--- title: When will artificial intelligence or AI take over accounting? date: 2025-03-07T08:01:40Z modified: 2026-09-14T16:24:26Z permalink: "https://grow.ee/kas-ai-votab-raamatupidamise-ule/" type: post status: publish excerpt: Will AI take over accounting? Artificial intelligence works wonders with numbers, but does that mean accountants will be left behind? wpid: 14635 featured_image: "https://grow.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ulvi-Tallo.jpg" timestamp: 2026-09-14T16:24:26Z tags: - Entrepreneurship, management - Accounting --- ![](https://grow.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ulvi-Tallo.jpg) _Image author: photographer **Raul Mee**/ Äripäev AS_ **_When will artificial intelligence, or AI, take over accounting?_** _Grow Finance partner Ulvi Tallo discusses such an intriguing idea._ Lately, I have been hearing more and more often that accounting will be one of the first areas to be taken over by AI. This possibility was raised by ChatGPT, but Copilot disagreed. In Estonia, [accounting](https://grow.ee/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/raamatupidamisteenus.md) has reached the final stretch of digitalization, with over 90% of processes being digital. This means that digitalization is almost complete. However, the next big challenge is automation and the wider adoption of artificial intelligence, which will allow for a new level of efficiency and accuracy. What do the most progressive accountants in the international market think about this? Will AI eventually replace accountants and accounting firms? Certainly, AI can perform many assistant tasks, but it will not replace the chief accountant anytime soon. What is certain is that accountants and accounting firms need to understand both AI and automation in order to do their work as efficiently as possible. Many similar and repetitive accounting functions can be automated using artificial intelligence. However, there are several good reasons why it is unlikely that AI will be able to fully replace the accountant – mainly because being a successful accountant requires human skills and judgment. ### Accounting Artificial intelligence is exceptionally adept at performing repetitive and process-based accounting tasks. It can process data in a fraction of the time and with greater accuracy than a human could ever do. However, AI cannot replace jobs that require human judgment and contextual awareness. For example, AI can help a [financial analyst](https://grow.ee/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/finantsjuhi-teenus.md) forecast revenues and expenses using historical data and reasonable assumptions. In Estonia, it is being discussed that if all companies exchanged [e-invoices](https://grow.ee/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/arvete-kohustuslikud-nouded-2.md), all information on the invoice being sent could be automatically placed in the correct records in the recipient's system. In most cases, this is possible, but not always, because different companies consume products and services very differently. Therefore, transactions with differences cannot be fully automated. Therefore, although AI is a useful tool, it cannot replace the analytical and strategic thinking of an experienced accountant. ### Analysis Artificial intelligence and accountants are both strong in the quantitative aspect of accounting. AI is usually faster, cheaper and more accurate, offering more efficient solutions for data processing and analysis. But AI lacks: - intuition to spot hidden financial risks or opportunities, - empathy to understand clients' expectations and fears, - contextual awareness to consider economic, political and legal influences. These qualities make the role of accountants indispensable, especially in strategic and advisory roles. ### Human factor and trust In addition to quantitative and qualitative analysis, the human factor is an important part of accountants' work. Companies need trusted financial experts and advisors who: - understand their vision and goals, - offer personalized advice and support, - build long-term and trusting relationships. No AI can replace human interaction, empathy and trust, which are at the heart of accounting and [financial advice](https://grow.ee/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/post/millal-kaaluda-finantsjuhi-kaasamist.md). Ultimately, there must be a human to guide the AI’s work, ensuring that the results are accurate, verifiable, secure, and manageable. ### Conclusion: AI complements, not replaces, accountants and analysts AI will automate many routine accounting tasks over time, but it will not replace humans. Instead, AI will allow accountants to focus on strategic, advisory, and interpretive tasks that create greater value for businesses and clients. So accountants don’t have to fear AI—instead, AI can become their inseparable partner, increasing efficiency and the value they deliver. ## Talk to our financial expert [ CONTACT ](https://grow.ee/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/vota-meiega-uhendust.md) [ ![](https://grow.ee/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Praktika-Blogi_Mathias-300x169.jpg) ](https://grow.ee/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/post/mathias-valtsovi-raamatupidamispraktika-grow-financeis.md) ##### [Mathias Valtsovi's accounting internship at Grow Finance](https://grow.ee/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/post/mathias-valtsovi-raamatupidamispraktika-grow-financeis.md) July 21, 2026 Experience story from Grow internship: How an internship became a solid step in an accountant's career? 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