Accountants Worried AI Will Replace Them
Individuals pursuing or holding accounting degrees express anxiety about career direction and long-term viability. Concerns revolve around automation (AI), evolving industry trends, and a lack of clarity regarding post-graduation opportunities and career paths, alongside navigating academic requirements and skill gaps. Many are seeking guidance and reassurance about their choices.
SOURCES (60)
“You are on a good track. Get that EA. Do you already have Financial and Managerial Accounting done. What school by the way as you may have quicker, faster options. Cheaper too?”
“It depends it is recommended for a bachelors. As an accounting associates is the same as any business associates and would not set you above anyone else.”
“Well, you do need to adult soon but 26 isn't exactly ancient. If you have been aimless, then it's understandable that your family would want to see you pick something and commit, but their influence is still not a reason to do something you have no interest in. You can only live for you.”
“Thank you for telling me that last bit, I've been trying to psyche myself up saying that I could go back later and get another degree, but frankly I'm not so sure if that's even true with how much accounting would take up my life. Especially since you almost need a bachelors for it.”
“I'm 26 right now, I feel like I'm running out of time to be considered young. My family kinda pressured me into staying in this degree, its rlly the only reason why I'm still in it. I feel like I need something out of this, that not getting anything feels like failing.”
Whatever fractions this guy is the CFO of are in for a rough audit
“Hi all, looking for advice here. Background: - Graduated from semi-target with a degree in Finance (3.15 GPA) - Currently working as a Fixed Income Trader at a mid-large institutional asset manager (2 YOE). - Passed CFA L1 this May, currently preparing for L2. After completing my CFA I would like to pursue an Online MBA or MSF that is flexible enough to complete while still working full-time. I see my low undergrad GPA as a weak point for a future application. Any advice on how to navigate, or i”
“He has a business degree with a focus in Supply Chain Management. He said he will probably get an MS in Accounting, but that was not on his resume.”
“Is the major for his bachelor’s degree at least related to accounting? Most colleges require accounting I and II minimum for any kind of business, finance, or management degree so it seems more than possible to get your degree in one of the aforementioned fields while taking accounting classes on the side, that way you come out a lot closer to the 150 credit mark (if that’s a thing where you are idk)”
“Hey everyone, I’m a university student majoring in accounting and would love some advice from you guys. Over the past year or so in my field, there has been a lot of doom and gloom about offshoring and AI, but more so about offshoring. I don’t care about passion or whatever. At the end of the day, a degree is an investment, and I want the highest ROI. If I stay in accounting, I’ll pursue my CPA, but you do need experience to become a CPA, and entry-level jobs are being offshored, so it’s having”
Ay thanks. I know my parents do audit, financial and corporate governance.
“Hmm, if your focus is in finance and managerial accounting, I’d say you could avoid going for the CPA. The Director of Finance at my old company and the inventory controller are key players in the department. Neither have the CPA license, but they’ve been with the company for well over a decades and they both know their stuff.”
“I was an AP Accountant for ten years with the same company. I knew just about everything AP related, but nothing about the other parts of accounting. Lol!”
