{"id":70248,"date":"2026-05-12T06:08:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/industry\/microsoft-in-business\/?p=70248"},"modified":"2026-05-12T06:08:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:08:17","slug":"how-grant-thornton-is-building-an-ai-powered-professional-services-firm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/industry\/microsoft-in-business\/era-of-ai\/2026\/05\/12\/how-grant-thornton-is-building-an-ai-powered-professional-services-firm\/","title":{"rendered":"How Grant Thornton is building an AI\u2011powered professional services firm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Across professional services, artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing how work is performed, how services are delivered, and how firms think about long\u2011term differentiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For leaders in audit, tax, and advisory services, expectations are evolving. Clients are looking for greater efficiency, more consistent insight, and deeper expertise\u2014while continuing to expect strong governance, security, and professional judgment. Meeting those expectations requires more than experimentation. It requires intentional change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grantthornton.com\/\">Grant Thornton<\/a>,<\/strong> that change is already underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During Microsoft\u2019s AI Tour in New York, <strong>Mike Kempe, Chief Information Officer at Grant Thornton<\/strong>, shared how the firm is approaching AI as part of a broader effort to evolve its operating model\u2014embedding intelligence into day\u2011to\u2011day work while maintaining the trust and accountability required in professional services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"moving-beyond-pilots-toward-an-ai-enabled-operating-model\">Moving beyond pilots toward an AI\u2011enabled operating model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For Grant Thornton, the discussion around AI began with a focus on readiness and relevance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe see AI as changing our industry,\u201d Kempe explains. \u201cOur focus has been on understanding how it can support the work our people do every day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than treating AI as a standalone initiative, the firm has taken steps to introduce AI capabilities across its service lines and internal functions. The emphasis has been on practical application\u2014identifying where AI can enhance efficiency, improve consistency, and support better decision-making\u2014while reinforcing the importance of human expertise and oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"AI in everything: From manual work to consistent delivery\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/lkxQE07VxiY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"applying-ai-internally-before-extending-it-to-clients\">Applying AI internally before extending it to clients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A defining element of Grant Thornton\u2019s approach is how closely internal use informs client delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New AI capabilities are first introduced internally, allowing teams to understand their impact, limitations, and adoption considerations. Those learnings are then used to shape how similar approaches may be applied in client\u2011facing services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEverything we\u2019re doing internally helps inform the work we do with clients,\u201d Kempe notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach allows Grant Thornton to ground its client conversations in experience\u2014sharing what has worked, what required adjustment, and what governance considerations emerged along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"embedding-ai-into-everyday-workflows\">Embedding AI into everyday workflows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As adoption has progressed, Grant Thornton has taken a practical approach to applying AI within existing workflows, strengthening current processes through targeted enhancements. By using AI capabilities within familiar tools and environments, teams are able to incorporate AI into their work with less disruption. In parallel, the firm has explored the use of custom AI agents to support specific processes, such as research, proposal development, and internal controls testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThese tools help reduce manual effort and improve consistency,\u201d Kempe explains, \u201cso our professionals can focus more of their time on higher\u2011value work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The firm continues to evaluate and expand these use cases over time, guided by feedback from practitioners and evolving business needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taken together, these shifts reflect a broader change underway in professional services\u2014where AI is becoming part of the operating fabric, not a separate initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"balancing-innovation-with-governance-and-responsibility\">Balancing innovation with governance and responsibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a regulated industry, adopting AI requires careful consideration of security, data protection, and responsible use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grant Thornton has taken steps to align AI adoption with existing governance frameworks, including risk management processes and data safeguards. This helps ensure that new capabilities are introduced thoughtfully and in a way that supports long\u2011term trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe want to move forward thoughtfully,\u201d Kempe says, \u201cmaking sure we have the right guardrails in place as we adopt new capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"supporting-people-through-change\">Supporting people through change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the technology involved, Kempe emphasizes that AI adoption is fundamentally a people\u2011focused effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grant Thornton invested in onboarding, enablement, and change management to help teams