Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the accounting profession, shifting from experimental to routine use. Practitioners report significant time savings—4 hours weekly on data entry and 8 days saved monthly—thanks to AI-enhanced software, like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Xero, and Oracle NetSuite. Research indicates that AI users achieve 12% greater general ledger granularity and support 55% more clients weekly. While smaller firms adopt AI more readily, larger firms face integration challenges.
AI applications like AI-powered notetakers and language models—such as ChatGPT—assist accountants in client communication. However, concerns about data security drive preference for controlled tools. As agentic AI systems emerge, they enable professionals to oversee automated tasks, encouraging a blend of digital comfort and subject-matter expertise across teams.
Looking forward, accounting firms must prioritize data governance and workforce skill development, as technologies advance beyond text generation toward more complex workflows, aligning with Gartner’s trend predictions for 2026.
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