AI Receptionist for Accounting Firms

Yes. The AI receptionist can be configured with your standard responses for BAS lodgement status, tax return progress, and estimated completion timelines. It checks against the information you provide, such as batch processing schedules or client-specific status notes, and gives callers an accurate update without your team needing to interrupt their work. For complex queries requiring specific account review, it takes a detailed message and schedules a callback with the appropriate accountant.

Unlike a single receptionist who can only take one call at a time, the AI answers several calls at once. During peak periods like July to October, when accounting firms get far more calls than usual, callers are not left waiting for a receptionist to come off another call. There is no temporary staff to hire or train. Minutes beyond your plan allowance are charged at the plan's per-minute rate.

The AI receptionist does not provide tax advice or make representations about tax outcomes. It handles reception duties only. It schedules appointments, takes messages, answers general questions about your services and fees, and routes urgent matters to the appropriate team member. All conversations are logged for your records, and the AI is configured to clearly direct callers to a registered tax agent or BAS agent for any advice-related queries. Check the setup against the TPB Code of Professional Conduct with your team.

Not as part of Starter or Professional. On the Professional plan the AI books into your calendar. A connection to Xero Practice Manager, MYOB Practice or QuickBooks Online Accountant can be scoped as custom work on a quote, for calendar synchronisation and client lookup so the AI can identify existing clients, confirm their assigned accountant, and book into the correct diary. Such a connection would not access financial data or ledgers.

Client confidentiality is a core design principle. All calls are processed using enterprise-grade encryption, and no financial data is accessed or stored by the AI system. On the Custom plan, call recordings and transcripts are stored in your secure dashboard with role-based access controls. The AI is trained to never disclose client information to third parties, and it verifies caller identity before sharing any account-specific details such as appointment times or document status. Data handling is designed around the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988.

The AI receptionist provides 24/7 coverage without any configuration changes needed for EOFY. During the June-July period when your team is working extended hours, the AI handles all incoming calls regardless of the time, including weekends, early mornings, and late evenings. It can be configured with EOFY-specific scripts covering common questions about June 30 deadlines, document submission requirements, and pre-lodgement appointment availability. You simply update the relevant information and the AI adapts instantly.