The Future of AI
The future of AI: When it comes to artificial intelligence, we’re somewhere between WALL-E and Blade Runner. On one side, AI promises ease, efficiency, and innovation. On the other, there’s fear — of deepfakes, job losses, and a world where “work” as we know it disappears. So where are we heading, and what does it mean for your accounting practice?
Let’s break it down.
The Opportunity — Not the Apocalypse
For many, AI still feels like a far-off, slightly scary buzzword. But the truth is: it’s already here. In fact, AI agents — digital teammates that can carry out real tasks — are making waves in everyday businesses. Firms like Shopify and Fiverr are embracing them, and even figures like Steven Bartlett are offering cash to employees who successfully automate their own roles.
Yes — it’s that real.
But this isn’t about robots stealing jobs. It’s about transforming them. Like spreadsheets in the 80s, or cloud computing in the 2000s, AI is the next big shift. It won’t remove the need for accountants; it will remove the tedious stuff around accounting. Clicking buttons and chasing data aren’t your purpose. Advising clients, interpreting insight, building strategy — that’s where humans thrive.
Fear of the future of AI — And Why It’s Valid
Still, the fear is valid. From deepfakes to scams, AI can be used poorly. And sudden change? We’re hardwired to resist it. We don’t like uncertainty, and we definitely don’t like not knowing what comes next.
But here’s the thing: not changing is no longer an option.
What we can do is shape the change — not by sitting on the sidelines, but by understanding the tools, testing them, and figuring out how they support the way you want to work.
Work Isn’t Going Away — It’s Just Shifting
One of the most human parts of this discussion is around purpose. If AI takes the workload off your plate — what’s left?
Turns out, plenty.
Work gives people structure, identity, and yes, meaning. Even the AI advocates in your firm probably aren’t dreaming of a world where no one works. They’re imagining one where work is more human — less grind, more value. AI enables this by giving you time back: time to think, connect, and build.
We’ve already seen this pattern. Typing pools vanished when word processors arrived. Spreadsheets replaced ledgers. Each time, the work changed — but the need for smart people didn’t.
This is the same. Just bigger.
What Should Accountants Do Now?
You’re not too late. You haven’t missed the boat. And this is not the end of accounting.
But it is the start of something new.
Your clients still need you. The work still matters. But how you deliver it — and how you run your firm — is evolving. And that’s why it’s time to get curious, not cautious.
This June, Bots For That is running three free webinars to show real-world use cases of AI agents in accounting practices. No jargon, no fluff — just straight-up demos and advice. We’re here to answer questions, calm fears, and help you take those first steps.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t just for Silicon Valley. It’s not just for the big firms. And it’s certainly not reserved for sci-fi futures.
It’s here. And it’s ready to help you.
So don’t sit back and wait. Ask the questions, explore the options, and join the conversations. Your future isn’t being decided for you — it’s waiting for you to shape it.
Let’s figure it out together.
