Accounting
AI and automation: Augmenting accountants, not replacing them
Technology is evolving at a breakneck pace, and artificial intelligence and automation offer unprecedented opportunities for improving efficiency, accuracy and client service in accounting. However, the conversation usually frames these tools as replacements for accountants and advisors. That perception is far from reality.
Instead, the impact of AI and automation lies in augmenting human capabilities, freeing skilled professionals from tedious, repetitive tasks so they can focus on higher-value work. This shift allows firms to realign their workforce toward client engagement, problem-solving and strategy.
We hear fears of AI taking over jobs, but the truth is that these technologies are not equipped to replace human judgment, creativity or ethical discernment — elements central to the work of accounting professionals.
AI excels at handling repetitive, well-defined tasks that require speed and precision, which makes it a valuable ally, rather than a competitor. Accountants provide critical insights, tailor financial advice based on specific client needs and guide businesses through complex tax and compliance requirements — skills that can’t be automated.
The current applications of AI and automation reflect this divide. For example, AI might assist in drafting blog content or summarizing financial data for advisory engagements. It can’t replace the final editorial review, fact-checking or the nuanced adjustments required to meet a client’s unique goals. AI can compile and analyze, but humans make the final decisions based on experience, empathy and ethics.
Leveraging automation for repetitive tasks
One benefit of AI and automation is the ability to offload tasks that, frankly, most people would rather not do. Bots excel at performing tedious, repetitive tasks that require consistency but offer little room for strategic thought or innovation.
Here are a few examples:
- Automated data transfers: In many firms, employees manually transfer information from one system to another. With automation, bots can handle data transfers between platforms, reducing mistakes and saving valuable employee hours for more meaningful work.
- Document verification: Bots can routinely check websites for confirmations, perform data validations or manage other duties requiring long hours and repetitive actions. Bots don’t need breaks or vacations, so they’re ideal for tasks that, while essential, are time-intensive and tedious for humans.
Delegating these tasks to bots frees employees to engage in complex problem-solving, client relationships and strategic planning — activities that add value to the firm and its clients.
A framework for the ethical and practical use of AI
As use cases for AI and automation continue to evolve, firm leaders must aim to adopt a human-centered approach. This framework keeps humans in the loop at critical decision points, using AI as a tool to enhance human productivity, rather than replace it.
For example, AI lacks ethical judgment and moral understanding, which are crucial elements of professional services. Whether deciding on a course of action for tax planning or assessing the broader implications of financial strategies, human input is indispensable.
Also, AI can process massive amounts of data but can’t apply creative thinking or adapt insights to nuanced client needs. For example, AI may suggest a standard cash management strategy based on historical data, but only an advisor familiar with the client’s unique situation and future goals can tailor the recommendation to fit.
Adopting human-centric AI means using these tools as a means to an end — enhancing the accountant’s role, not diminishing it. Human-centered AI supports professionals by handling routine tasks, allowing them to exercise judgment, creativity and empathy where they matter most.
Reimagining roles with technology
To fully harness the potential of AI and automation, we need to look at where these technologies can enhance, rather than replace, accountants’ work. Think of automation and AI as tools to elevate professionals by removing obstacles to productivity. When looking for augmentation opportunities, ask questions like:
- Where do we currently use staff to perform rote data entry that we could automate?
- Which processes require multiple system logins and manual inputs?
- How can we use automation to handle mundane tasks?
This mindset is about more than just improving efficiency; it’s about improving the employee experience by allowing accountants to focus on more engaging work.
Ultimately, the goal of introducing AI and automation into your firm should be to add value to each role. By automating repetitive tasks and augmenting the work of accountants, you create a more enriching, rewarding environment where employees can focus on high-impact activities that clients truly value.
Consider tasks accountants currently perform that could be handled by automation. Could that time be reallocated to tasks that require human skills — such as interpreting data, building client relationships or guiding clients through complex decisions? By focusing on value-driven technology integration, you can create a more efficient team that’s also more satisfied and engaged in their work.
