How AI Could Have Changed My Practice—And How It Can Change Yours Today

Accountants: Are You Overwhelmed? I Was—Here’s What I Would Do Now

I used to wear so many hats in my accounting practice—maybe you do too. Here’s a list of just some of the things I juggled:

• Marketing
• Payroll
• Bookkeeping
• Management Accounts
• Compliance
• Tax
• Billing
• The INBOX (oh, how I loved the inbox)
• Client & Team Communication
• Hiring
• Staff Development
• Tech & Security
• Sales
• Client Onboarding
• Vendor Management
• Team Training

…and I could go on. It was overwhelming, to say the least.

The biggest time sink? Bookkeeping. Back in 2009, I transitioned most of my clients to online accounting software to eliminate duplication. I saw other accountants asking clients to write things up or put them into spreadsheets, only to enter them again manually. What was the point of that? It was a huge waste of time.

But if I were running a practice today, I’d go even further. I'd have Jack, the AI Bookkeeper, taking care of the bookkeeping while my team of bookkeepers acted as validators—ensuring everything was accurate while spending more time on high-value tasks.

Why Are We Still Stuck in the Past?

The bookkeeping scene in the UK right now is chaotic, confusing, and frankly, a bit of a mess. Missing invoices, duplicated transactions, unreconciled accounts—you name it, these little slip-ups stack up, creating big problems for accountants everywhere.

The root of the issue? Clinging to the old ways like they’re our favourite pair of worn-out slippers. Outdated methods slow us down and open the door to avoidable errors. It’s time to clean up our act and move with the times, don’t you think?

The Clock Is Ticking

Tick-tock, tick-tock. That’s the sound of time slipping away while accountants battle inefficient bookkeeping systems. When the books are a mess, every task takes longer than it should, causing major roadblocks to delivering quality work on time. Clients aren’t thrilled when delays happen, and who can blame them?

The Solution: Leveraging AI Tools

Why not let modern software take some of the load off? Tools that automate the mundane can free up precious time, letting accountants focus on what matters—like being the finance business partner clients want. Moving into the advisory space.

Jack, the AI-Powered Bookkeeper

AI-powered tools aren’t magic, but they’re pretty close. Think of them as your new best friend in the fight against bookkeeping blunders. Meet Jack, your AI-powered bookkeeker. Jack can extract line-item accounting entries, assign them to the correct GL and tax codes, and perform bank reconciliations.

Unlike traditional OCR technology (like D**T), Jack learns from each transaction and better contextualizes the accounting treatment, allowing for more accurate extraction, faster processing, reduced manual review, and real-time insights. With Jack handling the time-consuming, repetitive tasks, you can focus on consulting and providing decision-making advice to your clients. Jack is 10x faster and 4x cheaper than in-house or outsourced bookkeeping solutions.

The Human Touch in an AI World

But hold up—let’s not forget the human element. Technology is great, but it’s not a replacement for the sharp insight and personal touch that bookkeepers and accountants bring to the table.

The goal here is to use AI to enhance our roles, not diminish them. By automating routine tasks, accountants can focus more on strategy and advice—areas where computers simply can’t compete. It’s about finding the sweet spot between tech and personal judgment, using all the tools at our disposal to make smart, informed decisions that keep the financial wheels turning smoothly.

Training Wheels for the Digital Transition

Feeling out of your depth with all this tech talk? Don’t worry—there are plenty of resources to help you get up to speed. From online courses to hands-on workshops, opportunities for learning new skills are just a click away. Staying relevant isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.

Continuous learning is about being the best accountant you can be, equipped to tackle whatever comes your way.

Building a Support Network

There’s strength in numbers, and building a network of fellow AI-curious accountants can make all the difference. Whether it’s sharing tips, venting about challenges, or celebrating wins, having a support system is invaluable.

Online forums, local meetups, professional associations—these are all great places to connect with peers who are also navigating the digital landscape. Remember, everyone’s in the same boat, so why not row together?

The Road Ahead: Embracing Change

Ready to take the plunge and tidy up your bookkeeping for good? It starts with a willingness to embrace change and a proactive approach to adopting new technologies. Sure, change can be daunting, but it’s also packed with potential.

Think of it as an opportunity to streamline your workflow, enhance your services, and step into a role that’s more advisor and less number-cruncher. The future is bright for those ready to adapt and innovate.

Tidying Up for a Brighter Future

Let’s wrap this up. The key takeaway? If you’re ready to upgrade your skills and embrace AI, it isn’t just smart—it’s essential for staying ahead in this fast-paced world.

So, what are you waiting for? The first step to untangling the great bookkeeping mess is just a decision away. Let’s tidy up for a more organised, efficient, and successful future. After all, a clean desk (and ledger) is a sign of a clear mind, right?

I'm Marie, and I offer strategy sessions where we take the helicopter view of your practice. DM me—I have two slots available for January. Let’s make bookkeeping smarter, together.