understand how AI fits into their roles and how it can support\u2014not replace\u2014their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is about helping our people be successful,\u201d Kempe explains. \u201cAI works best when it complements human judgment and experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As AI takes on more routine or time\u2011consuming tasks, skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and professional judgment remain central to delivering quality outcomes for clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"looking-ahead-evolving-the-professional-services-model\">Looking ahead: evolving the professional services model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, Grant Thornton sees AI influencing not only how work is performed, but how services are structured and delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI creates opportunities to rethink aspects of service delivery, improve repeatability, and explore new ways of supporting clients\u2014while continuing to rely on professional expertise and oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re continuing to evaluate how AI can support new ways of working,\u201d Kempe says, \u201cand how that may shape the future of professional services.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-familiar-foundation-for-ai-adoption\">A familiar foundation for AI adoption<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Grant Thornton\u2019s existing technology environment played an important role in how AI was introduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because collaboration, data, and security workflows were already established within Microsoft platforms, AI adoption could build on a familiar foundation rather than introducing parallel systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat existing foundation made it easier to explore AI in a way that felt connected to how our teams already work,\u201d Kempe explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"from-exploration-to-execution\">From exploration to execution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Grant Thornton\u2019s experience reflects a broader shift underway across professional services. As AI capabilities mature, firms are moving beyond experimentation toward more deliberate, execution\u2011focused models that embed intelligence directly into daily work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By aligning AI adoption with governance, integrating it into existing workflows, and keeping people at the center of change, Grant Thornton offers a practical example of how organizations can translate AI ambition into operational progress\u2014without compromising trust or professional judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"continue-your-ai-journey-with-microsoft\">Continue your AI journey with Microsoft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoft-365-copilot?msockid=3aaca837ab9a6e5829c3beefaaaf6f2f\">Explore Microsoft 365 Copilot<br><\/a>Bring AI into the flow of work across Microsoft 365 apps to help teams create, summarize, and move faster.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/microsoft-365-copilot\/microsoft-copilot-studio\/\">Build with Copilot Studio<br><\/a>Create and deploy custom agents grounded in your business data\u2014then publish across the channels your teams use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/info.microsoft.com\/ww-landing-ai-agents-your-competitive-edge-in-the-digital-era.html?lcid=en-us\">Learn what AI agents can unlock<\/a><br>Discover how agents can help organizations move from answering questions to taking action across business processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This thought leadership piece is part of <strong>Microsoft in Business<\/strong> coverage from AI Tour New York, highlighting how leaders are translating AI strategy into real\u2011world execution at scale. Explore more conversations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/industry\/microsoft-in-business\/business-insights\/2026\/04\/01\/scaling-ai-with-confidence-how-leaders-are-using-ai-to-drive-enterprise-transformation\/\">Scaling AI with confidence: How leaders are using AI to drive enterprise transformation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/industry\/microsoft-in-business\/era-of-ai\/2026\/04\/07\/when-ai-delivers-real-value-not-just-potential\/\">When AI delivers real value, not just potential<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/industry\/microsoft-in-business\/thought-leadership\/2026\/04\/14\/why-ai-is-an-operating-model-shift-not-a-technology-upgrade\/\">Why AI is an operating model shift\u2014Not a technology upgrade<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/industry\/microsoft-in-business\/era-of-ai\/2026\/04\/23\/when-ai-becomes-an-accelerant-not-an-experiment\/\">When AI becomes an accelerant, not an experiment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/industry\/microsoft-in-business\/thought-leadership\/2026\/04\/21\/ai-as-a-platform-shift-not-another-experiment\/\">AI as a platform shift, not another experiment<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Across professional services, artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing how work is performed, how services are delivered, and how firms think about long\u2011term differentiation. For leaders in audit, tax, and advisory services, expectations are evolving. Clients are looking for greater efficiency, more consistent insight, and deeper expertise\u2014while continuing to expect strong governance, security, and professional judgment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":899,"featured_media":70249,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"_classifai_error":"","_classifai_text_to_speech_error":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1733],"post_tag":[1992,1662,1974,1745,1994,1949],"content-type":[1079],"coauthors":[790],"class_list":["post-70248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-era-of-ai","tag-agentic-ai","tag-ai","tag-ai-agents","tag-copilot","tag-copilot-agents","tag-microsoft-365-copilot","content-type-thought-leadership"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Grant Thornton is building an 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