The Role of AI in Accounting: Insights From Practitioners

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present the results of a survey conducted among Polish accountants on the areas of use of artificial intelligence in key accounting tasks. Design/Methodology/Approach: The survey was conducted among Polish accountants from October 2023 to July 2024. An additional way to promote the research was to organize webinars, during which the authors presented pilot results, while encouraging potential respondents. This article concerns one of the topics discussed in the survey, namely, it aims to indicate which stages of the process of processing and presenting information in accounting can be supported by AI. Findings: In this article, we conduct a detailed analysis of the answer to the question: In which areas of accounting do you think AI will be used to the greatest extent? Many reports on the future of accounting indicate that the development of technology, including AI, will eliminate the need for accountants to perform repetitive, routine activities, automating many processes that are currently performed manually. The research presented in this article confirms this position, because regardless of the characteristics describing the respondents, the most frequently indicated answer was the preparation and the workflow of accounting document. Practical Implications: The article presents the expectations of accountants regarding the areas in which they expect technological support. The research results may be useful for the IT industry, which implements solutions for accountants in the area of process automation. Originality/Value: In studies on the prospects for using AI in accounting, authors most often focus on technological possibilities, ethical issues, or education of accountants. This article presents the perspective of accountants who, contrary to popular and superficial opinions, are not afraid that AI will take their jobs.