AI in Accounting: Friend or Foe?
The Ongoing Debate
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a bit like UK politics—no matter how much you argue both sides, you’ll never get a definitive answer on whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing. Some see it as a revolutionary tool that will streamline accounting tasks and improve efficiency, while others fear it could replace jobs and remove the human element from the profession. As with everything, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.
A Tool, Not a Replacement
Personally, I see AI as just another tool in the accountant’s toolbox. Let’s be honest—technology has been transforming the accounting profession for decades. Spreadsheets, tax return software, and even the humble calculator all changed the way we worked. AI is simply the next step in this evolution, helping accountants and bookkeepers do their jobs quicker, more efficiently, and in some cases, making the work a little more enjoyable.
That is, of course, unless you’re dealing with HMRC software, in which case, even the most advanced AI wouldn’t be able to rescue you from the headache of trying to make sense of it all! Some things never change.
The Reality of Change
Whether we like it or not, technology moves forward, and resisting it is like trying to stop the tide from coming in—it’s just not going to happen. In the past, I used to see every new system, software update, or automation as another hurdle to overcome, something that would disrupt the way I worked rather than improve it. But over time, I’ve come to realise that embracing these changes is actually an opportunity to learn new skills and make life easier.
I’ve always had an interest in tech, gadgets, and software, and once I shifted my mindset from “this is a problem” to “this is a tool I can use,” I found that I actually enjoy learning how to make the most of new technology. AI isn’t something to be feared—it’s something we can adapt to and use to our advantage, just like we did with spreadsheets, accounting software, and calculators.
“I have done it! What a feeling, I have achieved something today, this week, this year. I have blogged today.”
Thanks for stopping by – Have a good day!
The Depressed Accountant™