19 answers
Willow
Student
Orem, Utah
1
Question
Asked
477 views
How are other accountants navigating the field with the increase in AI usage taking over entry-level positions?
I don't know how to make myself a better candidate when it feels as a newbie to the industry my job is something that's easier to automate than to train. What can I do to make myself more desirable for starting positions?
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19 answers
Samantha (Becker) Schrager, CPA
Audit
5
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi there! AI is fantastic for handling simple tasks, but we still need a team for talking with clients, analyzing AI results, and thinking critically. It's great to have a basic understanding of AI and writing tools as a new team member. Soft skills are super important too—our clients might use AI daily, but building strong relationships is key to their business success!
Trevor Jensen
Audit & Assurance Senior
8
Answers
San Tan Valley, Arizona
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
Hi Willow,
This is a big question that many top accounting firms have been discussing. Just bringing it up shows you're ahead of the game! If you can learn how AI is used in accounting and become skilled at using it, you'll really stand out. Remember, AI is a tool to help people, not replace them, so your ability to use it wisely is key.
Hope this helps!
Trevor Jensen
This is a big question that many top accounting firms have been discussing. Just bringing it up shows you're ahead of the game! If you can learn how AI is used in accounting and become skilled at using it, you'll really stand out. Remember, AI is a tool to help people, not replace them, so your ability to use it wisely is key.
Hope this helps!
Trevor Jensen
Kevin Lu
Tax Accountant
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Willow,
As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into the workplace, there are several ways you can differentiate yourself as a professional. First, remember that accounting is a service-based industry. Our profession is built on establishing and maintaining trust with clients. Strong communication skills and the ability to solve complex problems for clients are some of the most valuable qualities an accounting professional can possess, and these are areas where human judgment and relationships remain essential. Additionally, it's important to learn how to effectively leverage emerging technologies in your work. AI is a powerful tool that can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing professionals to focus more on higher-level analysis, critical thinking, and client-focused work. Those who can successfully combine technical accounting knowledge with the effective use of AI and other technologies will be well-positioned for success in the future.
As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into the workplace, there are several ways you can differentiate yourself as a professional. First, remember that accounting is a service-based industry. Our profession is built on establishing and maintaining trust with clients. Strong communication skills and the ability to solve complex problems for clients are some of the most valuable qualities an accounting professional can possess, and these are areas where human judgment and relationships remain essential. Additionally, it's important to learn how to effectively leverage emerging technologies in your work. AI is a powerful tool that can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing professionals to focus more on higher-level analysis, critical thinking, and client-focused work. Those who can successfully combine technical accounting knowledge with the effective use of AI and other technologies will be well-positioned for success in the future.
Kris Chandrasekar
Financial Auditor
6
Answers
Walnut Creek, California
Updated
Kris’s Answer
A lot of accountants are responding to AI by leaning harder into the things it does not do well: judgment, communication, problem-solving, and understanding context. Entry-level work may change, but firms still need people who can catch errors, ask smart questions, explain issues clearly, and work well with clients and teams. To stand out, build a strong base in Excel, accounting fundamentals, and business writing, and get comfortable using AI as a tool rather than seeing it only as competition. Internships, campus leadership, and even small examples of initiative can help show that you are reliable and teachable. It also helps to be the person who can turn raw output whether from software or AI into something accurate, useful, and easy for others to act on. So instead of trying to compete with automation, position yourself as someone who knows how to work with it and add the human judgment it still needs.
Brennan Clark, CPA
Audit Manager
3
Answers
Riverton, Utah
Updated
Brennan’s Answer
Hi Willow,
Just like others have mentioned, AI isn't ready to take over entry-level jobs yet. In my company, AI acts like a helpful assistant, taking care of the simple tasks we do every day. This means our new team members can learn advanced skills faster and start making a real difference earlier in their careers.
It's a good idea to get to know AI tools. Understanding how to use them can really boost what you bring to your team and open up more career opportunities.
Take care,
Brennan
Just like others have mentioned, AI isn't ready to take over entry-level jobs yet. In my company, AI acts like a helpful assistant, taking care of the simple tasks we do every day. This means our new team members can learn advanced skills faster and start making a real difference earlier in their careers.
It's a good idea to get to know AI tools. Understanding how to use them can really boost what you bring to your team and open up more career opportunities.
