How will business run in 2030

The next step in this series is looking at the services around businesses and how they will be impacted.

This blog will focus on the areas of Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing in the process of managing money, as these roles are set for significant change. These roles have gone through many changes over the years since their original setup in 1494. A big shift began with the advent of mass-scale automation, so what is happening now has happened before, with each step reducing more of the mundane work.

The first part will involve asking ChatGPT what it thinks will happen for each role and the last part is my take.

Below are images showing the changing office over time as automation has come in.

AI Interpretation

Bookkeeper

What do they do?

Bookkeepers handle the day-to-day financial record-keeping for a business. They maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all financial transactions, which include purchases, sales, receipts, and payments.

How will they be impacted by AI?

AI’s impact on bookkeeping will lead to a gradual shift in the role—from transaction-focused tasks to more analytical and advisory responsibilities. Bookkeepers who adapt by learning data analysis, strategic advising, and AI oversight skills will likely find themselves in demand for higher-value roles, while routine tasks may be largely automated.

Accountants

What do they do?

Accountants are crucial for ensuring accurate records, maximizing tax benefits, and providing strategic insights that influence decision-making and financial planning.

How will they be impacted?

AI will impact accountants by automating routine tasks, enhancing data accuracy, and enabling real-time insights. This shift will allow accountants to focus more on strategic advisory and financial analysis, moving beyond traditional compliance and reporting tasks. As AI reshapes the profession, accountants who acquire skills in data analytics, technology, and strategic planning will be well-positioned to take on advanced roles in a data-driven financial landscape.

Auditors

What do they do?

Auditors review financial records, transactions, and processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and integrity. Their role is crucial for building trust in financial information and protecting stakeholders’ interests.

How will they be impacted?

AI will transform auditing by automating routine checks, improving fraud detection, and enabling continuous audits. Auditors will be able to analyze larger datasets in real time, enhancing their ability to spot issues proactively. As AI handles transactional and compliance aspects, auditors will shift towards strategic roles, focusing on risk management, advising on business improvements, and providing deeper insights into financial health. To thrive in this evolving field, auditors will increasingly need skills in data science, AI oversight, and risk analysis.

My Take

This transformation aligns with my previous insights: as AI takes over mundane tasks, each role is evolving into a more strategic, “thinking” capacity. Professionals will need to interpret data from various sources to ensure alignment with business objectives—something that remains challenging for AI, as business involves more than just data.

The real shift will come as we all spend more time focusing on how to optimize business operations, ultimately benefiting everyone in the long run. However, there will be short-term challenges as new roles emerge and existing ones expand. With better, more timely information, these evolving roles will be empowered to make more impactful, informed decisions.

The 2030 office space will change due to this as will be less about permanent desks and more about fostering flexibility, collaboration, and well-being, supporting a workforce that balances in-office and remote work and interacts with AI by voice and visuals on demand creating a very dynamic model version compared to the old fix model.