Arkansas
Artificial intelligence “explosion” has changed the accounting industry in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Accounting firms in Arkansas are aggressively adopting artificial intelligence tools. The field is among the most impacted by the AI boom because it is so data-centered.
“All the accounting firms, you know, medium size to large firms that I’ve been talking to, they have incorporated AI to some extent,” said Dr. Gaurav Kumar, a professor of accounting at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Artificial intelligence can do in an instant work that used to take accountants many hours.
Landmark CPAs is at the forefront of the industry’s shift to AI in Arkansas and says the technology has all but eliminated the need for entry-level accountants to punch in numbers for W-2s and 1099s.
“Being able to use software that can auto-populate, can read documents and populate that into the return for us has really made a big difference,” said Rocky Goodman, a tax partner at Landmark.
And it’s the same with audits—AI can look for discrepancies and verify cash payments at lightning speed.
“It’s going to do it like that, whereas it used to take a staff maybe five to 10 hours,” said Michael Pierce, a Landmark audit partner.
And contrary to fears, Landmark says AI isn’t costing accountants jobs but plugging a gap created by a workforce shortage in the industry.
The advantages of AI are clear, but it also demands investment in cybersecurity and ensuring data privacy.
“One of the concerns is privacy. So, you know, if the staff is using personal AI tools, client data could be exposed. So firms must provide kind of secure, enterprise-grade AI options and clear policies,” Kumar told KATV.
Landmark plays it safe and uses enterprise-level AI tools.
“Our IT department obviously spends a lot of time researching to ensure that we don’t have any issues with client information being included in the learning modules that are building out these AIs,” Pierce told KATV.
Another concern is that, despite its rapid growth, AI is not infallible.
“AI can still produce incorrect or sometimes made-up information it can automate tasks, but it cannot replace judgment, ethics, or the ability to interpret complex tax laws or business scenarios,” Kumar said. “So, you know, that’s where a professional CPA, professional accountants, come in—review is essential.”
For that reason, and because data input is no longer a burden, Landmark is hiring CPAs for more of an analytical role.
“It does take a different skill set for someone than it did prior to the AI explosion,” Goodman told KATV.
But AI is reshaping the accounting industry in other ways as well.
“It’s also another challenge because AI is reducing the number of hours it takes to do a work, and traditionally accounting firms have always billed their clients on an hourly basis. So now AI is kind of pressuring firms to shift away from hourly billing and move more towards value pricing and subscription based advisory. So it’s kind of like they have to change their whole model,” Kumar told KATV.
Another factor is the cost of AI—like other firms, Landmark has had to spend a lot of money to stay competitive in its rapidly changing industry.
There is immense pressure to adopt AI, and it’s not limited to accounting firms.
“I’ve been seeing that companies in Central Arkansas are eager to move forward, but they’re trying to do it judiciously,” said Marla Johnson, tech entrepreneur-in-residence at UALR.
Arkansas
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Arkansas
Arkansas Athletics, CommunityAmerica Credit Union launch multi-year partnership including Razorback Stadium naming rights
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics has signed a long-term partnership with CommunityAmerica Credit Union, marking a significant step in the credit union’s growing commitment to Northwest Arkansas. Facilitated by Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will become CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium beginning with the 2027 football season.
Rooted in more than 85 years of helping individuals and families achieve financial peace of mind and building on a 65-year legacy of service in Arkansas, CommunityAmerica is excited to engage with Razorback fans and support the communities they call home.
“This is so much more than a name on a stadium. It’s about becoming part of the Razorback Nation experience and helping fans, students, student-athletes and the communities we and the university serve,” said Lisa Ginter, Chief Executive Officer of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do and when we evaluate partnerships like this, it starts with what matters most to them. The University of Arkansas is a powerful source of pride and connection for people across the state and in many of our markets. This partnership underscores our long-term commitment to Northwest Arkansas, where we look forward to growing our presence and helping more families achieve financial peace of mind. We’re already deepening our roots with plans for a campus location and several new branches throughout the region.”
The multi-phased partnership extends beyond naming rights and designates CommunityAmerica as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics. CommunityAmerica will also serve as an official sponsor of Arkansas Athletics, supporting student-athletes and fans alike. The comprehensive partnership will also include the rebranding of the SEC Club inside Razorback Stadium as the CommunityAmerica Club, where fans enjoy premium amenities on gameday. As part of the agreement, CommunityAmerica will engage directly with Razorback student-athletes providing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, valuable financial education and programs to help them succeed both on and off the field.
“We are thrilled to welcome CommunityAmerica Credit Union as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics as one piece of a partnership that will benefit our student-athletes, fans and the state of Arkansas for years to come,” said Hunter Yurachek, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas. “Our vision in the Department of Athletics is to be our best and CommunityAmerica’s commitment to excellence as a trusted, people-driven financial institution mirrors that same vision. This partnership is just getting started but its impact will help shape our future.”
Beginning with the 2027 football season, the partnership will expand into its second phase with the naming of CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium and the launch of CommunityAmerica Razorback Checking, Debit and Credit Cards.
With a legacy of serving members across Arkansas and nationwide, CommunityAmerica is ranked among the most trusted and innovative credit unions in the country and among the largest in the Midwest. CommunityAmerica is excited to engage and serve Razorback fans and members more deeply with a variety of financial products and services that align to their passion for the University.
“Our members are proud of where they live and what they stand behind, and for so many in Arkansas and across our shared communities, that means being part of Razorback Nation,” Ginter said. “As we look ahead to launching Razorback-branded products in 2027, we’re excited to offer experiences that celebrate that pride, strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful value for the people and communities we serve.”
“This is a historic partnership featuring an innovative brand with a passion and proven track record of supporting their community, paired with one of the leading college athletics programs in the country,” said Allison Fillmore, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Learfield. “Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties are excited to collaborate with Arkansas Athletics, which will enhance fan and student-athlete experiences for years to come.”
Razorback Sports Properties is the locally based Learfield team that is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Arkansas Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Razorbacks.
About the University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
The University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics pursues its vision to “Be Our Best” while developing 465+ student-athletes into Razorbacks and Champions for Life. As members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Razorbacks consistently compete at the nation’s highest levels while proudly representing the University of Arkansas and the entire state. Arkansas has established itself as one of the most competitive programs in the nation, winning nine NCAA titles and over 50 SEC Championships in recent years.
About CommunityAmerica Credit Union
CommunityAmerica Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution committed to helping members get on a path to thrive and achieve financial peace of mind. Founded in 1940, and with Arkansas roots dating back to 1968, CommunityAmerica has grown to meet the evolving financial needs of its members. With nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 600,000 members, the credit union is ranked among the nation’s 50 largest credit unions. It is the largest credit union in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, and one of the largest financial institutions with expanding operations in Northwest Arkansas. CommunityAmerica offers a full suite of financial products and services for individuals and businesses, including checking and savings, mortgages, loans, commercial banking, wealth management, retirement planning, and insurance. Federally chartered, CommunityAmerica serves members across multiple markets nationwide with branch locations in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. Learn more at CommunityAmerica.com.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
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