What AI Means for the Future of Accounting Jobs

New AI tools are redefining the future of accounting jobs. Learn how upskilling, adaptability, and human judgment define what comes next.

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From Bookkeeping to Strategy: What AI Means for the Future of Accounting Jobs

Based on the Intuit QuickBooks poll, 98% of American bookkeepers and accountants used artificial intelligence (AI) in the last year. Consistent with other industry developments, AI usage increased from 37% to 58% among finance leaders between 2023 and 2024.

Among those not yet using it, half reported active preparations for implementation. According to Thomson Reuters, support for generative AI increased from 52% to 71% in tax-focused firms.

These shifts point to more than technology adoption. As AI becomes part of daily work, accounting roles are evolving. With automation handling routine processes, professionals are moving into more strategic, client-facing responsibilities.

Still, communication, decision-making, and creative thinking continue to shape the value accountants bring to their teams and clients.

How AI Tools Are Changing the Accounting Workflow

The question of “How will AI affect accounting jobs?” is being answered in daily practice. At Deloitte, a generative AI assistant called DARTbot helps professionals navigate technical questions and complex standards. PwC’s Risk Link platform uses AI to analyze regulations and strengthen internal controls. These tools work within existing workflows, improving speed, structure, and consistency, especially in audit and advisory services.

Tasks like document review, tax research, and bookkeeping are becoming faster and more structured with AI support. Optical character recognition combined with natural language processing extracts relevant content from financial documents. Bookkeeping software powered by AI categorizes transactions, reconciles records, and generates reports with less input.