Technology can be your biggest accelerator—or your biggest anchor. Are you charting your tech course strategically, or reacting when things break? Are you planning for future training and costs, or settling for "good enough" until it’s too late?

With AI advancing rapidly and critical software like Windows 10, Office 2016, and Office 2019 reaching end-of-life this October, many organizations are standing at a crossroads. The pace of change is relentless. The hype is constant. And the stakes—security, efficiency, cost—are only growing. So how do you stay smart and strategic without falling for sales fluff? How do you balance innovation with practicality? 

Let’s talk about building a tech strategy that’s proactive, purposeful, and built to last.

So, What Solutions Provide Technological Breakthroughs for Accountants?

AI, machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA) will positively impact accounting for many years. Our current standard end-user technology recommendations are:

PC Buyer	Mac Buyer
Windows 11, Microsoft 365	MacOS, Microsoft 365
Intel Core Ultra & AMD Ryzen 5-9	M3/M4 PRO/MAX ARM
Dedicated GPU (ARC, Radeon)	Dedicated ProRes graphics
32-64GB of RAM, DDR5	8-128GB of RAM (DDR5 Unified)
PCIe Gen 4 128GB-1TB of NVM Express Solid-State drive (NVMe)	PCIe Gen 4 128GB-2TB of NVM Express Solid-State drive (NVMe)
Thunderbolt 5, for HDMI/USB	Thunderbolt 5, for HDMI/USB

Not All PCs Are Created Equal: Understanding AI-Enabled vs. Standard PCs

Even in today’s cloud-first, SaaS-driven world, it’s important to know what sets an AI-enabled PC apart from a standard machine. These aren’t just faster—they’re built with intelligent, task-specific hardware and software to handle modern workloads. 

Here are five key features that define an AI-enabled PC:

1. Neural Processing Unit (NPU): Unlike standard PCs, AI-enabled models include a dedicated NPU—hardware designed to accelerate AI and machine learning tasks efficiently and with minimal power usage.
   
2. Copilot+ Integration: Many AI PCs come with Microsoft Copilot+, delivering built-in AI assistance for tasks like image generation, real-time transcription, and intelligent search.
   
3. Enhanced Performance: These machines are tuned for AI workloads—featuring high-performance CPUs, GPUs, and memory to support everything from advanced analytics to training AI models.
   
4. Local AI Processing: AI PCs can run many tasks locally instead of relying on the cloud. This means better performance, improved data privacy, and the ability to work offline.
   
5. Adaptive Intelligence: With onboard machine learning capabilities, AI-enabled PCs can analyze patterns, learn user behavior, and make smart adjustments on the fly.

What Should I Do? 

Develop a technology roadmap that aligns with your firm’s growth strategy and long-term goals. Prioritize security and scalability, and commit to annual reviews to assess effectiveness. Budget intentionally for technology investments, evaluate the costs and benefits of automation and AI, eliminate redundant software, and take advantage of available tax incentives. Just as important, invest in training and change management to drive adoption and proactively address employee resistance.

To boost efficiency, automate routine tasks like bookkeeping and reporting, implement real-time dashboards for performance insights, and use AI assistants to handle client inquiries and scheduling. Regularly evaluate your technology’s ROI and conduct cost-benefit reviews to ensure your tools are working as hard as you are. Avoid common missteps—like underutilized software—by staying intentional and strategic.

By following these steps and tailoring your approach to your firm’s unique needs, you’ll reduce surprises, unlock real value, and put your technology to work for you—not the other way around.

Hear from Tech Pioneer Randy Johnston at PEAK

Randy Johnston—entrepreneur, technologist, and co-owner of K2 Enterprises—has spent his career helping CPAs navigate complex technology with clarity and confidence. He’s the founder of Network Management Group, co-host of The Accounting Technology Lab podcast, and a trusted voice in the profession.At PEAK, Randy will bring his deep expertise to the stage with a no-fluff tech update designed to help you make smarter decisions about the tools your firm needs now and in the future. Explore more at k2e.com and join us to hear Randy live this November.