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Gusto Enhances Platform for Accountants with New Features

Gusto, renowned as a leading partner for small businesses and their accountants, recently unveiled sweeping updates to its Gusto Pro platform and Partner Program. These enhancements, announced during the Gusto Next event, are specifically designed to aid accountants as they transition from traditional, transactional tasks to more strategic advisory roles for their clients.

Key Features of the Redesigned Gusto Pro

The latest iteration of Gusto Pro introduces several noteworthy features aimed at boosting efficiency and streamlining workflows for accountants. Among these are:

• - AI-Assisted Workflows: Gusto Pro now includes tools that will automate critical payroll functions by managing tasks such as extracting hours from emails and surfacing payroll changes from previous cycles. These improvements allow firms to allocate less time on manual preparations while upholding visibility and control over processes. Accountants can subsequently review and approve the AI-generated outputs before finalizing them.
• - Automated Reporting: The system learns which reports accountants typically generate after payroll and automates their creation, consolidating them in one location for easier access.
• - New Integrations: Integration with email platforms like Gmail and Outlook enhances workflow by facilitating the drafting of hours and reimbursements without the need for manual input.
• - Pro Gus, the AI Assistant: This feature provides quicker responses to accountants' questions and offers a broader view of their entire client portfolio.

These updates come at a crucial time when small businesses are on the rise and increasingly seeking comprehensive support in areas such as compliance, multi-state hiring, and financial planning. Gusto's initiative reflects their commitment to providing accountants with the resources they need to offer higher-value services. According to a recent Gusto Insights report, nearly half of small business owners desire more strategic financial counsel from their accountants, beyond just tax preparation and simple bookkeeping.

Introduction of Multi-Client Model Context Protocol (MCP)

Accompanying the Gusto Pro redesign is the launch of the multi-client Model Context Protocol (MCP). This new feature integrates Gusto's business context seamlessly into existing AI tools used by accountants. Previously, handling multiple clients simultaneously with AI tools involved a cumbersome process of disconnecting and reconnecting for each client. The MCP allows accountants to link Gusto once, select the clients they wish to include, and access every Gusto tool across their entire client list from a single interface.

With the multi-client MCP, users can easily query across their portfolio, manage payroll adjustments, and generate reports efficiently. Each modification will still require review and approval from the accountant to ensure accuracy and compliance before being implemented in Gusto.

Expansion of the Gusto Partner Program

In addition to the Gusto Pro updates, Gusto is significantly enhancing its Partner Program. This newly revamped tiered program offers accounting firms not only revenue-sharing opportunities but also strategic support aimed at boosting their growth. New features introduced include:

• - Marketing Development Funds: Designed to enable firms to attract new clients through marketing campaigns and outreach initiatives.
• - Partner Marketing Hub: This resource offers AI-driven support for creating marketing strategies, facilitating client acquisition, and providing pre-launch marketing tools.
• - Partner Development Funds: These funds assist firms in improving their internal operations, including AI adoption and enhancing client advisory services.
• - Access to Firm Business Consultants: A network of pre-vetted industry experts can provide tailored support in key growth areas.
• - AI Agents for Growth: Introduced in mid-2026, these specialized AI agents provide firms with tools for audits, advisory positioning, and targeted engagement strategies.

Beginning in November 2026, Gusto will also include revenue share opportunities beyond just payroll, expanding into 401(k) plans as part of the partner matching tier rate. New firms will even receive a complimentary firm 401(k) plan for one year, enhancing the value proposition for partners.

Moving Forward

With over 23,000 accounting firms already utilizing Gusto Pro, the updates and enhancements aim to redefine how accountants engage with their clients, providing tools and resources that facilitate comprehensive financial guidance and support. Accountants looking to tap into these new features or interested in the Gusto Partner Program can find more information at gusto.com/partners/accountants.

Gusto continues to expand its commitment to simplify the complex world of small business payroll, benefits, and compliance, ultimately striving to enrich the lives of small business owners and their accountants alike.