Guide to AI in accounting: Trends, tools, and stats

Summary

• The future of accounting is collaborative: AI will work alongside you to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and help you focus on higher-value accounting tasks.

• Accounting firms are using AI for tasks like data summarization, organization, and analysis, expense and payroll processing, reporting, forecasting, fraud detection, and workflow automation.

• Training is key to adoption: Firms that train their teams on AI save time and gain a competitive edge.

• Actualizing the benefits of AI all starts with selecting the right AI accounting tool.

In this new era of AI, you may have heard whispers of job replacement or the end-to-end automation of all human processes.

The reality is this: AI presents an opportunity to guide financial professionals and businesses toward a new era of efficiency, accuracy, and strategic prowess. And no, AI will not replace accountants.

If you can grasp the full extent of its impact and learn how to use it, you can unlock a treasure trove of opportunities in a world where data rules and precision is paramount.

This article will cover the most important topics about AI in accounting—from its current and future role in the financial space and your workflows, to key AI trends in 2025 and the tools that will help you meet your goals.

What is AI’s role in accounting?

At the most fundamental level, AI empowers accounting firms to improve productivity and make well-informed decisions.

And it’s here to stay.

In fact, globally, 83% of accounting professionals are using AI, according to The State of AI in Accounting 2025 report. According to a study from Mordor Intelligence, artificial intelligence in accounting is projected to grow 30% year-over-year through 2027. Plus, Gartner found that 80% of CFOs expect to spend more on AI in the coming two years.

Why?

Because accounting AI tools are built to boost efficiency, minimize the risk of human error, and enhance overall productivity.

More specifically, modern accounting firms are using AI for:

• Forecasting

• Scheduling

• Managing cash flow

• Workflow automation

• Composing emails and inbox management

• Invoice processing and expense management

• Data analysis

• Business communication

• Project management

With accounting firms that train their staff on AI saving up to 7 weeks a year per employee, the adoption of AI in accounting is expected to accelerate in the coming years. Finance organizations are quickly realizing the potential it has to improve efficiency, drive decision-making, and increase profitability.

👉 For a comprehensive, data-backed look into how AI is currently progressing in accounting firms, download Karbon’s State of AI Accounting Report 2025.

Will AI replace accountants?

It’s the million-dollar question.

Is AI coming for your job?

While it's true that AI technology has brought about significant change, it's certainly not a harbinger of accountant extinction.

Here’s why:

• Complex decision-making requires human judgment and expertise. Accounting requires understanding complex business transactions, regulatory frameworks, and industry nuances. AI, as advanced as it is, cannot exercise human intelligence, discretion, judgment, ethics, and creativity. All the things needed to make complex accounting decisions in unique situations.

• Client relationships and trust. Building client trust and maintaining relationships are integral to the profession. Interpersonal skills, communication, and the ability to understand a client's unique financial goals and challenges are things that AI can’t replicate.

• Oversight and interpretation. Human accountants play a pivotal role in guiding businesses through financial complexities. AI can automate data entry and analysis, but it cannot reliably interpret results, provide context, or advise on strategic financial decisions. 

For these reasons and more, AI is more likely to complement you rather than replace you.

Not to mention that 56% of accounting professionals believe that the value of a firm drops if it doesn’t use AI.

You should feel confident that the future of accounting jobs is collaborative; one where accountants work together to provide comprehensive financial services, and AI works alongside you to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and help you focus on higher-value accounting tasks.

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