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 Kozi Checks & Balances TaxTactics News 
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January 23.2025
2 Minutes Read

How AI-Powered Risk Assessment is Transforming Modern Auditing Practices

AI-powered risk assessment concept with professional using a tablet in office.

The Transformation of Auditing Through AI

As we navigate the digital age, the auditing landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional methods, while tried and true, often struggle under the weight of increasingly complex financial environments and regulatory demands. Enter AI-powered risk assessment tools—a revolutionary shift that promises to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and overall effectiveness of the auditing process.

Why Traditional Methods Can Fall Short

Performing audits manually can be a labor-intensive and error-prone task. Auditors often find themselves bogged down by repetitive processes and unable to swiftly adjust to changes in regulations or business practices. In a world where speed and adaptability are key, these traditional approaches can leave room for potential oversight and inefficiency.

AI: A New Ally in Risk Identification

AI-powered tools use advanced algorithms and machine learning to comb through vast datasets, detecting patterns and anomalies with incredible speed. This ability to quickly analyze data allows auditors to identify potential risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. By shifting from manual oversight to algorithm-driven analysis, firms like Mercadien are not just improving their processes; they are redefining the audit profession.

The Mercadien Experience: A Real-World Success Story

Mercadien, a leading accounting firm, has seen tangible benefits from their adoption of AI tools in their audits. With these new technologies, they've enhanced their risk assessment protocols and established a more dynamic auditing environment. This case illustrates the potential for innovation not only to refine existing practices but also to elevate the role of auditors to strategic advisors embedded in the digital landscape.

The Future of Auditing: Where Do We Go From Here?

The next generation of auditing will rely heavily on AI services, with the potential for continual adaptation and improved insights as technology evolves. Companies that embrace these advances will not only streamline their audit processes but may also find themselves navigating financial landscapes with greater agility and foresight.

Conclusion: Embracing Change for Better Auditing Practices

As we look ahead, the incorporation of AI into auditing practices signals an exciting new era for the profession. This shift does more than enhance efficiency; it positions auditors as proactive guardians against risk, capable of harnessing the power of data to support informed decision-making. The future is bright for those willing to adapt and evolve, making it essential for professionals in the field to embrace the change.

Audit-Proofing Strategies

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12.23.2025

Essential Strategies to Mitigate Tariff Volatility for Global Traders

Update The Evolving Landscape of Tariffs in 2025 In the past few years, the global trade environment has undergone powerful shifts, with tariffs emerging as a pivotal focus for businesses worldwide. According to industry surveys, a staggering 76% of trade professionals view the recently instituted tariffs by the U.S. as a long-term reality impacting global commerce, rather than a short-lived disruption. As these changes reshape operational landscapes, organizations must adapt swiftly and strategically to navigate this volatility. Changing Supply Chains: A Proactive Approach Many companies are responding to these tariff challenges by overhauling their supply chains. A significant 65% of surveyed trade professionals indicated that altering sourcing patterns is necessary. This isn't just about finding lower-cost suppliers; it involves strategically diversifying supplier networks across various countries and regions. By spreading out sourcing locations, businesses can minimize dependence on specific suppliers that may be adversely affected by tariff fluctuations. Strategies like nearshoring—bringing manufacturing closer to the target market—are gaining traction, with over 51% contemplating or executing such moves to safeguard themselves against rising tariffs. Enhancing Supplier Relationships: The Art of Negotiation In the face of tariff volatility, fostering strong partnerships is essential. With 57% of businesses planning to renegotiate supplier contracts, adapting agreements to current market realities is crucial. Businesses can consider flexible pricing models, bulk purchasing agreements, and defined tariff responsibilities to share the financial burden of fluctuations. These partnerships should be seen as collaborative, aiming for mutual benefits rather than one-sided gains. Leveraging Technology: An Essential Companion Investing in technology is another vital mitigation strategy. This not only includes enhancing data analytics for real-time pricing adjustments but also implementing systems that can quickly adapt to changing costs. Businesses that integrate technology into their supply chain decision-making processes are often more adept at managing tariff-related risks. Successful Inventory Management: Planning for Profitability Identifying optimal inventory levels is key to meeting tariff challenges. Preemptively stockpiling goods before new tariffs are instituted can save organizations significant costs. However, businesses must also assess their storage and handling capacities to avoid unnecessary excess. Techniques such as using bonded warehouses or Foreign Trade Zones can provide companies with necessary flexibility while delaying tariffs until the product is sold into commerce. Building Long-term Resilience As tariffs continue to fluctuate, companies must not only cope with changes but also seek to thrive. A multifaceted approach—combining supplier diversification, advanced negotiation strategies, technology investments, and robust inventory management—allows organizations to withstand the pressures of a volatile market. The insights gleaned from industry surveys underscore the urgency of taking action now to prepare for future uncertainty. Companies should familiarize themselves with existing trade agreements that could lessen the impact of tariffs on their supply chains. By doing so, businesses can effectively navigate these waters and potentially emerge stronger than before.

