Episode #171: AI & Automation with Chad Davis

In this episode of The Thrivecast, host Jason Blumer interviews Chad Davis, partner at LiveCA, one of Canada's original virtual accounting firms. Chad brings over a decade of experience building remote-first operations and shares practical insights about AI adoption and automation strategies. He emphasizes that automation should never be a firm's top three priorities, positioning AI as a powerful tool that enhances existing operations rather than a revolutionary change. The conversation explores the distinction between generative AI (creating new content) and agentic AI (taking autonomous actions), while Chad demonstrates how LiveCA evolved from single-person tech dependency to a distributed team model where multiple staff members develop automation skills. 

Chad provides a practical framework for AI implementation, categorizing technology spending into three buckets: core non-negotiables (accounting software), utilities (gap-filling tools), and the emerging category of AI tools that function as always-available thought partners. He advocates for starting with low-risk applications like meeting transcription to build team confidence, while emphasizing the critical importance of data organization as foundational infrastructure for future AI adoption. Chad candidly discusses LiveCA's strategic evolution, including their move away from CFO services to focus on controller-level work and their transition from value pricing back to budgeted hours when scaling to 120 employees made the former operationally challenging. 

The episode concludes with actionable advice for accounting professionals beginning their AI journey, with Chad noting that technological proficiency can be achieved in just five to ten hours of focused learning. He shares his approach to staying current through monthly AI industry roundups and building learning communities, while addressing security considerations and the competitive landscape among AI providers. Chad's Automation Town community exemplifies his philosophy of creating structured environments where accounting professionals can develop technical skills while maintaining focus on client service excellence, demonstrating that successful AI adoption requires both strategic thinking and hands-on experimentation. 

About the Guest Chad Davis is a partner at LiveCA, one of Canada's pioneering virtual accounting firms founded in 2013. With over a decade of experience building remote-first operations, Chad has guided the firm's growth from startup to a 60-person organization serving clients across North America. He specializes in automation and AI implementation for professional service firms, sharing his expertise through daily LinkedIn content and his Automation Town community. Chad's practical approach to technology adoption focuses on building sustainable systems that enhance rather than replace human expertise. His monthly AI industry roundups have become a valuable resource for accounting professionals seeking to stay current with rapidly evolving technology trends. When not exploring the latest automation tools, Chad focuses on creating learning opportunities that help accounting teams develop technical skills while maintaining their focus on client service excellence.