The latest in an ongoing series of articles about innovation transformation in the Schneider Downs Audit Practice
When I joined Schneider Downs just over a year ago as an audit staff member, I expected to spend most of my time learning the fundamentals of the profession—workpapers, testing, documentation, and everything that comes with life in public accounting. What I didn’t expect was the opportunity to be part of something much bigger: helping our firm transform how we audit.
Today, I serve on our Audit Innovation Transformation Committee, a group focused on reimagining the audit process through technology, enhanced methodology, and new ways of working. Being part of this effort has been one of the most rewarding parts of my early career, and I’ve seen firsthand how the combination of Dynamic Audit Solutions (DAS) and Artificial Intelligence is helping Schneider Downs modernize and elevate our audit practice.
A Fresh Perspective in the DAS Proof of Concept
My involvement began when I was invited to join one of the firm’s early DAS proof of concept teams. Having previously interned using the older Engagement platform, I came in with enough experience to understand the process but not so much that I was tied to the “same as last year” way of doing things.
That turned out to be valuable.
Throughout testing, I found myself questioning steps that seemed unnecessarily repetitive or outdated. I asked why we documented certain things the way we did, whether the order of procedures still made sense, and where automation could reduce manual effort. Those conversations helped uncover opportunities to streamline workpapers, improve workflows, and maximize what DAS could do for us.
At first, DAS seemed overwhelming—there were new screens, new data flows, and a completely new way of structuring documentation. But as I dug in, the logic behind it became clear. DAS is intuitive once you understand its design philosophy:
- Automated linkages keep related procedures connected
- Built in references and links make auditing standards easier to navigate
- Clear workflows eliminate ambiguity about required steps
The platform reduces friction and puts the focus on auditing rather than navigating software.
Where AI Fits In: Powering Efficiency Behind the Scenes
One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve encountered is the idea that DAS is an artificial intelligence platform. It’s not. But Schneider Downs is integrating AI with DAS in a way that amplifies the value of both.
I’ve been deeply involved in how AI supports our transition:
- Migrating Data from Engagement to DAS
Copilot helps analyze legacy workpapers from Engagement and draft portions to align with the new DAS format. This saves time for engagement teams and speeds up the transition. - Creating Agents That Answer DAS Questions
We’ve built custom Copilot “agents” that staff can query about DAS processes, workflows, and terminology. Instead of searching manuals or waiting for someone to reply, auditors get instant answers drawn from verified internal resources. - Pulling Information from Guides and References
Copilot helps surface content from our internal resource guides, methodology updates, and checklists—reducing the time teams spend searching for the right guidance.
By pairing DAS’s workflow improvements with Copilot’s information retrieval and automation capabilities, we’re seeing real, measurable efficiencies.
Helping the Practice Learn and Adopt New Tools
For any organization introducing transformative new tools and technologies, there is an enterprise-wide learning curve to make sure all team members – from the long-tenured veteran to the most-recently hired staff – understand the principal concepts and understand the “playbook.”
A major part of our committee’s mission is making sure these innovations don’t stay siloed. My role includes:
- Creating resource guides and “tips and tricks”
- Updating workflow instructions based on lessons learned
- Drafting Copilot prompts that staff can use for analysis or data transfer
- Identifying recurring questions and creating tools or resource sheets to answer them
- Serving as a day to day point of contact for staff who may hesitate to ask seniors or managers
I enjoy being the person people come to when they’re unsure about how to navigate DAS or want help using Copilot effectively. Teaching others—and learning from their questions—has made me better at my own work and more connected to the broader audit team.
Why This Work Matters
Since my internship, I’ve seen Schneider Downs evolve rapidly in how we adopt technology. The firm is investing in improving the audit experience—not just for efficiency, but for quality, collaboration, and job satisfaction. DAS and Copilot are big pieces of that transformation.
Being part of this journey so early in my career has given me a sense of ownership and contribution that I didn’t expect. I’m grateful to be part of the Audit Innovation Transformation Committee, and I’m excited to continue helping our practice evolve.
The true value of innovation comes when all of us—not just a committee—embrace it. And I’m proud to help make that happen at Schneider Downs.
About Schneider Downs Audit and Assurance Services
Schneider Downs’ engagement teams are hand-selected by our shareholders based on skill sets and experience and are available around the clock for consultation. Each attestation engagement is subject to our comprehensive quality control and risk management system, providing an independent review of audit opinions, related financial statements and significant underlying working papers, to ensure that the highest levels of professional standards are met.
To learn more, visit our Audit and Assurance page, or contact us at [email protected]
