AI and Accounting: The Secret to Higher Fees

The accounting profession is changing fast. AI tools like ChatGPT are making compliance work quicker and easier, but they’re also putting downward pressure on prices.

That’s why value pricing is more important than ever. If you price based on time, AI will eat into your profits. But if you price based on value, you can earn more while working less.

In this post, we’ll explore:

• How ChatGPT can help you build a better pricing system
• Why value pricing is critical in an AI-driven world
• How to create a prompt library to save time and improve results

Check out the full video on this topic here.

How ChatGPT Can Help You Price Better

Most accountants struggle with pricing because they don’t have a structured approach. That’s where AI can help…

Use ChatGPT to Design Value-Priced Packages

Many firms still offer a single fixed price, which is the wrong approach. ChatGPT can help you build three-tiered pricing models (e.g. basic, standard, premium) by:

• Identifying the core services in your firm
• Suggesting add-on services to increase value
• Structuring packages based on client needs

Automate Pricing Conversations

One of the biggest challenges in pricing is explaining the value to clients. ChatGPT can help by:

• Generating scripts for sales calls
• Crafting email responses for pricing objections
• Suggesting ways to highlight value before revealing the price

Having pre-written responses like this can help you handle pricing objections with confidence.

Improve Advisory Services with AI

If you want to move into business advisory, ChatGPT can help by:

• Analysing client financial data
• Identifying cash flow issues
• Generating custom business growth strategies

The more value you create, the more you can charge. AI can help you deliver high-impact insights quickly, making advisory work more profitable than ever.

Why Value Pricing Matters More Than Ever

Many accountants think AI is just about automation. But the reality is AI is changing the way we price services.

AI Will Replace Compliance Work

By 2030, AI will handle most bookkeeping and tax prep. Firms relying on time-based billing will see declining profits because AI will make tasks faster—but not necessarily more valuable.

Firms that master value pricing will thrive because they’ll focus on:

• Advisory services
• Custom financial strategies
• Client relationships and business growth

Time-Based Billing No Longer Works

If AI can generate a full financial report in seconds, does that mean you should charge less?

Of course not.

If you price based on time, AI will reduce your fees. But if you price based on value, you can charge based on the impact you create for clients—not just the time spent.

The Most Profitable Firms Focus on Outcomes

Successful firms charge based on results, not effort. AI allows accountants to:

• Deliver more insights in less time
• Offer high-value advisory work
• Create scalable pricing models that increase profitability

Pro Tip: Build a Prompt Library for AI-Powered Pricing

One of the best ways to get consistent results with AI is to build a prompt library—a collection of pre-written prompts that you can use for different tasks.

How to Create a Prompt Library

1.  Identify Your Repetitive Tasks

• Do you regularly explain pricing to clients?
• Do you often adjust pricing models?
• Are you frequently structuring service packages?

2. Write Standard Prompts

Instead of writing new prompts each time, save well-structured prompts that you can reuse.

3. Use AI Consistently

By using standardised prompts, you’ll:

• Save time
• Get better, more consistent results
• Build scalable pricing models

Pro Tip: Use tools like Trello or Notion to organise your prompt library for quick access.

FAQs

If AI is automating compliance work, how can I still charge high fees?

Price based on value, not time. Compliance will become a low-margin service, but advisory work will be more valuable than ever.

Can ChatGPT really help with pricing?

Yes! It can help design service packages, handle pricing objections, and improve your overall pricing strategy.

How do I get started with AI in my firm?

Begin by experimenting with ChatGPT for pricing, advisory work, and marketing. Then, start building a prompt library for consistency.

Final Thoughts

Value pricing isn’t just a better way to price, it’s the only way to survive in an AI-driven world.

If you get your pricing right now, you’ll set your firm up for long-term profitability and success.

Are you ready to charge what you're worth?

You can watch the full video on this topic here.

If you found this valuable and would like to learn more about value pricing, we offer a free live online training session on a topic you choose every month. You can attend live and ask any questions you have. Click here to register, and we will send you an invitation to the next session.

If you’d like to join our community of over 10,000 accountants and bookkeepers who are working together on their value pricing journey, you can join the Facebook Group here.

Wishing you every success on your pricing journey

The Value Pricing Academy Team