AI (artificial intelligence) is at the forefront of nearly every conversation referring to the digital world, and rightfully so. It’s a good tool, a scary good tool. In fact, there’s plenty of speculation that AI will start to replace jobs in industries like marketing, customer service, and accounting.
However, accountants shouldn’t fret, because adopting AI will allow you to reap its benefits. AI and digital transformation are meant to help you automate tasks and improve efficiency, which will optimize your role, not replace it.
Let’s explore how accountants can leverage AI tools and resources, like ChatGPT.
As we mentioned, AI’s two primary functions for accountants are to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
Some of the basic tasks that AI can take off your plate include:
Because these tasks will be automated, you’ll have more time to focus on complex and strategic work that requires your judgment and expertise.
However, the usefulness of AI doesn’t stop there. Enhanced decision-making capabilities are also a benefit of using AI in accounting. For example:
AI can do a lot for accountants, but once it completes a task, your expertise and action are required to move the needle forward.
ChatGPT is a conversational AI tool that combines information from the internet to answer a wide range of questions with a human-like response.
For accountants, this tool can be used to provide better service to clients. For example, chatbots powered by ChatGPT can respond to simple clients questions like:
ChatGPT can also provide personalized recommendations based on a client’s specific financial situation. For example, let’s say you want to provide your client with a list of applicable tax strategies. You can input all of their information into ChatGPT and it will generate a tailored response.
Accountants can also use ChatGPT for research purposes. Ask it a question and more often than not it will have an answer. It’s great for staying up-to-date on:
While ChatGPT is a popular AI tool, realize it isn’t the only one. There are other tools and resources that offer more specific services, like data analytics and entry.
Aside from greater efficiency, it’s still unknown how ChatGPT and AI tools like it will affect the accounting industry.
However, what is known is that there are a couple of challenges and limitations that will come along with it.
Caution and an open mind are advised.
Integrating AI into your accounting can create an advantage for your firm, but only when it is done correctly. Here are some of our best practices for doing so.
AI can complete a variety of tasks and there are plenty of different tools you can turn to. If you want to leverage AI in accounting, you have to use the right tools wisely.
For example, if you feel like you are wasting time by replying to basic client inquiries, creating a chatbot using ChatGPT may be a wise solution. However, inputting sensitive financial data into ChatGPT, specifically, may not be wise because of privacy issues.
If you plan to use AI in accounting, you need to make sure your team understands the processes and what they should and should not use the tool for. Explain how they can use the tools wisely and set clear guidelines.
You may also want to give them a clear list of prompts for using the tools and explain how the tools are improving your firm.
AI tools are incredible but they are not always accurate. If you choose to use AI in accounting, make sure you spend time on a monthly or quarterly basis to monitor and evaluate its performance. Ask yourself if the tool is still doing the task you want it to and if it’s helping you achieve business goals.
Although the future of AI in accounting is still unknown, incorporating it into your systems and processes is a great way to improve your efficiency and rid your days of repetitive tasks.
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