Manager of Technology, AI & Innovation

Johnson-Block-and-Company,-Inc; Town of Middleton (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Block & Company seeks a strategic Manager of Technology, AI & Innovation to lead technology strategy, AI initiatives, and digital transformation across the firm. You will partner with partners and leaders to enhance client service, efficiency, and growth.

The role focuses on optimizing software ecosystems, governance, security, and cross-department collaboration to deliver modern CPA capabilities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in technology leadership.
• Experience leading digital transformation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of AI tools, automation, and cloud-based apps.
• Ability to communicate complex tech concepts in business terms.
• Experience in a CPA firm or regulated industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology roadmap and AI governance.
• Oversee software evaluations, implementations, and integrations.
• Collaborate with partners to align tech with client service and growth.
• Ensure security, business continuity, and risk management.
• Drive productivity and knowledge sharing through AI solutions.

Skills

Technology leadership

AI tools & automation

Cloud-based apps

Strategic thinking

Effective communication

Tools

Microsoft 365

Practice management software

Document management systems

Cybersecurity tooling

Job description

• Location 9701 Brader Way,STE 202,Middleton, WI, 53562,United States
• Employee Type Full Time

Description

Lead the Future of a Growing CPA Firm

Johnson Block & Company is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Manager of Technology, AI & Innovation to lead our technology strategy, AI initiatives, software ecosystem, and digital transformation efforts.

This leadership role will work directly with firm partners and department leaders to help shape how technology supports our people, enhances client service, improves efficiency, and drives future growth. The ideal candidate combines business acumen, strong technology leadership, and a passion for innovation.

Position Summary

The Manager of Technology, AI & Innovation is responsible for helping the firm select, implement, optimize, and support the technology used across our Audit, Client Accounting Services (CAS), and Tax departments.

The primary focus of this position is not simply maintaining computers and networks. The successful candidate will work closely with partners, managers, and staff to understand how work is performed, evaluate available technology, improve software utilization, eliminate unnecessary manual processes, and help ensure the firm is taking advantage of the best available tools for a modern CPA practice.

This individual will serve as a bridge between accounting professionals and technology, with an emphasis on improving productivity, standardization, automation, security, and client experience.

Requirements

What You'll Do

Technology & Innovation Leadership

• Help develop and execute the firm’s technology roadmap.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and client service through technology.
• Advise firm leadership on emerging technologies, AI, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Oversee technology investments, software strategy, and vendor relationships.
• Lead the firm’s AI vision, governance, and responsible-use framework.
• Identify and implement AI solutions that improve productivity and knowledge sharing.
• Train and support employees in the effective use of AI tools.
• Measure adoption, impact, and return on investment of AI initiatives.

Software & Business Systems

• Optimize the firm’s software ecosystem, including Microsoft 365, practice management, workflow, document management, and client-facing platforms.
• Regularly evaluate whether the firm’s existing software continues to meet the needs of each department.
• Research and evaluate new accounting, tax, audit, workflow, document management, automation, and AI technologies.
• Compare competing products based on functionality, integration capabilities, security, cost, ease of use, vendor support, and expected return on investment.
• Lead software evaluations, implementations, training, and integrations.
• Recommend when the firm should adopt, replace, consolidate, or discontinue technology.
• Ensure technology supports efficient, scalable business processes.

IT & Cybersecurity Oversight

• Serve as the primary liaison between the firm and in-house IT managed service department.
• Work with our internal IT department on cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and technology governance.
• Work with our internal IT department on business continuity, disaster recovery, and technology best practices.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of technology leadership experience.
• Experience leading software, technology, or digital transformation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of AI tools, automation, and cloud-based business applications.
• Ability to communicate complex technology concepts in practical business terms.
• Experience within a CPA firm, professional services organization, or regulated industry is highly desirable.
• Collaborative leader who enjoys driving innovation and organizational change.