Firm Recognized for Achieving 70 Hours of Monthly Workload Reduction Through AI Utilization; Announces January 2026 "AI Study Group Best Practice Award" Winner
F&M's AI Study Group recognizes Kobe Takashi Certified Public Tax Accountant Office for achieving a monthly workload reduction of 70 hours.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 01:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 01:06 (6 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 13:24 (372h 17m after Collected)
F&M Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, President and CEO: Ichiro Morinak) held the "AI Study Group Best Practice Award" for the AI Utilization Department (hereinafter referred to as the "AI Study Group Best Practice Award"). As the first recipient firm, we have selected Kobe Takashi Certified Public Tax Accountant Office (Representative: Takashi Kobe) in Hyogo Prefecture.
■Award-Winning Firm for January 2026
Hyogo Prefecture
Kobe Takashi Certified Public Tax Accountant Office
Representative: Takashi Kobe
Office Website: https://kanbe-tax.com/
■Reason for Award
Achieved a monthly workload reduction of 70 hours through thorough AI utilization. The initiative, which began with the representative's personal AI learning, successfully raised the skill level of all staff members by utilizing the AI Study Group's "Foundational Course on Generative AI Utilization." This led to the establishment of a self-sustaining team structure where staff with no prior practical experience could operate independently, making it a highly commendable achievement and the reason for this selection.
■Representative Interview
◎Achieved a monthly workload reduction of 70 hours by utilizing Gemini
We have reduced the monthly workload by 70 hours across the entire office using Gemini. Approximately 60 hours of this reduction comes from bookkeeping tasks, cutting the working hours of part-time staff in half. We have built a system that creates CSV files importable into accounting software from digitized receipts, bank statements, and credit card statements, and automatically notifies us of any reading errors.
◎Raised everyone's knowledge level with the AI Study Group's "Foundational Course on Generative AI Utilization"
Although our staff had no prior experience using AI in practical work, after joining the AI Study Group and having them take the "Foundational Course on Generative AI Utilization" during work hours, we were able to raise everyone's knowledge to a certain level. Currently, a system is established where staff utilize AI and operate autonomously, even more so than myself (Representative Kobe).
◎Improved interview quality with ChatGPT, considering fee revisions based on enhanced value proposition
We actively use ChatGPT during client interviews. By utilizing GPTs for tasks such as reviewing the revenue structure of clients planning to open businesses, and engaging in real-time brainstorming sessions while showing screens during meetings, we have expanded our service scope and improved quality. Moving forward, we are considering revising our retainer fees based on the increased added value brought about by AI utilization.
■What is the AI Study Group Best Practice Award?
This is a system to recognize accounting firms that are actively utilizing AI technology to improve operational efficiency, enhance productivity, and elevate service quality. The selection criteria include firms that have already achieved results, as well as those that have started unique initiatives even if significant results have not yet materialized.
■About the AI Study Group
This study group, with Shuhei Ohno of Seven Sense Certified Public Tax Accountant Corporation as the General Director, supports the utilization of AI specifically for the accounting industry. It accumulates practical knowledge applicable in the field through catching up on daily evolving AI information, online salons, learning videos, provision of practical prompts, and member interaction and sharing of practical case studies.
▼Details here
■AI Study Group Best Practice Award Video Released
This video explains the know-how for improving operational efficiency through AI utilization.
It presents a success story that led to a monthly workload reduction of 70 hours and a reproducible AI utilization roadmap.
▼Video can be downloaded and viewed here.
https://fmltd.link/dl260327ptai
【Contact Regarding This Matter】
F&M Co., Ltd.
Professional Services Consulting Division, Attn: Atobe
TEL: 0120-917-145 mail: info@fm-oneconnect.jp
(10:00-12:00 / 13:00-17:00, Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
【Company Profile】
Company Name: F&M Co., Ltd.
Stock Code: 4771 (TSE Standard)
Representative: Ichiro Morinak, President and CEO
Established: 1990
Capital: 989.65 million yen (as of the end of December 2025)
Consolidated Net Sales: 17.06637 billion yen (Fiscal Year ending March 2025, Consolidated)
Business Description: Accounting services for sole proprietors and small businesses
Administrative Department Support Services for Mid-to-Large Enterprises (F&M Club)
Financial and Subsidy Support Services for Mid-to-Large Enterprises
Instructor Dispatch Training Services
Support Services for Accounting Firms (Management Innovation Support Organization Promotion Council / TaxHouse)
Support Services for Social Insurance Labor Attorney Firms (SR STATION)
ISO/P Mark Certification Support Services
Computer Classes
HR and Labor Cloud Software "Office Station"
Business related to Management Innovation Support Organizations
Offices: Osaka Headquarters, Tokyo Headquarters, Nagoya Branch, Fukuoka Branch, Sendai Branch, Sapporo Branch, Okinawa Branch
Number of Employees: 978 (as of the end of December 2025, Consolidated)
FAQ
What is the AI Study Group Best Practice Award?
It is a system to recognize accounting firms that are actively utilizing AI technology to improve operational efficiency, enhance productivity, and elevate service quality. The selection criteria include firms that have already achieved results, as well as those that have started unique initiatives.
What specific results has Kobe Takashi Certified Public Tax Accountant Office achieved through AI utilization?
Through thorough AI utilization, they have achieved a monthly workload reduction of 70 hours. Specifically, bookkeeping tasks have seen part-time staff working hours halved. They are also considering revising retainer fees based on improved client interview quality and enhanced value proposition.
What kind of support does the AI Study Group provide?
The AI Study Group supports AI utilization in the accounting industry by providing up-to-date AI information, online salons, learning videos, practical prompts, and facilitating member interaction and sharing of case studies.