Can They Coexist?
All,
The past year I've gone back and forth with myself, listened to the discourse and opinions that surround AI in accounting and the business field. I must say that while I find concerns with AI mostly agreeable, I disagree with the premise that it will eliminate the standard bookkeeper. I saw this post on Linkeden the other day that said something along the lines of "AI can't replicate the safe and comforting direct communication and assistance that a worried business owner may have when inquiring like a standard bookkeeper can." Listen, this isn't a ridiculous statement at all. I am an emormous suporter of integrating AI in software and POS mapping systems; however, a bookkeeper will still be needed for oversight. I can't even count how many times high level software has given wrong suggestions, incorrect automation of journal entries and classifications in a client's books. AI will always be a great tool, but will never replace something as comprehensive, nor variable as standard bookkeeping.
Let's say standard bookkeeping died out. I still believe that standard bookkeepers would shift into small business level software and bookkeeping consultants. Take it from a QuickBooks Pro Advisor, those software applications are too vast for a regular business owner to navigate with the total aide of only AI. I digress haha.