The Resilience of Accounting in the Age of AI: A CPA’s Perspective

In recent discussions surrounding the future of the Accounting profession, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic. Many internet forums, including Reddit, are buzzing with predictions that CPAs may soon find themselves obsolete, overtaken by the very machines we once revered for their processing power. However, an analytical perspective suggests that we shouldn’t hit the panic button just yet.

As I delve into the current capabilities of AI and the trends shaping our industry, I am increasingly skeptical of the claims that accountants will be replaced in the immediate future. Yes, routine tasks and entry-level positions may be at risk of automation within the next decade, but the roles that demand higher-level critical thinking and strategic decision-making appear far safer, at least for the foreseeable future.

What does this mean for aspiring accountants and current professionals? It’s essential to take a moment to assess your qualifications and skill set. If you hold an Associate’s degree, consider pursuing a Bachelor’s or even a higher degree. Those in entry-level roles—like Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable Clerks—should actively work on expanding their expertise to qualify for advanced positions within the industry.

Bookkeepers find themselves in a notably intriguing position. If you merely serve as a component within a larger financial operation, you may face similar threats as those in clerical roles. However, if you are the sole financial expert for a firm, your job security is considerably more robust.

For those on the journey to CPA or other professional certifications, the evidence suggests that AI is unlikely to encroach upon your career anytime soon. Current trends indicate that the performance of large language models (LLMs)—commonly associated with AI—has been fluctuating in accuracy, and the energy demands of maintaining these sophisticated systems are considerable. As a result, the security of CPA positions appears stable for several decades ahead, especially for those who continuously enhance their skills.

While it’s always wise to plan for financial stability, perhaps even an early retirement, many accountants can find solace in the knowledge that their profession is not on the chopping block just yet.

To broaden your understanding of AI and its limitations, I recommend checking out a thought-provoking piece that discusses some challenges faced by technology in various fields: [The Day of Reckoning May Have Come: The Tech Skeptic Warning](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/05/07/the-day-of-reckoning-may