I’ve been reading a lot of posts about how CPAs are going to be replaced by Artificial Intelligence. Not so fast, according to this analyst.

The Future of Accounting: Will AI Really Replace CPAs?

As discussions around artificial intelligence (AI) intensify, a prevailing concern among professionals is whether roles like Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are at risk of being supplanted by technology. However, after reviewing various insights from industry analysts, it seems that the narrative of an AI takeover may be overstated.

In conversations circulating across platforms like Reddit, the excitement surrounding AI often leads to predictions of a wholesale replacement of Accounting professionals. While it’s undeniable that AI has made significant strides, my assessment of its current trajectory suggests that the immediate future will not see CPAs being replaced en masse.

It is entirely possible that entry-level positions, often labeled as “Clerk” roles — such as Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable clerks — could face automation in the next decade. However, I firmly believe that higher-level Accounting positions will remain secure for many years to come, unless we witness a breakthrough technology that changes everything we currently understand.

For young professionals navigating their careers in accounting, this is an encouraging message. Now is the perfect time to evaluate your education and skill set. If you currently hold an associate’s degree, contemplating further education — such as pursuing a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree — could greatly enhance your professional standing. Transitioning from clerk positions to more advanced roles is advisable; consider expanding your expertise to ensure future relevance.

Bookkeepers, in particular, find themselves in a unique situation. If your role involves managing financial tasks for a larger organization, the risk of automation aligns closely with that of clerks. Conversely, if you function as the sole financial expert in a firm, your position is likely more secure against technological disruption.

For those pursuing CPA certification or similar professional qualifications, the outlook is even more promising. Current trends suggest that AI, particularly large language models, are experiencing diminishing accuracy with each new version, not improvement. Additionally, the substantial energy demands of these AI systems pose practical challenges that could hinder widespread adoption.

In summary, unless something radically transformative occurs, careers in accounting appear robust and secure for the foreseeable future. Keeping your skills current and being proactive about your professional development will only serve to fortify your position.

For those interested in a broader discussion about the limitations of artificial intelligence, I encourage you to read this compelling article: [The Day of Reckoning May Have Come: A Tech Skeptic’s Warning](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/05/07/the-day-of-re