Just like in many other fields, one major topic keeps circulating around accounting: artificial intelligence. And with it comes a question I’m hearing more and more often from clients and colleagues alike:
“Will a robot replace us?”
Honestly? I don’t blame them for asking. Technology has advanced at a breathtaking pace in recent years. What seemed like science fiction not long ago is now part of our everyday work: automatic invoice extraction, payment matching, one-click reporting, deadline tracking, and automated filings…
All of it works. And works reliably.
But does this mean accountants are no longer needed?
No. It simply means their role is evolving.
Technology Can Do a Lot—But Not Everything
It’s fair to say automation is a massive help in our industry. Where accountants once spent hours manually entering invoice data and sorting documents, today a few connected systems do the heavy lifting. The speed and accuracy are on a different level—something clients definitely appreciate.
But the more I see these systems in action, the more I realize their limitations.
Technology excels at processing what it knows—what it can understand as a pattern. But real-life business (and by extension, accounting) rarely follows a neat pattern. It’s often a mix of exceptions, context, and unique situations that don’t fit any template.
What a Robot (Still) Can’t Do
Have you ever seen AI suggest booking a tablet purchase as a business asset—while you knew full well your spouse only uses it for Netflix at home?
Or classify an invoice for “marketing services” as tax-deductible, even though it was actually for personal coaching?
These are the kinds of moments where human judgment is essential.
And it’s not just about receipts. It’s about:
- Seeing the client as a whole, not just rows in a spreadsheet,
- Realizing that this specific e-shop requires a different setup than a sole trader,
- Understanding that training attended by the company affects VAT differently depending on who paid and why,
- Or knowing that a new law effective in January has a completely different interpretation than last year—and that the robot simply doesn’t know this.
Technology only works with what it’s given.
A human works with what’s missing, unspoken—but still crucial.
An Accountant Thinks. And Listens.
What algorithms can’t do (yet) is think strategically and respond with empathy.
An accountant who knows their client can say:
“Hey, that rise in costs doesn’t look random—let’s take a closer look.”
“Have you considered changing your business structure?”
“This might raise a red flag with the tax office—let’s double-check it now.”
AI won’t say that.
Not because it’s faulty—but because it doesn’t know your story.
Technology + Human = A Powerful Combination
At Intras Consulting, we welcome technology.
We use AI daily—it’s our assistant, not our competitor.
But we never let machines make decisions where experience, intuition, and responsibility are required.
Our philosophy is simple:
- Machines handle the routine.
- Humans take responsibility.
- Clients enjoy peace of mind and confidence.
And I believe this will hold true in the future.
What About You?
Have you ever encountered a moment where technology wasn’t enough—where you needed a person, not a tool?
Or are you struggling to figure out how to integrate technology into your accounting processes the right way?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Let’s share our experiences—because the future of accounting isn’t just shaped by data.
It’s shaped by people who understand it.