Summary: Generative AI is transforming how work gets done in Canada—across accounting, finance, and every professional field. Leading experts, including Wharton’s Ethan Mollick, say the time to start is NOW. You don’t need to be a techie; just follow a few simple steps to get real value right away. This guide provides a quick, practical entry point.
1. Choose an AI Tool
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Free options: ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot in Office 365.
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Paid/advanced: ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4) or Copilot Pro for deeper features.
2. Start with Everyday Tasks
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Summarize emails, meeting notes, and articles.
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Draft client memos, HR documents, or proposals.
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Brainstorm marketing ideas, checklists, or workflow improvements.
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Research regulations, summarize CRA updates, or draft standard operating procedures.
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Translate or reword messages for clients or teams.
3. Write Clear Prompts
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Give detailed, specific instructions (context, desired format, audience).
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Examples:
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“Summarize this GST/HST update for a small business owner in plain English.”
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“List 3 ways a Canadian tech startup could improve cash flow management.”
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“Draft a checklist for onboarding new employees in Xero.”
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4. Review and Fact-Check
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Always verify: AI can make mistakes or “hallucinate.” Never send outputs to clients without your review.
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Treat AI as a draft generator, not a final authority.
5. Protect Confidentiality
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Never share private client data in public AI tools.
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For sensitive or client-specific work, use secure, enterprise-approved AI solutions. Ask your Savvy-CFO advisor for guidance.
Mollick’s “Four Rules of AI” for Everyone
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Use AI for real work. It’s a force multiplier—not “cheating.”
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Treat AI as a “colleague.” Get drafts, options, and brainstorming help.
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Double-check everything. You’re still the expert.
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Stay up-to-date. AI is evolving quickly; keep learning.
Read Mollick’s original guide here: You Need to Be Using AI Right Now.