Can AI take over the job of an accountant?
Written by Thea Krekke
Technology provides us with a lot: efficiency, communication, information, and entertainment, to name a few.
In most cases, unexpected opportunities arise by harnessing and advancing the power of technology, but it has also been replacing professions for years already…
You probably don't miss telephone operators, lamplighters, pinsetters in bowling alleys, and human alarm clocks, do you?
Even though technology and digitization can render certain professions obsolete, they also give rise to many new jobs, occupations, positions, and opportunities. There has been discussion and debate about how many jobs and which professions will disappear due to automation and robots.
According to Saviom and this article, Bookkeeping and Data Entry are among the jobs most likely to disappear.
All in all, AI has a significant future and will be one of the essential tools for organizations in the future. It is unlikely that even the best robots will replicate the warmth and understanding of a human.
Have you ever wondered if technology and AI will replace humans?
Let´s ask the AI ourselves:
We: Hi ChatGPT, can AI take over the job as an accountant?
Answer: "As an AI, I can perform a variety of tasks, including some of those carried out by an accountant. However, there are tasks that still require human insight and judgment.
Many of the tasks accountants undertake involve gathering and organizing financial data, handling tax filings and reporting, and conducting financial analyses and forecasts. These tasks have the potential to be automated using AI, and there are already many software and cloud-based services capable of performing many of these functions.
However, numerous tasks still necessitate human insight and comprehension, particularly in interpreting financial figures and reports and making decisions based on them. An accountant also plays a crucial role in communicating with clients and other stakeholders about financial matters, which may prove challenging for an AI to replicate in the same manner as a human.
So, in response to your query, there remain numerous tasks that an accountant performs which cannot be replaced by AI. Nevertheless, AI can be a valuable tool to automate certain tasks and free up time for the accountant to focus on more demanding and complex responsibilities."
Good News
Take it easy, you have nothing to worry about!
AI and technology have truly changed the rules in accounting, but the truth is, it can't replace the unique human approach.
On the contrary, it provides accountants with an opportunity to evolve and dedicate more time to the crucial human interaction. Accountants can focus more on providing personalised follow-up, advice, and strategic guidance.
At the same time, consciousness is a crucial factor that distinguishes humans from robots. Accountants bring unique knowledge, experience, and insights that no algorithm can replace. This awareness enables them to understand the context around the numbers, interpret them, and offer tailored solutions based on individual needs.
So, while technology and AI play a significant role in today's accounting, it's the human factor - consciousness, empathy, and the ability to build meaningful relationships - that provides accountants with an irreplaceable value to their clients.