Article on Technology Innovations Highlights PBMares’ Digital Workflows

PBMares Cybersecurity Partner Antonina McAvoy was recently interviewed for a feature article on accounting firm technological advancements and how she is using generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) tools to increase efficiency and add value for auditing and consulting work. The article, “Digital tools improve workflow, efficiency for CPAs,” appeared in Virginia Business’s digital edition on March 31, 2025.

Antonina discussed the evolution of digital tools in the accounting profession, from changes in how documentation requests are made and carried out to the proliferation of cloud-based software to enhance collaboration. At PBMares, Antonina works with a gen AI tool called Fieldguide to bring the power of large language models (LLMs) to audit documentation workflows.

She said, “Generative AI allows the human auditor to efficiently analyze large volumes of data, freeing up time that would otherwise be spent on an initial manual review. This allows auditors to dive more deeply into all areas of client concern, perform additional audit tests, and identify potential fraud or security risks more effectively, go into greater depth in reviewing documents for such issues as fraud.”

Antonina continued, “By reducing time spent on manual tasks, we’re able to reinvest hours into areas that matter most: advisory insights, stronger risk awareness, and proactive decision support.”

To read the full article, visit the Virginia Business website.

As a leader in PBMares’ Risk Advisory practice, Antonina leads and performs a wide spectrum of cybersecurity reviews and assessments for hospitality, not-for-profit, healthcare, technology, construction, and government contractors. She holds two certifications from ISACA (formerly the Information Systems Audit and Control Association), two certifications from PCI Security Standards Council, and holds the AICPA’s Cybersecurity Advisory Services Certificate and the Cyber Operations Certificate from the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

Learn more about PBMares’ Risk Advisory practice.

About PBMares, LLP

PBMares is a Certified Public Accounting and consulting firm focused on serving the audit, tax, accounting and consulting needs of companies and individuals. Founded in 1963, PBMares serves clients across the United States from 13 offices located in Virginia, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.  PBMares represents companies ranging from closely held private businesses to leading non-profits and Fortune 500 multinationals. The Firm has industry practices specializing in construction, real estate, financial institutions, government contracting, healthcare, hospitality, franchises, not-for-profit, and state and local government. Services include cybersecurity, cloud accounting, and more.

PBMares has been perennially ranked among the top 100 firms across the country by Accounting Today, Inside Public Accounting, and Forbes.