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.

The Arkansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 9 drawing

19-32-41-49-66, Mega Ball: 06

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 9 drawing

Midday: 2-9-6

Evening: 8-3-9

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 9 drawing

Midday: 2-8-4-9

Evening: 5-8-5-5

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 9 drawing

19-24-33-39-40, Lucky Ball: 06

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Natural State Jackpot numbers from Dec. 9 drawing

04-09-28-32-35

Check Natural State Jackpot payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Arkansas Lottery drawings held?

• Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
• Cash 3 Midday: 12:59 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
• Cash 3 Evening: 6:59 p.m. CT daily.
• Cash 4 Midday: 12:59 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
• Cash 4 Evening: 6:59 p.m. CT daily.
• Lucky For Life: 9:30 p.m. CT daily.
• Natural State Jackpot: 8 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
• LOTTO: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas unemployment numbers continue to climb in the latest Department of Commerce report.

The report shows unemployment went from 3.8% in August to 3.9% in September. This 0.1% increase followed the national increase for the same time period, which is now at 4.4%.

The state unemployment rate has been steadily climbing, though slowly, since a record low of 2.9% in the summer of 2023. The state has avoided the up-and-down peaks and valleys of changes in the national employment rate by remaining fairly stable, despite the slow increase.

The report shows the Arkansas civilian labor force increased by 3,437 in September, with 1,891 more unemployed actively seeking work and 1,546 additional employed. Nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas rose by 16,000 in September to reach a new record high level of 1,393,300 jobs.

Compared to September 2024, Arkansas has 22,700 more jobs, the report stated. The Private Education and Health Services category posted the most significant growth, adding 8,800 jobs. Other notable category gains occurred in Trade-Transportation-Utilities, up 4,900; Leisure and Hospitality, up 4,700; Professional and Business Services, up 3,500; and Manufacturing, up 2,200, according to the report.

By county, Department of Commerce figures show the delta with the most significant unemployment rate of 7.2% in Desha County and 7% in Phillips County, both followed closely by Izard County in the state’s north with a 6.9% unemployment rate.

In northwest Arkansas, Benton, Washington, and Madison counties had below-state-average unemployment rates of 3.1%, 3.3%, and 3.3%, respectively.

Central in the state, Pulaski County showed a 4.3% unemployment rate, with surrounding Faulkner County at 3.7%, Saline County at 3.4%, Lonoke County at 3.6%, and Jefferson County at 6.3%.