Why AI is making accountancy exciting for a new generation

Laraine Ukwu-George’s technology-driven approach to finance demonstrates why people would consider a career change to accountancy if AI handled administrative tasks.

Two in five people would consider a career change to accountancy if administrative tasks were carried out by AI, according to new research from AAT. For Laraine Ukwu-George, Finance Coordinator at Archway, a charity supporting vulnerable adults, this statistic reflects her own experience of how artificial intelligence is transforming the profession from number-crunching into something very exciting.

Laraine’s journey into finance began in 2022, following a career reset prompted by the pandemic. With a degree in engineering and previous experience as an optical consultant in retail, she found herself in a business support role that unexpectedly introduced her to the world of finance. “I’d been working in retail as an optical consultant. Then after coronavirus (Covid-19), I wanted to do something different, something hybrid,” said Laraine. “I applied for a business support assistant job, and it turned out it was assisting operations and finance. They would get remittance invoices, and I wouldn’t know what debit and credit meant.”

This knowledge gap led Laraine to discover AAT. “I researched and found out what AAT was, and I decided that it would teach me from the basics as I didn’t know the fundamentals.” She self-funded her studies, completing Levels 2 and 3 whilst working in increasingly finance-focused roles.

AI in action: from manual processing to strategic thinking

Laraine’s first direct encounter with AI in accounting came during her role in accounts payable at a university in Aberdeen. The transformation was immediately apparent: “We upgraded our system to use AI technology to read the invoices with OCR (optical character recognition), so we wouldn’t have to manually input them because we had high volumes.”

This practical experience aligns with AAT’s research findings, which show that 78% of those currently in the profession believe AI tools make accountancy easier by automating administrative tasks, while 64% believe AI tools will enhance efficiency and accuracy in the accounting profession.

The human element: training AI and strategic oversight

Rather than replacing human input, Laraine found that AI required careful human oversight and training. “We’d have to train the software, so we’d pass lots of invoices through, and if there were errors, every morning we’d have to check the error reports,” she explains.

In her current role, Laraine continues to work with AI-powered tools. “We use AI technology – you might have heard of DEXT or Receipt Bank – for invoice capture. The more invoices you put in, the better it gets at it, but you still have to check it.”

Blending technology with professional development

What sets Laraine apart is her forward-thinking approach to combining traditional accounting qualifications with cutting-edge technology skills. She is currently studying for AAT Level 4 whilst pursuing a Master’s in Applied Data Analytics through the University of the Highlands and Islands, and she’s building a unique skill set for the future of finance.

“I’m interested in the programming side”, Laraine explains. “From everything I’m seeing, AI and data analytics are going to be very important in almost everything we’re going to be doing as accountants.”

Her academic projects demonstrate the practical application of this knowledge. “Each time I have coursework, I tailor it to accounting, and when I’m finished with AAT Level 4, I can show that this is the portfolio I’ve created.” One project involved creating a management reporting application where Laraine used fake employee data to generate charts and graphs showing departmental costs, salary distributions, and demographic breakdowns.

Embracing AI for career enhancement

Laraine also actively uses AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance her professional development. During her job search, she leveraged the technology to tailor applications and understand company requirements. “I would put the company name in and ask ChatGPT to tell me about the company,” she explains. “Sometimes I’d input the job description and ask what kind of skills they need, because some things are hidden in job adverts.”

For her studies, AI serves as an additional learning resource. “The book may explain things one way, and I’ll ask ChatGPT to explain this question again to me in another way, so I’m seeing it in two different ways.”

The future is exciting, not frightening

For Laraine, AI represents opportunity rather than threat. “I think it’s something we should be excited about, but with a pinch of salt, because we need to understand this technology. We can’t just blindly follow it, because AI makes mistakes. It’s only as good as the programmer that programs it, and we still need to know the basics.”

She draws parallels with previous technological advances: “It’s like when the internet came out – people were scared of it, but now everything happens on the internet. The learning curve is not that steep, so people shouldn’t really be frightened.”

This optimistic outlook is transforming perceptions of the profession itself. “My husband is an accountant, but I wasn’t really interested in accounting at first because I thought it was boring,” she said. “But now I think it’s very exciting. There’s so much happening with it.”

Strategic roles replacing routine tasks

Laraine has witnessed firsthand how AI is elevating accounting roles beyond inputting numbers. “With the advancement and integration of AI, it now frees accountants up for more strategic tasks. The accountant’s role is changing from just number-crunching to strategic work,” she said.

She cites a colleague whose role evolution exemplifies this shift: “I know someone who used to be a Finance Manager, but now she’s a Business Services Manager. It’s more about the strategy of the business and ‘how do we make more money?’ It’s no longer about writing in the ledger.”

AAT’s research shows that 80% of current professionals say AI allows accountants to focus more on giving advice and solving business problems, whilst 81% believe AI is generating greater opportunities by enabling accounting professionals to develop skills in other areas.

In summary

Laraine’s journey from engineering graduate to AI-savvy finance professional illustrates why 23% of people say they would have stayed in the accounting profession longer if AI had been available to help them, whilst 22% say they would return if AI could support basic tasks.

Her advice for those considering the profession is pragmatic: “People have to learn how to use this software, but it’s just like any new technology.” Laraine’s combination of AAT qualifications with advanced data analytics skills represents a new model for finance professionals – one where technology enhances rather than replaces human expertise. Laraine agrees that understanding the technical side of accounting will be vital in ensuring that AI is doing what it’s supposed to do.

For students, employers and training providers, Laraine’s story demonstrates the importance of embracing both foundational knowledge and emerging technologies. As AAT’s research shows, the profession is evolving rapidly, and those who adapt will find themselves at the forefront of an increasingly dynamic and rewarding career path.

AAT’s Skills Campaign research surveyed 1,000 members aged between 18 – 65.

Further reading

How AI is transforming accountancy’s appeal

Working with AI: boosting your career in the right way

AI focus: how artificial intelligence can help accounting students thrive

AAT Comment offers news and opinion on the world of business and finance from the Association of Accounting Technicians.