The House unanimously passed four bipartisan bills Tuesday concerning taxes and the Internal Revenue Service that were all
- H.R. 1152, the Electronic Filing and Payment Fairness Act, sponsored by Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Illinois, Suzan Delbene, D-Washington, Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, Brad Schneider, D-Illinois, Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania and Jimmy Panetta, D-California. The bill would apply the “mailbox rule” to electronically submitted tax returns and payments to allow the IRS to record payments and documents submitted to the IRS electronically on the day the payments or documents are submitted instead of when they are received or reviewed at a later date. The AICPA believes this would offer clarity and simplification to the payment and document submission process while protecting taxpayers from undue penalties.
- H.R. 998, the Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help Act, sponsored by Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, and Brad Schneider, D-Illinois, which would require notices describing a mathematical or clerical error to be made in plain language, and require the Treasury to provide additional procedures for requesting an abatement of a math or clerical error adjustment, including by telephone or in person, among other provisions.
- H.R. 517, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, sponsored by Rep. David Kustoff, R-Tennessee, and Judy Chu, D-California. The process of receiving tax relief from the IRS following a natural disaster typically must follow a federal disaster declaration, which can often come weeks after a state disaster declaration. The bill would provide the IRS with authority to grant tax relief once the governor of a state declares either a disaster or a state of emergency and expand the mandatory federal filing extension under Section 7508(d) of the Tax Code from 60 days to 120 days, providing taxpayers with more time to file tax returns after a disaster.
- H.R. 1491, the Disaster related Extension of Deadlines Act, sponsored by Rep. Gregory Murphy, R-North Carolina, and Jimmy Panetta, D-California, would extend the amount of time disaster victims would have to file for a tax refund or credit (i.e., the lookback period) by the amount of time afforded pursuant to a disaster relief postponement period for taxpayers affected by major disasters. This legislative solution would place taxpayers on equal footing as taxpayers not impacted by major disasters and would afford greater clarity and certainty to taxpayers and tax practitioners regarding this lookback period.
“The AICPA has long supported these proposals and will continue to work to advance comprehensive legislation that enhances IRS operations and improves the taxpayer experience,” said Melanie Lauridsen, vice president of tax policy and advocacy for the AICPA, in a statement Tuesday. “We are pleased to work closely with each of these Representatives on common-sense reforms that will benefit taxpayers, tax practitioners and tax administration and we’re encouraged by their passage in the House. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to improve the taxpayer experience.”
The bills were also included in a recent Senate
The House also passed two other tax-related bills Tuesday that weren’t endorsed in the recent AICPA letter.
- H.R. 1155, Recovery of Stolen Checks Act, sponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-New York, would require the IRS to create a process for taxpayers to request a replacement via direct deposit for a stolen paper check. If a check is determined to be stolen or lost, and not cashed, a taxpayer will receive a replacement check once the original check is cancelled, but many taxpayers are having their replacement checks stolen as well. Taxpayers who have a check stolen are then unable to request that the replacement check be sent via direct deposit. The bill would require the Treasury to establish processes and procedures under which taxpayers, who are otherwise eligible to receive an amount by paper check in replacement of a lost or stolen paper check, may elect to receive such amount by direct deposit.
- H.R. 997, National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act, sponsored by Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, would prevent IRS interference with National Taxpayer Advocate personnel by granting the NTA responsibility for its attorneys. In advocating for taxpayer rights, the National Taxpayer Advocate often requires independent legal advice. But currently, the staff members hired by the National Taxpayer Advocate are accountable to internal IRS counsel, not the Taxpayer Advocate, creating a potential conflict of interest to the detriment of taxpayers. The bill would authorize the National Taxpayer Advocate to hire attorneys who report directly to her, helping establish independence from the IRS.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Missouri, applauded the bipartisan House passage of the various bills, which had been unanimously passed by the committee.
“President Trump was elected on the promise of finally making the government work better for working people,” Smith said in a statement Tuesday. “This bipartisan legislation helps fulfill that mandate and makes improvements to tax administration that will make it easier for the American people to file their taxes. Those who are rebuilding after a natural disaster particularly need help filing taxes, which is why this set of bills lightens the load for taxpayers in communities struck by a hurricane, tornado or some other disaster. With Tax Day just a few days away, we must look for common-sense, bipartisan ways to make filing taxes less of a hassle.”
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