KPMG Tests AI Simulation Tool for Tax Staff Training

KPMG US is testing an AI-powered simulation tool to train its tax staff as automated systems handle more routine tasks. The software, called TaxSIM, presents users with different scenarios based on their decisions. It is scheduled to become available to the company's 10,000 tax staffers later this year.

Brown, the company's chief digital officer for tax, said the tool is intended to help junior staffers learn tax preparation skills that were previously developed through years of preparing returns. Before the introduction of AI tools, an early-career tax professional at the company typically spent about four years preparing returns for clients, Brown said.

The repetition helped staffers develop judgment needed to advise clients on the interplay between business decisions, regulations, and tax consequences.

CEO of Centaurian AI, which developed the tool with KPMG, said the system is designed to prompt users to work through their own reasoning before turning to AI for help. Sampanthar said the approach is similar to how the game Gran Turismo simulates driving on a Formula 1 course.

Brown said he expects the tool to accelerate the development of workers' analytical skills and help some employees move up more quickly. He said the need to continually learn cuts across every level of experience at the firm.