“About to be a senior in college, I just swapped to being a Business Management major with a minor in Accounting. While I know the prospects for this job are wide and can be able to do a lot of different positions, what are some that would be available anywhere in the US? What certs should I focus on to help boost my resume as I am 20 years old, got certs for word, excel and another Microsoft app. Along with being a basic accounting clerk for 2 years as work experience outside of jobs as a a teen”
“I think sometimes you just need to make a change. I went from welding to accounting (government audit) and I love it. There are times I miss welding but I never regretted leaving. I was an excellent welder too but I hated my life when I was a welder. I learned what I really care about when it comes to a career and that money wasn’t the most important factor. Since leaving, I’ve lost 70lbs, learned a new language, learned to cook amazing food, play all the video games I want, and still have a bun”
“I shifted after 5 years of accounting to software engineering and was the best decision I’ve made. Love learning about AI and the flow of building code. If you hate being a CFO, then you got to stop. If HR path excited you, go for it. Switching careers was extremely exciting for me”
“Hello, I am currently looking at master's of accounting programs. For context, I am about to finish undergrad at UNC Chapel Hill. I majored in economics and sport administration with a math minor, but I am looking into accounting as a career path. I have fine grades, but no accounting internship experience. What are some schools I should consider applying to? submitted by /u/GreenChain8216 [link] [comments]”
“Hi, I have recently moved to Canada. I am part ACCA qualified and have a bs accounting degree from Oxford university through ACCA. Now what should I do to have a good career in Canada which can lead to 100k annual income. I am thinking about CPA but I think its difficulty level is more than ACCA. What would you guys recommend me to do. Thanks for reading submitted by /u/Foreign_Molasses_644 [link] [comments]”
“Hi all, I have a general commerce degree from a school in Toronto. Debating on getting my CPA. Between accounting and supply chain/operations as a forever career choice. I think I’d like operations more but I switched from accounting to my general commerce degree in uni and it’s always bothered me a bit since it was my grandpas dying wish to see me complete that degree and I switched after he passed. How is the new 2027 CPA path in Ontario? Is it easier for non accounting grads to get? How can I”
“Hello! I am a high school rising senior and I’m thinking about pursuing accounting as a career, with the ultimate goal of earning my CPA designation and potentially landing a job at one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. I’ve been hearing two opposing views: that accounting is a safe career choice because of the shortage of accountants, and that, with the introduction of AI and automation, most entry-level positions will soon be eliminated. If you work in accounting: - How has AI changed the wa”
“Hey everyone, I'm 24 and entering my junior year of undergrad. I have a 2-year background in high-volume car sales, so I’m comfortable talking to clients but obviously lack the technical knowledge. My ultimate career goal is to break into fee-only, fiduciary RIA wealth management. I plan to study for and take my Series 65 exam independently while finishing school to show firms I'm serious. I'm torn between double majoring in Finance + CIS or Accounting + CIS . I’ve been told only stu”
“I recently graduated and just accepted an Associate Fund Accountant position at SS&C Technologies. This will be my first accounting job, and I start on Monday. I’ve done a fair bit of research, but I’d love to hear from people with firsthand experience. If you’ve worked at SS&C or in fund accounting, I’d appreciate hearing anything you’re willing to share—good, bad, advice, or things you wish you knew when you started. Thanks! submitted by /u/RoyalDapper1189 [link] [com”
“Need advice choking my next path Need real advise here a b.com graduate with 2.5 years of relevant audit experience and I just shifted to another company and scope involved fraud risk and vendor vetting. I’m looking to pick up some kind of accreditation or a masters. Really my interests are currently RAI by GARP OR FRM by GARP if it’s accreditation both are visiting around 100k to 150k INR or a masters degree Interestingly i came across this course from OP Jindal university - offering MSc in AI”
“Are you me? I’m honestly considering starting my own business in a completely different field. Last week I started looking at customer service jobs lol I question whether accounting is for me every week. I also have anxiety and ADHD. The brain fog is really the worst!”
“Fair point, I rebuke my comment. Although where I live it’s relatively difficult to find a business that conducts stuff without software.”
“I don’t have a passion am already 23 living with minimum wage and would like to find a boring stable job. submitted by /u/ActualRevolution3732 [link] [comments]”
“I’m currently getting a BS in Supply Chain and Logistics Technology. This is offered by my university’s engineering school. I have the opportunity to switch to an accounting major at Bauer Business School which will obviously be significantly harder if I were to do that. My question is if decided to still pursue a career in supply chain, how much would it help my job prospects as opposed to sticking with my SCLT degree? For context, I’m 33 and have about 1.5 years left of school. And I live in H”
“I just completed my first year at a Russell group university. I am studying bachelors in accounting and finance. I am 18, turning 19 this year. I am not very interested in accounting and auditing but my dad told me to take it to have more options and its a valuable degree. I am confused between asset management and investment banking. How can I figure out which one is a better fit for me? I am currently doing an internship at a creative firm working under an account director of a big bank here.”
“I am a 17-year-old girl trying to choose a university major, and my biggest dream is to start my own business in the future. I don't necessarily want the degree with the highest salary. I want to study a valuable skill that gives me specialized knowledge or expertise I can use to build a business later on. My current thinking is that a business degree is too broad, and many of the concepts can be learned outside of university. I also feel the same way about computer science since there are s”
“Private-sector roles generally offer greater opportunities for long-term career advancement, while government positions provide stability and a clear career path. It is typically more challenging to transition from the government to the private sector than in the reverse direction. I personally recommend starting in private and then if you like to, switch to government.”
