Jason Wilcox, the Chief Technology Officer at Source Advisors, discusses the strategic role of technology in transforming tax advisory services. With a focus on integrating advanced data analytics and AI into the organization, Wilcox shares his insights on driving innovation and efficiency in an industry traditionally driven by detailed knowledge of tax law.
Q1: Can you share a brief overview of your role and how technology shapes your organization's strategy?
Jason Wilcox: As CTO of Source Advisors, I oversee the strategic integration of technology across various departments including IT, software development, information security, and data analytics. My role involves crafting a cohesive tech strategy for a company historically focused on service delivery rather than technological integration. This shift is crucial as it aligns with our growth and the complexity brought on by M&A activities, enabling us to leverage technology not just for operational efficiency but as a driver of business development and customer engagement.
Q2: What is one significant challenge you're currently facing in technology, and how are you addressing it?
Jason Wilcox: One major challenge is transitioning from a small to a medium-sized business mentality, where longstanding employees need to adapt from a jack-of-all-trades approach to specialized roles. This change is essential as it allows for deeper expertise and efficiency in specific areas. To address this, we're fostering a culture where it's safe to focus deeply rather than spread oneself too thin, encouraging employees to engage more with their specific roles and less with peripheral tasks.
Q3: Can you highlight a recent tech initiative or project that you're excited about? What impact do you anticipate it will have?
Jason Wilcox: We are particularly excited about integrating AI into our operations, focusing on leveraging our rich data to enhance service delivery. This initiative involves using advanced analytics to mine insights from decades of accumulated data, enabling us to offer more precise, predictive, and efficient client services. The impact we anticipate is profound, as it will not only enhance our advisory capabilities but also allow us to serve a broader client base more effectively.
Q4: How do you foster a culture of innovation within your team or organization?
Jason Wilcox: Innovation at Source Advisors is fostered by encouraging a mindset of experimentation and continuous learning. We provide our team with the resources and freedom to explore new technologies and methodologies, from AI to advanced data analytics, ensuring they can contribute creatively to our projects. This approach not only enhances individual and team capabilities but also ensures we stay at the cutting edge of tax advisory services.
Q5: Looking forward, what technology trend do you think will have the most significant impact on your industry in the next few years?
Jason Wilcox: The most significant technology trend will likely be the continued advancement and integration of AI and machine learning, especially in data analytics. As tax laws and compliance become increasingly complex, the ability to swiftly analyze and adapt to new regulations using AI will provide a critical competitive edge. This technology will enable firms like ours to predict client needs more accurately and respond to regulatory changes efficiently, thereby maintaining compliance and maximizing client benefits.
Conclusion
Jason Wilcox's insights highlight the transformative potential of technology in the tax advisory sector. By embracing specialized roles and integrating advanced technologies, Source Advisors is setting a new standard for efficiency and client service in the industry. As they continue to innovate, their focus on strategic technology integration positions them well to lead in the evolving landscape of tax advisory services.
With over 25 years of experience in technology covering a large breadth of industries, Jason consistently demonstrates innovation and leadership. Most recently Jason was the Head of Technology for Jerry, a VC backed fintech out of silicon valley, where he was responsible for architecting the technology and team behind their auto finance product as well leading the IT, Information Security, and Governance, Risk, & Compliance initiatives. Currently, Jason serves as the CTO at Source Advisors.