12.21.2025

Unlocking Cost Savings: Discover the Power of Tariff Engineering

Update Understanding Tariff Engineering: A Game Changer for Imports As international trade shifts rapidly, companies are exploring dynamic strategies to navigate the complex landscape of import duties. One increasingly popular tactic is tariff engineering, a smart method that allows businesses to mitigate costs by redesigning products to fit into more favorable tariff classifications. What Is Tariff Engineering? Tariff engineering is essentially about modifying a product's design, materials, or construction in a way that secures a lower duty rate at importation. Rather than misrepresenting or providing false information to customs, it involves legitimate adjustments that adhere to international trade regulations. For instance, consider an apparel manufacturer that traditionally shipped fully assembled suits, incurring high tariffs. By separating the suits into individual garment components (jackets and trousers) for shipment, the company can label and classify them differently, potentially qualifying for reduced tariffs based on separate HTS subheadings recognized by customs. Legalities: Navigating Compliance The legality of tariff engineering resides within a well-defined boundary. Companies can structure their products and transactions to lower their duties as long as they remain compliant with customs laws. Misclassification or deceptive practices are strictly prohibited and can lead to serious penalties and audits. Engaging with legal professionals and customs experts ensures that your transformations align with tariff classification rules and regulations. This compliance not only protects your business but also facilitates smoother transactions and reduces the risk of future legal challenges. Benefits of Tariff Engineering: Why It Matters Tariff engineering can be a costly game changer — it helps companies save significant amounts of money on import duties. According to a recent survey, 46% of organizations are either considering or already implementing tariff engineering as a strategy against rising U.S. tariffs. Benefits include: Cost Savings: Lower duties enhance profit margins. Enhanced Competitiveness: A strategic approach allows businesses to offer better pricing. Risk Management: Reduces exposure to fluctuating tariff rates. Technology’s Role in Tariff Engineering The rise of AI-powered tools and governance technologies is revolutionizing how companies approach tariff engineering. Sophisticated classification tools help importers manage risk more efficiently by ensuring compliance and supporting the scale of tariff engineering strategies. These technologies not only streamline the classification process but also help maintain accurate records, minimizing errors while maximizing efficiency. Furthermore, automated systems adapt to changes in trade legislations, offering businesses up-to-date compliance tools necessary for successful tariff engineering. Real-World Applications: Clever Strategies That Work Many brands are already leveraging tariff engineering to their advantage. For example: Material Changes: A cosmetics company swapped synthetic leather for coated polyester, dropping duties from 17.6% to 7% without altering product appearance. Assembly Shifts: A U.S. light fixture company moved final assembly to Vietnam, lowering duties from 25% to 0% due to a change in the country of origin. Product Design: Furniture manufacturers have modified upholstered chairs to qualify under a different category, drastically reducing import duties. Each of these examples showcases how innovation in product design and strategic planning can lead to substantial financial benefits. The Future of Tariff Engineering: Trends to Watch The landscape of global trade continuously evolves, with tariff engineering reaching new heights. Companies will need to stay savvy about the changing regulations and look for opportunities in sustainability and compliance technologies. Ethical considerations will also play a critical role as accountability becomes more prominent in international trade. As we move forward, businesses that integrate ethical tariff engineering into their operational frameworks will likely lead the way in responsible trade practices, maximizing competitiveness while upholding integrity.

12.20.2025

Why Tax Preparation Automation is Crucial for Today’s Professionals

Update Why Automation is Key to Easing Tax Season Stress Tax season can feel like a marathon for tax professionals, with manual data entry, document organization, and deadline pressures dominating their workdays. According to research, professionals are spending over half their time on reactive tasks when they desire to shift focus toward strategic advisory work. This imbalance can lead to burnout and high turnover rates as the demand for work-life balance grows. The Manual Tax Preparation Trap: A Key Contributor to Burnout Every year, between January and April, you'll find tax professionals overwhelmed with tedious manual tasks. Document collection alone can be a chaotic endeavor. Tax preparers often spend hours tracking down missing information, organizing incomplete submissions, and piecing together financial records. Such chaos not only extends the tax season drag but can devastate professional morale. Manual data entry is another giant hurdle. What should take mere minutes can stretch into hours, taking valuable time away from the higher-level analytical tasks that actually provide real client value. Moreover, without an automated document management system, tax preparers can find themselves in a relentless loop of chaos, misplacing files, or drowning in outdated workpapers. Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Talent Crisis through Automation The inefficiencies of manual processes extend beyond lost productivity; they're pushing talented professionals out of the field. Long hours and relentless deadlines lead to seasonal burnout, reducing job satisfaction, and creating a workforce seeking new opportunities where work-life balance is a reality. To retain talent, firms must consider implementing tax preparation automation. Automating routine tasks doesn't just lighten the workload; it frees skilled professionals to engage in work that advances their skills and careers, such as tax planning and strategic consulting. Creating a dynamic and balanced work culture is essential to keeping top talent in the industry. Ready to Review: Your Solution for Efficient Tax Preparation Automation The introduction of innovative platforms like Thomson Reuters' Ready to Review significantly transforms how tax professionals navigate the busy season. Instead of drowning in data entry, preparers can automate data collection and preparation. With features that analyze source documents and auto-populate tax returns, tax teams transition effortlessly from data gathering to the review stage in record time. These advancements empower tax professionals to expand their client base without the need for proportional increases in staff. As teams can manage larger volumes of work without burnout, organizations become more profitable and sustainable across the busy season. Conclusion: Embracing Automation for Future Success As the tax landscape evolves, embracing automation becomes not just advantageous but essential for success. Tax professionals who adopt technology like automation tools can navigate their responsibilities more effectively and focus on what truly matters—advising clients, driving strategy, and ultimately enjoying a better work-life balance. Now is the time to bring automation into your tax preparation process for a healthier, more productive tax season.

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