XcelLabs, a training and technology platform, was launched by Jody Padar, the Radical CPA, and Katie Tolin, a growth strategist, who are both known for reshaping accounting from their unique perspectives. The Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA) and CPA Crossings, LLC, are partnering with Padar and Tolin to power the launch as strategic partners and investors.
“To reinvent the profession, we must start by training the professional who can then transform their firms,” said Padar. “By equipping people with data and insights that help them see things differently, they can provide better advice to their clients and firm.”
XcelLabs is a training and technology platform that offers solutions to help accountants use AI to build fluency and strategic thinking. This is done through:
- ExelLabs Academy – A series of online courses that will provide hands-on education on topics related to the basics of AI, being a better advisor, leadership and practice management.
- Navi – Proprietary and patent-pending technology that uses AI to help accountants turn unstructured data from emails, phone calls and meetings into insights, while adjusting to the unique emotions and needs of each user.
- Training and Consulting – Training teams at larger firms to think AI-first and use Navi, coupled with ongoing coaching to improve conversations and advice received, as well as advisory actions to be taken.
These solutions, currently in beta testing, will help professionals become exceptional at what they do and be proud of how they do it.
“Accountants know they need to be more advisory, but not everyone can figure out how to do it. Couple that with the fact that AI will be doing a lot of the lower-level work accountants do today, and we need to create that next level advisor now,” said Tolin. “By showing accountants how to unlock patterns in their actions and turn client conversations into emotionally intelligent advice, we can create the accounting professional of the future.”
“AI is transforming how CPAs work,” said Jennifer Cryder, CEO of PICPA, “and XcelLabs is focused on helping the profession evolve with it. At PICPA, we’re proud to support a mission that aligns so closely with ours: empowering firms to use AI not just for efficiency, but to drive growth, value and long-term relevance.”
