Responsible AI and the competitive edge

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning enable companies to reduce costs, increase revenue, and create new business lines. And these technologies are already at the core of products we use every day, like Google Home and Siri. “The most interesting thing about these technologies is that they get better over time,” says Julia Cruz CPA.

After starting her career as an auditor, Julia was unsure about taking the leap into a new field that she only had a basic understanding of at the time. Now, however, she is at the forefront of AI implementation as Lead Business Solutions Consultant at AltaML, an Edmonton-based company that helps companies design and adopt AI and machine learning solutions to define their competitive edge.

“I’d always been interested in machine learning and AI, but I never felt like I was an expert in it,” says Julia. “But I felt like my CPA [designation] was there and had my back. You have the toolkit from your CPA to take on new challenges.”

AI can take so many different forms and fulfill all sorts of needs in our society, and Julia has found her niche in this world—responsible AI. “It comes from the idea of making AI solutions inclusive of people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized,” she explains.

Julia Cruz CPA

Because machine learning is only as good as the data it’s trained on, biased inputs can lead to biased results. One way to help AI become more inclusive and ethical is to ensure the people developing these products have the proper training. “Being aware of the practices and tools that are coming out right now to support responsible AI really helps set you up to make sure your output isn’t creating harmful effects on humans,” says Julia. “We need diverse perspectives so we can make sure the solutions are inclusive and ethical.”

These perspectives not only include people from diverse backgrounds and identities, but also from different professions. “I was pretty intimidated to join this field because I don’t have a background in machine learning,” says Julia, “but I think there’s a big need to see people with business backgrounds—especially CPAs—get involved and understand how organizations can help adopt these types of solutions.” Companies that adopt and use AI responsibly will build and maintain their competitive edge far into the future, and CPAs can define their own competitive edge in many ways. Learning to work alongside AI and machine learning from a diverse and inclusive mindset is a great place to start.