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Decimal and Puzzle Partner to Bring AI-Powered Solutions to Accounting

Ryan Francis
Posted by Ryan Francis on Feb 5, 2025 1:12:29 PM

In a move that signals the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in accounting, Decimal, a provider of modern accounting and tax services, has announced a partnership with AI-driven accounting platform Puzzle.

The collaboration involves transitioning hundreds of former KPMG Spark clients to Puzzle’s AI-native ledger, underscoring the scalability and long-term viability of AI-powered financial management solutions.

The shift marks a significant step forward for AI-driven accounting, as Decimal aims to equip small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with advanced tools that improve efficiency, accuracy and insight. By integrating Puzzle’s technology, Decimal positions itself as the largest user of an AI-native ledger for SMBs, signaling a broader industry shift toward automation and real-time financial data.

A commitment to innovation

Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing client services through strategic technology partnerships.

“This isn’t just about moving clients to a better tool," Tait said. "We’re showing the entire industry a better way forward. By partnering with Puzzle, we’re helping accountants and businesses unlock new levels of accuracy, speed and insight—things that were out of reach with older systems.”

Tait also highlighted the scale of the transition, noting that hundreds of clients have already migrated to Puzzle’s AI-driven platform. The move demonstrates the growing confidence in AI-native accounting solutions as businesses seek more efficient alternatives to traditional bookkeeping and financial management practices.

Transforming the accounting landscape

Decimal’s partnership with Puzzle goes beyond simply replacing legacy systems. The collaboration is part of a broader effort to modernize the accounting profession and empower financial professionals with intelligent automation. The companies cite three core benefits of their partnership:

1. AI-driven automation: Puzzle’s platform is designed to automate up to 90% of routine accounting tasks, including transaction categorization and reconciliation. This allows accountants to focus on higher-value advisory services rather than time-consuming manual data entry.

2. Real-time financial insights: The integration of Decimal’s industry expertise with Puzzle’s AI technology provides SMBs with immediate access to real-time financial metrics. This data-driven approach enables businesses to make informed decisions that enhance operational efficiency and profitability.

3. Seamless integration: Puzzle’s open API ensures compatibility with existing financial tools such as Keeper, Gusto, Ramp and Bill. This interoperability reduces disruptions and enables a smoother transition for businesses adopting the new system.

Sasha Orloff, CEO of Puzzle, described the partnership as a reimagining of accounting rather than just an incremental improvement.

“Accounting has been stuck in the past for too long,” Orloff said. “With Decimal’s leadership and expertise, we’re proving that AI can elevate the entire industry, helping accountants and businesses work smarter.”

Implications for the industry

The migration from KPMG Spark’s legacy system to Puzzle’s AI-native ledger underscores the shifting role of technology in accounting. Historically, accounting has relied on manual processes and legacy software that require extensive oversight. AI-powered solutions like Puzzle’s are designed to automate much of this workload, freeing accountants to provide more strategic guidance to their clients.

For Decimal, the adoption of AI-powered tools aligns with its broader mission of modernizing financial services. The company previously acquired KPMG Spark from KPMG, LLP to enhance its suite of financial operations services. With Puzzle’s AI-native platform now in place, Decimal is reinforcing its commitment to equipping SMBs with cutting-edge solutions that simplify financial management.

For Puzzle, the partnership provides an opportunity to demonstrate AI’s practical applications in accounting at scale. Backed by $50 million in funding from investors such as General Catalyst, XYZ and Day One Ventures, Puzzle aims to set a new standard for AI-driven accounting platforms.

The future of AI in accounting

The collaboration between Decimal and Puzzle serves as a case study for how AI can be effectively deployed within the accounting industry. By embracing automation, businesses can reduce operational inefficiencies and gain deeper insights into their financial health.

The rapid adoption of AI-driven tools suggests that traditional accounting methods may become increasingly obsolete. As more firms transition to AI-powered solutions, the role of accountants is expected to shift toward strategic advisory functions rather than routine bookkeeping tasks.

This transition is particularly relevant for SMBs, which often lack the resources for in-house financial expertise. By leveraging AI-driven accounting platforms, these businesses can streamline their financial operations while gaining access to real-time data that supports better decision-making.

The partnership between Decimal and Puzzle represents a milestone in the evolution of AI-powered accounting. By transitioning hundreds of clients to an AI-native ledger, the companies are demonstrating the feasibility and advantages of automation in financial management.

As AI continues to reshape the industry, businesses and accountants alike stand to benefit from enhanced efficiency, improved accuracy and greater access to real-time insights.

Topics: Finger on the Pulse, Artificial Intelligence


 

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