Take care,
Brennan
Nicholas Dave Setiadi, CPA
Auditor
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Nicholas Dave’s Answer
I work in public accounting and AI is not only implemented into our daily workflow, but it is even encouraged by upper management! It's scary to think about how AI is cutting jobs, but public accounting still needs a human behind all our tasks since the business is heavily client-facing, and we still need competent, personable people to drive client relationships. I'd recommend looking into public accounting roles, especially at the Big 4 as it is very welcoming of AI at the moment.
Cheryl Gordon
Tax Manager
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Cheryl’s Answer
At this AI stage, most jobs transferred to an AI workflow must be administered, reviewed and managed by a human. If I were a hiring manager, an attractive candidate would have made some effort to learn AI, even if self taught using online sources. Research how AI is used currently or the projected use for the specific area of accounting you're interested in and then see what information is available for you to soak in. I believe a basic understanding from which you can speak to would be smart to relay during an upcoming interview and most likely help you in your new role. Good luck!
Brian Reynolds
Accountant/Project Manager
13
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Brian’s Answer
- Gain valuable experience and boost your technical skills by securing an internship and keeping up with the latest technology.
- Sharpen your critical thinking skills to stand out when tackling problems, allowing you to go beyond just relying on AI for solutions.
- Make an effort to understand how AI works, as it's essential for humans to comprehend both the input and output of AI systems.
- Keep expanding your network by connecting with professionals and recruiters, and attend events to open up more opportunities for yourself.
- Sharpen your critical thinking skills to stand out when tackling problems, allowing you to go beyond just relying on AI for solutions.
- Make an effort to understand how AI works, as it's essential for humans to comprehend both the input and output of AI systems.
- Keep expanding your network by connecting with professionals and recruiters, and attend events to open up more opportunities for yourself.
Claire Nguyen
Audit
4
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Hi Willow,
Its definitely a bit difficult navigating the job market in this day and age, but good news is that accountants are still in high demand despite AI! As an auditor, there are so many amazing uses of AI, but the human aspect is key to this job. I tend to use AI to summarize documentation, write emails, or research accounting standards, but 90% of being an auditor requires human discussions and judgement. By using AI to eliminate simple tasks like writing professional emails, I can focus on more difficult areas of being an auditor such as risk assessments, analytics, testing, etc. As such, problem solving and critical thinking skills can help differentiate you in the job market. Also practice with using applications such as excel, PowerBI, along with AI can help as well!
Its definitely a bit difficult navigating the job market in this day and age, but good news is that accountants are still in high demand despite AI! As an auditor, there are so many amazing uses of AI, but the human aspect is key to this job. I tend to use AI to summarize documentation, write emails, or research accounting standards, but 90% of being an auditor requires human discussions and judgement. By using AI to eliminate simple tasks like writing professional emails, I can focus on more difficult areas of being an auditor such as risk assessments, analytics, testing, etc. As such, problem solving and critical thinking skills can help differentiate you in the job market. Also practice with using applications such as excel, PowerBI, along with AI can help as well!
Sarah Crista, MSA
Accounting
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Willow! AI is a great tool and can really help with everyday tasks, but it isn't ready to replace accounting roles completely. Things like building client relationships and making complex decisions still need a human touch. However, using AI for simple tasks can free up your time for more challenging work, like handling complex transactions. To stand out, try learning how AI can be used in your daily tasks and focus on developing soft skills like effective communication. This will really benefit you with your coworkers and clients!
Elizabeth Lawrence
Audit - Audit Senior Assisstant
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
From my personal experience, AI is simply used as a tool to enhance rather than to replace. The value that you bring is professional judgement. AI cannot provide that critical piece that is necessary in accounting. Rest assured that you bring lots of value to the job!
Isida Mici
Cash Accountant
106
Answers
Tirana, Tirana County, Albania
Updated
Isida’s Answer
Hello Willow,
Your inquiry has gone through my weekly mail. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built by trying, failing, and trying again. Every time you step outside your comfort zone, you grow. We are in an era where we need to learn and improve ourselves all the time. Connections matter as much as skills. Reach out to teachers, alumni, or professionals in fields you’re curious about. A short message asking for advice can open doors. These suggestions are from an international perspective because I live in Southeastern Europe (Balkans), hence somewhat a different culture on how to get the first job. In my country, the highest number of students is in Economics because they think that there are more job vacancies and the job market is easier to enter. I don't think so. Anyway, the accountant career path is boring, and I think you need to pay attention to details and have persistence to stay overtime sometimes to finish all the tasks that the boss has said to do. You need to be good with numbers and to solve problems. Hope it helps. May the blessing follow you always!
