John Savigano CPA: Think Human Not AI

January 1, 2023

6 Min Read

Undoubtedly, technology is increasingly prevalent in the finance industry in today’s digital age. However, while Bottom Line Consulting CEO John Savignano CPA recognizes the value of automation and other technological advancements, he also underscores the importance of something else: maintaining a human approach.

Here’s a closer look at Savignano’s argument for keeping people at the center of the accounting equation—even as reliance on automation continues to grow within the industry.

Who is John Savignano CPA?

John Savignano brings a wealth of experience in the finance and accounting industries to his role as CEO of New York City tax research, compliance and consulting firm Bottom Line Consulting.

After completing his B.S. in Accounting summa cum laude, followed by his M.S. in Taxation, Savignano went on to hold a number of leadership positions in both corporate finance and accounting, including for PwC, Carl Zeiss AG, Artnet.com, ICAP, Mastercard International, and Gettry Marcus Stern & Lehrer, CPA, P.C. These experiences led to the launch of his own certified public accounting firm, Savignano Accountants & Advisors. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Business.

In his current capacity at Bottom Line Consulting, John Savignano CPA draws upon this extensive breadth and depth of evolving industry knowledge and experience to advise clients on their financial affairs. He’s also galvanized to share his insights within the finance and accounting communities.

John Savignano on the Power of Personalization

On the surface, accounting is a numbers game. And accounting indeed requires a keen mind for math. However, this also makes it an excellent match for the benefits of automation.

However, Savignano is eager to point out that accounting—as well as the finance industry—is about much more than spreadsheets. It’s also intimate and personal work that relies heavily on forming connections and building networks.

Discussions about money are inherently delicate, and people aren’t eager to answer questions or talk openly about this topic, according to Savignano. But, at the same time, open lines of communication are essential to positioning clients to reach their financial goals.

This is where relationship-building comes in. Explains Savignano, “I’m not going to get into the kinds of questions I can ask people, but I can ask them any question, and they’ll give me the answer because I have that rapport or that level of trust with them.”

Beyond Numbers: Why the Human Touch Matters

Accountants can know what numbers mean for their clients—if they’re provided with access to the proper information. Approachability, personalization, and other soft skills also help accountants speak to their clients in a language they’ll understand and accept.

Regardless of the inevitable disruptions that drive the industry forward, there’s ultimately no substitute for this, Savignano insists.

One strategy Savignano recommends for accountants to connect meaningfully with clients? Lead with empathy. The average person isn’t necessarily privy to the latest industry trends and issues. They may not even clearly understand their own financial challenges. By talking to them, listening to them, and putting themselves in their clients’ shoes, finance professionals can better understand current and future issues to address them.

People + technology = A Formula for Accounting Success.

There’s no denying that automation has transformed the accounting industry. According to Savignano, however, A.I. is not a substitute for human interaction. Rather, it’s a compliment to it.

By simplifying and streamlining routine accounting processes such as scanning and recording invoices, reconciling ledgers, and linking sources and information, A.I. can improve speed and accuracy while simultaneously freeing up accountants to focus more directly on higher-impact tasks.

Again, Savignano cautions that too much reliance on A.I. and technology can ultimately do more harm than good by distancing accountants from the critical human aspects of their work. The good news? Facilitating connections with clients doesn’t require substantial time-consuming gestures. Even something as simple as returning a phone call or meeting up for a quick cup of coffee goes a long way.

“You can tell people who care about their jobs and people who don’t care about your jobs. There’s a big percentage of the time where people are just going through the motions. They’re just talking. They don’t know what they’re talking about. The day goes by; whatever they don’t finish today, they don’t even consider it for tomorrow; they start new,” he says.

While this approach may get you through from day to day, it does nothing to create chemistry with clients. This is a significant missed opportunity for finance professionals—not only to help their clients achieve better financial outcomes but also to cultivate lasting loyalty. And at a time when competition for clients is fierce, retaining existing ones is priceless, as is gaining client referrals toward new business.

John Savignano on the Real Value of Accounting

Savignano also offers an invaluable perspective on the role of accountants—which is not just to “put the number in the box, make sure it lines up, blah blah” but instead that accounting is a service business with the goal of adding value to client lives.

“I consider myself more of an advisor. I didn’t want to say a business advisor. I’m becoming more of a life advisor at this stage. But the more I know, the better I can help clients and myself,” he continues.

While growing up in a family business that was all about customer service laid the groundwork for success in his career, his ongoing commitment to maintaining a human element has helped John Savignano CPA become a skilled accountant and a trusted advisor to his clients.

Savignano’s ultimate takeaway for those looking to build equally satisfying and successful careers? While A.I. has powerful potential, it is ultimately just a tool. Using that tool to its best capabilities relies on maintaining a people-first attitude above all else.