to Brief, Manage and Check AI Like a Member of Your Team
A year ago, AI answered your questions. Now it can do the work. In one practical three-hour session, I'll show you what that looks like on real accounting work, and how to get your firm ready for it, even if you wouldn't call yourself technical.
Mark Wickersham FCA
Chartered Accountant · AI Academy
Sound familiar?
Have you felt it too?
Every few weeks there's another AI tool, another update, another announcement you're apparently already behind on. One member described it as drinking from a high-pressure hose.
You know AI matters. You've probably had a go with ChatGPT or Claude. You've also got clients to look after, a team to run and a deadline on Friday.
If so, you're not alone.
Here's what I've found.
In my experience, the accountants getting real results aren't the most technical ones. They've worked out something you already do every day.
They give a clear brief.
They check the work.
They know what to hand over and what to keep for themselves.
That's management. And AI is becoming something you manage.
That's what this session is about.
"It's like drinking from a high-pressure hose."
— How one member described keeping up with AI, in our June session
attendances at Mark's live AI sessions this year. Real examples, real numbers, no hype.
What you'll see and take away
You won't just hear about AI. You'll see it done.
Six things you'll take away, demonstrated live.
Where AI is heading
What has changed in AI over the last twelve months, in plain English, and which parts matter to a firm like yours.
How to brief AI
How to brief AI so the first answer is one you can use, with prompt templates you can copy straight away.
From numbers to advisory
A live demonstration of a client's numbers turning into a dashboard, using one of the apps I've built for AI Academy members, and then into advisory insight you could put in front of that client.
How to check the work
How to check AI's work, and the points where a person always signs off.
How to do it safely
How to use AI on real client work without putting confidential information at risk.
Getting your firm ready
What to put in place in your firm now, so you're ready for what's coming.
"A project that would have taken me over 5 hours took less than 15 minutes: data wrangling across about 12 tabs in an Excel workbook."
Sheila, AI Academy member
Why this is different
Most AI training tells you what's possible. You leave impressed, and on Monday morning nothing has changed.
This session is a working demonstration. I'll use real examples, real numbers and real prompts, live, and explain each step as I go.
You don't need to build anything while it's running. Watch, take notes and put your questions in the chat. Afterwards you'll know exactly what to do first.
AI isn't here to replace you. Used properly, it's the biggest opportunity this profession has had in a generation: better work, in less time, for clients who value it. Let me show you how.
What we'll cover live
Six things, one live session.
Live and practical, approximately three hours.
Where AI is heading
What changed this year, and why it matters for a firm. If you joined my livestream on 29 October, this is where we start putting it to work. If you missed it, you'll get the short version.
Briefing AI
Why a clear brief beats a clever prompt, and the templates I use.
A live demonstration
A client's financial statements become a dashboard, using one of the apps I've built for AI Academy members. Then I'll run two prompts from the Prompt Library to pull out advisory insight you could take to that client.
Checking the work
Where AI gets it wrong, and where you must stay in the loop.
Doing it safely
Using AI on real client work without exposing confidential data.
Getting your firm ready
What to put in place now.
Near the end I'll show you how my AI Academy can help you go further. There's no obligation.
Two free resources
You get one for registering. The other is for showing up.
The Pre-Session Workbook
You'll get the Pre-Session Workbook straight away, a short practical guide to get you ready and help you get the most from the session.
The complete AI for Accountants Guide
You'll get the complete guide, with everything filled in. It's for live attendees only. It isn't sent beforehand and it isn't in the replay.
This is for you if…
- You run or work in an accounting or bookkeeping firm, and you know AI matters but not how to make it count on real client work.
- You've tried ChatGPT or Claude and want to get from "clever" to properly useful.
- You want to see it done on real examples, and to know where it's heading so you can plan.
It's probably not for you if…
- You want a done-for-you service rather than the skills to do it yourself.
- You want a course in writing code.
- You only want a quick overview. This is a full three-hour session.
Your host
Mark Wickersham FCA
About Mark
A Chartered Accountant teaching the profession to put AI to work.
Mark Wickersham is a UK Chartered Accountant. He sold his own accounting firm in 2006 and has spent the years since teaching firm owners around the world to price better, grow faster and, more recently, put AI to work.
He runs his own business with AI every day, and teaches it the practical way: real examples, real numbers, no hype. This year, his live AI sessions have had 1,297 attendances.
What accountants say
From accountants already doing it.
"It has enabled me to give structured advisory advice and set up some advisory services."
"You have alleviated some of the fear I had of AI. I've joined with the intention of becoming more confident with it."
"I'm in my 70s and I love AI — I use it every day."
"The support is very practical. Mark is always there to answer questions and keeps on top of changes as soon as they happen."
"Claude helps with my spreadsheets and saves hours."
"You are "The AI Master". I always learn something new."
But what about…
The worries we hear most.
"I'm not technical."
Good. This is built for you. There's no code. If you can use email and Excel, you can follow everything in this session.
"I'm worried I've left it too late."
One of our keenest members is in his 70s and uses AI every day. It has never been easier to start.
"Which AI tool do I need?"
Whichever you already have. The approach works across ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot and the rest. Some of the newest tools aren't available in the UK or Europe yet. I'll tell you which, so you don't waste time chasing something you can't use.
"Isn't it risky with client data?"
It can be, if you don't know the rules. I'll show you how to use AI on real work while keeping confidential information safe.
"I don't have three spare hours."
Fair. Treat it as a working session for your firm. You'll leave with the templates, the guide and a clear list of what to do first.
Frequently asked
Questions, answered.
Save your free seat
Come and see where AI is heading, and how to get your firm ready for it.
Wednesday 18 November 2026 · 3:30pm UK · approximately 3 hours, live. Register now and your Pre-Session Workbook is on its way.
Mark Wickersham FCA
Chartered Accountant · AI Academy