The AI Paradox in M&A: The Senior Squeeze
Discover how U.S. and U.K. firms are adopting AI – and how it’s increasing workloads for senior professionals.
Is AI Delivering the Productivity Gains that M&A Firms Expect?
AI adoption is at an all-time high. As junior teams use it to ramp up their output, firms are optimistic that AI will accelerate their deal cycles. However, that increased junior productivity means more for senior professionals to review – and the pressure on them is mounting.
In this report, you’ll discover why AI is accelerating junior output but failing to ease senior workloads. And uncover the root cause of this challenge: a persistent lack of trust in AI-enabled outputs.
We cover key blockers preventing AI from delivering on its promise of smarter, faster quality assurance, including:
- Disconnected tools that are slowing down workflows
- Low confidence in AI accuracy, which erodes trust
- Concerns about client-facing errors, which are increasing review time
See how your peers are approaching AI, and learn how to address the senior review bottleneck – so your firm can make AI-accelerated deals a reality.
Accounting and Advisory Trends: Key Report Findings
Firms are facing the Big Four on the majority of their deals
Even though companies of all sizes are regularly competing on the same deals, only 12% of small to mid-tier firms say they uphold a strong win rate (winning 75% of deals) against the Big Four.
Insufficient resources, outdated tools, and ineffective pitches impact win rates
When asked what’s preventing them from winning more business, insufficient resources (e.g. headcount) and outdated technology were the top two factors.
99% of respondents recognized that their firm has branding-related issues
Inconsistent branding across global/regional subsidiaries or departments was voted the primary obstacle when it comes to brand reputation.
Most firms are using a document automation tool but only a third get maximum usage
Medium and large-sized firms report lower levels of software usage than their smaller counterparts.
99% of firms believe there is a risk in not investing in AI/automation tools
Despite the challenges, nearly all firms see software as a non-negotiable, concerned that they will lose more deals without it.
Those with previous software challenges demonstrate a lingering reluctance to invest
Half of respondents who get minimal usage from their existing software voted that AI/automation software is not a priority for their firm.
UpSlide AI: Ending the Reviewing Bottleneck in Microsoft 365
Learn how UpSlide AI brings intelligent reviewing directly into Microsoft 365, reducing manual checks and freeing senior teams to focus on higher-value work.
“Consolidating our core value proposition is the heart of our business objectives. Thanks to UpSlide, we can now drive business growth across our 40 offices from the same standpoint.”
CMO,
Global Consulting and Advisory Firm
Stay Ahead with Purpose-Built Document Automation for M&A
We understand the pace and pressure of deal cycles. Discover how UpSlide’s AI-enabled Microsft 365 add-in supports faster deal delivery, accurate outputs, and smoother collaboration.
