The accounting profession is experiencing an era of reinvention, fueled by a wave of artificial intelligence that’s moving from high-level theory into tangible daily practice.
At ADP’s Accountant Connect AI Forum, Dan Hood, editor in chief of Accounting Today and I discussed that it’s not about waiting for experts or expensive consultants to tell firms what to do next. It’s about taking small, hands-on steps now to leverage AI as an enabler for a smarter, more resilient business moving forward.
The fact is that the transformation is already underway, and accountants who are ready to learn, adapt and collaborate are the ones who will thrive in the age of AI.
For those just starting out, or even those who have dipped their toe repeatedly in the AI waters, the following offers a practical guide to move into the world of human-first, AI-smart.
Practical first steps for getting started with AI
My advice is straightforward: Just start somewhere.
The world of AI can feel intimidating, but the doorway in is surprisingly accessible. So, start with the basics like working your way through a few free training modules offered by leading AI platforms and experimenting with low-barrier tools.
For example, everyday applications like note-taking assistants and video editors can clean up “ums” and “ahs” from presentations and are readily available and affordable. Other tools, like ChatGPT, can be used for strategic planning and automating repeatable tasks, freeing up time for higher-value client work.
And while some innovators are creating custom AI models for firm-specific needs, this isn’t necessary for most. What’s far more important is to encourage experimentation and treat AI tools as collaborative partners in problem-solving, not as magical black boxes that deliver perfect answers.
The bottom line is to start small, iterate often and build confidence through doing, not overplanning. Dan was clear that some training gives direction on experimentation, ensuring you use these technologies with intention as you explore what’s possible.
Data, capacity and avoiding pitfalls
The foundational principle behind successful AI adoption comes down to “garbage in, garbage out.” For any technology to deliver results, it must be fed with clean, consistent and unified data to avoid unnecessary “bad data” pitfalls.
So, before introducing any advanced automation, firms must review their data silos and devise a plan for ongoing data hygiene. This is not a one-time effort; it’s maintenance that underpins every worthwhile AI use case.
With staff and capacity pressures mounting, AI provides a path forward that doesn’t simply replicate old routines by “throwing more people at the problem.” This means firms need to redesign workflows so technology takes on repetitive or resource-intensive steps, saving human expertise for client relationships and advisory roles.
Not every problem deserves an AI solution, though. Some compliance-heavy or highly specialized tasks are best left to expert vendors. The value comes from working alongside top technology providers, not building everything from scratch internally.
Adapting for the future
What may be the most powerful shift of all is one of mindset.
It’s time to dispel the myth that technological change is generational because adaptability and curiosity matter more than age or job title. Today’s AI tools are designed to be user-friendly enough for anyone willing to experiment and learn.
The real divide is not between old and young, but between those who embrace change and those who resist it.
Continuous learning is now part of the job description. Accountants who blend AI-enabled analysis with an empathetic, advisory approach will not only stay relevant but become more vital to clients than ever.
It’s also important to note here that the work of tomorrow will look dramatically different. At present, the profession is experiencing a “renaissance,” driven by those willing to engage, iterate and collectively shape a profession in motion. Letting go of old habits clears space for new skills and confidence to flourish.
Dan agrees, acknowledging that firms must participate in the renaissance because AI won’t take your job, but an accounting firm using AI will.
The imperative is to get on board now, skill up and position your firm for sustained excellence. It’s time to shift to a human-first, AI-smart mindset.
Taking AI step by step
Meaningful transformation never arrives all at once. It happens step by step — through experimentation, collaboration and an open mind.
No more waiting for the perfect moment or tool. It’s time to embrace the process, start using what’s available and learn alongside your peers. Real change starts from the inside out, as teams work together to identify value, improve processes and build confidence with AI.
The future of accounting belongs to those who are brave enough to move forward together, driven by curiosity and purpose. Now is the time to take those first steps and help lead the way.
