Sally, or to be precise SALY (Same As Last Year), has been a beloved companion of accounting firms for the past century. Like that comfortable old sweater you can’t seem to part with, SALY represented a familiar, reliable way of doing business. But times are changing, and the world’s leading accounting firms are discovering exciting new partnerships with data technology and AI that make SALY look, well, no match for today’s business challenges.
What’s inside:
- Transform your annual audit into a value-generating powerhouse by implementing real-time data monitoring that spots business opportunities months before your competitors
- Learn how standardized data unlocks the full potential of your existing tech stack – from audit tools to AI platforms – while future-proofing your technology investments
- Discover how modern audit approaches help retain top talent by replacing manual data gathering with strategic analysis and advisory work
The AI Reality Check: Why Data Comes First
According to Gartner, 78% of CFOs cite poor data quality as the biggest barrier to AI adoption in finance functions.
Many firms are rushing to implement AI solutions, only to discover their data isn’t ready. It’s like trying to build a smart city on shifting sand – without standardized, flowing data, even the most sophisticated AI tools will struggle to deliver value.
For nearly a century, we’ve conducted audits in essentially the same way – manually gathering information, photocopying documents, and spreading data across endless spreadsheets. Even in 2025, many firms still rely on importing Excel files into analysis tools to conduct audits. But here’s the reality: you can’t compete in tomorrow’s market using yesterday’s tools.
Creating Year-Round Value: Beyond the Annual Audit
One of the biggest game-changers is having access to current data throughout the year. Remember the dreaded Q1 “busy season” that led to 60-hour weeks and team burnout? That old rite of passage is becoming obsolete as leading firms transform audit into a year-round advisory service.
According to McKinsey, firms that provide continuous monitoring and insights see a 40% increase in revenue per client compared to traditional audit-only relationships.
Monthly Insights That Matter
Let me share a story about a client who manufactures snow shovels. In the traditional SALY world, discovering a sales spike from a late April storm during your February audit is interesting but not particularly useful.
But imagine this instead: You’re monitoring your client’s data monthly, combining it with weather service predictions. Now you’re helping optimize:
- Working capital through smart inventory management
- Supply chain efficiency with predictive demand analysis
- Competitive positioning through real-time market response
Three Ways Technology Is Revolutionizing Audit Value
For Clients: From Hindsight to Foresight
- Spot business trends as they emerge
- Identify potential risks before they become problems
- Access strategic insights based on real-time data analysis
For Firms: Expanded Service Opportunities
- ESG reporting and sustainability analysis
- Predictive risk assessment
- Strategic advisory services
For Teams: Tomorrow’s Audit Career
- Less manual data gathering, more strategic analysis
- Skills development in high-demand areas like data analytics and AI
- Better work-life balance through distributed workload
Future-Proof Your Practice
The exciting part? This transformation isn’t limited to firms with massive budgets. The barrier to entry for these technologies has never been lower. But success requires the right foundation – standardized, flowing data that can power whatever innovations tomorrow brings.
The Real Question
While SALY served us well for many years, it’s now holding firms back from reaching their full potential. As audit technology evolves, the firms that thrive will be those with a strong data foundation that can easily adopt new tools and adapt to changing requirements. The question isn’t whether to move beyond SALY, but how quickly you can make the transition before your competitors do.
