This article is for you if you are interested in learning more about the perks and cons of AI in accounting and finance.
If you are an accountant, I highly recommend learning how to incorporate AI into your work. This will make your work faster and smarter and help you take on higher strategic roles in your company.
With the advent of ChatGPT, our EA team experimented with various uses of AI in accounting to make our work smarter.
Stay tuned as we explore the deeper meaning of AI and its pros and cons to businesses worldwide.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Does AI Mean?
In technical terms, AI is the capability of computers or robots that have software installed in them to carry out tasks that typically require human intelligence and physical attributes. Today, more and more industries are relying on AI to automate business processes and streamline workflows.
In the accounting and finance industry, AI provides business owners with efficient ways to manage inventory and automate accounting processes. This allows business owners to have more time to develop business strategies. Moreover, AI can also help provide CFOs with data analysis so they can make informed financial decisions.
Although AI poses numerous benefits for the accounting and finance industry, several downsides must be considered when implementing AI in accounting processes.
To fully utilize AI’s capabilities in accounting and finance and avoid setbacks, business owners should be aware of the downsides.
The Benefit of AI in Finance
1- Better insight into financial data
AI can help provide accurate and valuable insight into a company’s financial data. This can help business owners make informed financial decisions and drive sustainable growth. Some good AI tools for finance include Datarails FP&A Genius, Domo, and Booke. AI. Business owners should evaluate their accounting needs before purchasing paid AI tools. This way, they can ensure they have the right AI tool for their firm.
2- Work faster & Smarter
AI can work faster and more efficiently than humans in repetitive processes. Unlike humans, AI does not get bored of repetitive and mundane tasks. This way, you can have your financial data evaluated in a shorter time and make informed decisions. Moreover, AI reports also have a lower chance of error, as automating accounting processes can bring about accurate results faster with the help of machine learning.
Further, with the help of AI, accounting businesses can now help their valuable customers complete financial tasks. This way, they can find innovative and swift solutions to their customers’ problems while managing their finances remotely. For instance, when running in the cloud, AI and ML (Machine Learning) can continuously work on their assigned activities. Also, AI can adapt to customer behavior, resulting in satisfied and returning clients.
3- Cost effective
AI can also perform the work of multiple resources at a single time, reducing overhead costs. This can help business owners invest revenue in core areas to increase brand awareness. Moreover, this can also help reduce training and hiring costs in finance as AI will help perform several repetitive tasks. You just need to hire a resource proficient with the AI tool your firm may be using.
4- Eliminate Fraud
Meeting compliance as per the regulations is one of the top priorities for any financial industry. Failing to comply with it can lead to monetary fines, a shutdown of specific operations, risk of volatility in the process, etc. AI here can help to meet compliance and eliminate fraud in the process. It can work as per the criteria given in the algorithm.
5- Analyze Huge Amounts of Data
One of the wonderful benefits of AI to the finance industry is its ability to handle large data. At a time, it can handle large amounts of data, which supersedes the manual process tremendously. This way, you do not have to worry about getting stuck handling large amounts of data and not spending time developing business strategies.
Cons of AI in Finance
1- Algorithm Challenges
AI may yield fast results, but its accuracy largely depends on its algorithms. For instance, an outdated algorithm may not yield the desired results in finance, leading to errors and incomplete results. To avoid setbacks, it is recommended that you hire a finance AI specialist for your firm.
2- Costly
AI is an attractive implementation for your firm but comes with a cost. For startups, AI can be relatively costly. As a startup, spending heavily in your finance department may not be a good idea when you have to invest in core areas of your firm.
Moreover, amid surging inflation, it is becoming challenging for startups to manage accounting overhead costs. Thus, making informed financial decisions early in the startup journey is paramount to driving sustainable growth.
The bottom line
All in all, AI has several advantages and disadvantages in finance. What’s important is that you evaluate your business needs before implementing AI in your finances. You can also schedule a consultation with a financial expert and make an informed financial decision.
Business owners looking to reduce overhead costs in the finance department can consider outsourcing their accounting functions to reliable outsourcing providers. This way, they can access expert financial advice without having to spend time hiring and training accounting resources.
Expertise Accelerated: Your Gateway to Quality Accounting Resources
Business owners can rely on Expertise Accelerated to outsource high-quality accounting resources. Expertise Accelerated can provide business owners with expert accounting resources to streamline accounting processes. This way, they have enough time and investment to make informed decisions, drive sustainable financial growth, and build customer relationships. Further, with their expert insight, business owners can stop worrying about the financial risks that their firm might be vulnerable to, as their valuable insight can help them mitigate financial risks.