Gravita has set out to help shape a new era of accountancy. With a strong focus on innovation, the top 30 full-service firm combines modern technology with specialist expertise to support clients in achieving their business objectives. When Silverfin Assistant was first launched in the UK in 2023, Gravita was keen to explore its potential and began using it early. Since then, the tool has become embedded in the firm’s day-to-day ways of working.
“We were keen to be early adopters of Silverfin Assistant; now we’re also strong advocates.”
Russell Frayne, Director of Transformation at Gravita
Venturing into AI responsibly
With technology playing a central role in the firm, Gravita actively encourages its people to explore new tools such as AI. However, this is balanced with a clear focus on responsibility and control.
“As we work with sensitive client data and confidential information, it’s vital to know where and how that data is being used and stored by the AI system”, Russell explains. “To mitigate data security risks, the safest and most sensible way to initially embrace AI is adopting in-platform tools built in the core accounting software that you’re already using.”
“Silverfin Assistant sits right at the heart of the Silverfin platform, so that’s reassuring”, says Russell. “The software had already gone through due diligence and procurement processes when we adopted it into the business. So, we already knew our data would be safe.”
Value from the first run
When Gravita first applied Silverfin Assistant during the accounts preparation stage, the benefits were immediately clear.
“Instead of reviewing the data manually, we ran it through Silverfin Assistant. The tool ran around 100 checks and spotted three or four opportunities that were ‘nice to know’, but also four errors that were spot-on. It would have taken an accountant, say, 30 minutes or more to dive into the file and find those anomalies.” explains Russell.
An extra pair of (eagle) eyes
“Trying to find inconsistencies in nominal accounts, VAT rates, posting dates and so on takes ages and they can be easily missed”, Russel continues.
“Human error is always lurking behind the corner. We all have a bad day sometimes, are up against tight deadlines juggling multiple client files – in any case, using Silverfin Assistant is like having a friend looking over your shoulder, saying: ‘Have you reviewed this? Don’t miss that. That looks a bit strange, don’t you think?’ That’s an immediate win for your data quality.”
Russell also highlights the benefits when working with offshore partners. Aligning approaches across teams and jurisdictions can be challenging. By flagging anomalies in offshore work, Silverfin Assistant helps close knowledge gaps, improve consistency and support collaboration.
“Another knowledge gap the Silverfin Assistant helps to bridge is that of junior accountants who still have a lot to learn”, says Russell. “There are clear and detailed explanations on the checks performed by the tool, highlighting why they were made and why they matter. These invaluable insights supercharge the progress of junior-level staff and their performance simultaneously.”
Three reasons Gravita values Silverfin Assistant
Russell points to three key benefits in particular:
- a consistent, standardised approach
- reliable, high-quality outputs
- a reduced risk of errors and rework
“It’s a big win to have an AI companion built into Silverfin, our compliance tool, that ticks all these boxes.”
Russell Frayne, Director of Transformation at Gravita
More time for client interactions
Russell believes AI will continue to reshape the role of the accountant. “I believe the accountant of the future will move away from a once-a-quarter-or-year responsibility of preparing compliance deliverables and become more of a trusted business advisor delivering value based on more accurate and timely data”, he says.
“Most accountants would already want to have more interactions with their clients and jump into that advisory space, but they’re struggling to do that because of a lack of time and insufficient access to timely and quality data.”
“Having an AI tool like Silverfin Assistant – helping you with otherwise time-consuming manual processes and checks – is already a great starting point”, Russell explains. “It sits right where we as accountants work day to day – not in a separate tool. I’m convinced it holds even more potential to tap into and will continue to develop at pace.”
“Silverfin Assistant sits right where we as accountants work day to day – not in a separate tool. I’m convinced it holds even more potential to tap into and will continue to develop at pace.”
Russell Frayne, Director of Transformation at Gravita
Real-world insights shaping Silverfin Assistant
Gravita is excited to make Silverfin Assistant a key component of its working papers and account production processes. Russell and his team continue to work closely with Silverfin’s product and development teams to help shape future enhancements.
Russell: “From user experience to the relevance of the information that is being surfaced – we want to feedback as much as we can for further development. If Silverfin Assistant is easily accessible in an accountant’s day-to-day activities, and it delivers real value, then I see no reason why accountants wouldn’t adopt it.”
Russell is already exploring how Gravita can extend its use of Silverfin Assistant alongside large language models and other emerging capabilities. The firm’s continued investment reflects a strong belief in the long-term value of the platform.
This case study also features in our whitepaper ‘Beyond the hype: the real benefits of AI for your accountancy firm’. Why not download the pdf here
About Silverfin Assistant
Silverfin is cloud software for ambitious accounting firms, providing live client files, connected working papers and AI designed to support accuracy and efficiency. Silverfin Assistant continuously analyses client files to identify unusual balances, missing transactions and outliers. By flagging issues and suggesting next steps, it reduces manual checking and helps improve client service.