Your inquiry has gone through my weekly mail. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built by trying, failing, and trying again. Every time you step outside your comfort zone, you grow. We are in an era where we need to learn and improve ourselves all the time. Connections matter as much as skills. Reach out to teachers, alumni, or professionals in fields you’re curious about. A short message asking for advice can open doors. These suggestions are from an international perspective because I live in Southeastern Europe (Balkans), hence somewhat a different culture on how to get the first job. In my country, the highest number of students is in Economics because they think that there are more job vacancies and the job market is easier to enter. I don't think so. Anyway, the accountant career path is boring, and I think you need to pay attention to details and have persistence to stay overtime sometimes to finish all the tasks that the boss has said to do. You need to be good with numbers and to solve problems. Hope it helps. May the blessing follow you always!
Michael Doyen, CPA
Tax Accountant
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
While AI is going to continue to make great strides it will not remove the human element. Our clients depend and trust we will provide them the answers. While anyone can read output, developing fundamental understanding of what inputs you are using and the outcome you are trying to accomplish will remain key. If you can distinguish yourself in school, the same mindset should continue into the working world. Regardless if AI can automate, the more you lean into your profession with support from AI, the more "in-demand" you will be.
Maie Hassanein
Tax Technology Senior Manager
7
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Maie’s Answer
Consider getting an AI certification or creating an AI portfolio with projects you've done in your spare time. Showing your interest and skills to employers can make a strong impact.
Kodai Ogawa
Accountant
4
Answers
Vienna, Virginia
Updated
Kodai’s Answer
Hi Willow,
I recommend getting familiar utilizing AI to increase your efficiency and productivity. Show your manager that you are can use AI to the fullest and be the expert that can teach them new tips and skills. For accounting specifically, try to focus more on the analytics compared to just the bookkeeping .
I recommend getting familiar utilizing AI to increase your efficiency and productivity. Show your manager that you are can use AI to the fullest and be the expert that can teach them new tips and skills. For accounting specifically, try to focus more on the analytics compared to just the bookkeeping .
Fayze Hindi, MPAc
Consumer Industry
4
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Fayze ’s Answer
As technology improves and increases in our daily lives, it is best to stay consistent and continue learning about how to use AI and other applications. AI is still improving and can really only perform basic tasks. The way you can stand out is by taking the time to learn different AI tools and find the best way to use it for your career. Also AI is not always correct, by continuing to work on your skills and learning, you would stand out by not always relying solely on AI.
Roger Loughlin
Senior Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Roger’s Answer
Hi Willow,
Great question! Right now, AI is a helpful tool for accountants. Try to learn about AI tools and see if they work well for you. Some need specific questions to give useful answers, so stay curious and open-minded. We can't predict how AI will change, but don't be afraid to explore it. I hope this helps.
Best,
Roger
Great question! Right now, AI is a helpful tool for accountants. Try to learn about AI tools and see if they work well for you. Some need specific questions to give useful answers, so stay curious and open-minded. We can't predict how AI will change, but don't be afraid to explore it. I hope this helps.
Best,
Roger
Agnes Hon
International Tax Consultant
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Agnes’s Answer
Hi Willow! I definitely had the same question when I was first exploring the accounting path. I think AI is definitely a great tool and it already helps a lot with the entry-level accounting tasks. But I don't think the role is easy to fully replace. There are still so many soft skills involved, especially on the client- facing side, like communication, relationship-building etc.
I think the best thing you can do to stand out is by improving those soft skills and learning how to work WITH AI. Technical skills matter, but the soft skills are something AI can never really replace!
I think the best thing you can do to stand out is by improving those soft skills and learning how to work WITH AI. Technical skills matter, but the soft skills are something AI can never really replace!
Amanda Barrist, CPA
CPA
6
Answers
Cooper City, Florida
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
AI is great for handling basic tasks, but it isn't yet able to analyze, plan, or talk with clients. In tax preparation, we use AI to read standard documents and fill in the numbers on tax returns. Some documents are thousands of pages long, so AI helps us save a lot of time. We're also using it more for analysis and trying to make it a part of our daily work to make things easier. With fewer accounting graduates, keeping up with the workload would be tough without this technology. As you learn in school, take the chance to get to know different AI tools. Being flexible and bringing new ideas on how to use ever-changing technology is a great trait that will help you succeed!