“I am in my mid twenties working for a F500 company as a Financial Systems Manager (non tech). My department is under accounting and I report effectively to our CAO. I have 1.5 direct reports and just generally the corporate team is very small. Prior to this I worked in consulting implementing EPM software. I am certified as an architect in that software and definitely am capable at becoming a director/partner at an implementation firm. Prior to that I was in public accounting, and I do have my C”
“I am in my mid twenties working for a F500 company as a Financial Systems Manager (non tech). My department is under accounting and I report effectively to our CAO. I have 1.5 direct reports and just generally the corporate team is very small. Prior to this I worked in consulting implementing EPM software. I am certified as an architect in that software and definitely am capable at becoming a director/partner at an implementation firm. Prior to that I was in public accounting, and I do have my C”
“Hi! I’m currently a high school sophomore class of 2029 and I’m thinking about majoring in accounting in college. I’m really interested in business and possibly becoming a CPA or even going into finance long-term. I’ve been seeing mixed opinions online, especially with AI and automation changing jobs, so I wanted to hear from people actually in the field. I’m trying to get some opinions for my independent research I’d really appreciate if you could answer any of these or any opinions for me: Wha”
“Well, I’ll just say as a 27 y/o with a CPA and multiple years of experience under your belt, whether you were the greatest performer or worst, has already made you a more valuable employee than most. There are more soft & technical skills you’ve picked up than you can think of. Everyone has their self-doubts, it doesn’t matter the position. Your manager at some point has thought to themselves some of the same thoughts you have. The only thing you can actually do wrong, is give up. Move to pr”
“I failed out of engineering in my 30s because I couldn't balance the workload with my job and family, and I'm instead now working on accounting as my major. So I would say only do it if your partner can give you the support you need to commit enough time to get it all done. Some classes will have absurdly long homework assignments.”
“so I‘m currently majoring in Accounting to earn my BS. I’m M24 and so far I think I decided I want to be a government accountant or work for the IRS (I believe those two are the same idk). what’s something you would recommend someone in my position? or what‘s a career you would recommend in this field that has a great benefits and a good work/life balanc? submitted by /u/ContestPopular5510 [link] [comments]”
“Right now, I am currently in the admin dept. side of healthcare and I am aiming to switch my career path into accounting but currently I'm about to graduate with my MBA specializing in health management, but what would I need to do to pivot into Accounting submitted by /u/Appropriate-Pair-434 [link] [comments]”
“Hello! I'm a 26 yo male who is working on my associates degree in accounting. I live in Charlotte, NC and I'm looking at jobs in Charlotte and Concord. I'm starting to worry. I have 2 part time semesters left before I get my associates degree, so I don't necessarily expect to get a job right now, though it would be nice. I'm currently in retail merchandising and I do absolutely no customer service. My work history is largely retail merchandising and store management at the up”
“Hello everyone, I am 29 and about to go back to school to become an accountant. I've worked a variety of jobs but primarily more labor intensive jobs the past few years and am starting to hurt from it and some other health issues. Long story short I'm trying to transition back into something more "white collar". I enjoy math and working with sets of data generally so I figured accounting was a decent fit for me. Despite my initial excitement I'm now questioning my choice be”
“Hey everybody! I’m 20 and heading into my third year of a BBA in Canada. My original plan was to pursue accounting and eventually become a CPA, but lately I’ve been questioning whether it’s the right path. My concerns with accounting are the time and cost of becoming a CPA, slower early career progression, and what seems to be an increasingly competitive industry with outsourcing, AI, and cost-cutting making good jobs harder to get. Because of that, I’ve been looking into plumbing, but I know ve”
“Yeah, while starting salaries are pretty low, most of them aren't un-livable. And a lot of other careers would kill to have an accountant's (or at least a CPA's) stability in growth.”
“Addendum because I didn't see this: finance is definitely in a pullback on the entry level but you might want to look at data analytics, quantitative analysis, or investment banking. VERY lucrative if you can get in. The culture is very bro-y, but nobody argues with "she gets results," because that's where the money is - finding the people who can make money is the hiring manager's actual job description.”
“Age: 33 / Male / Canada Credentials: two year college diploma in Business - Accounting. Work experience: 12 years of AP and AR. Included in that is four years of prepaids, depreciation, and accruals. I graduated in 2013 from college. I’d like to do some bookkeeping on the side as I currently work full-time as an AP associate and the income is not great. I’ve tried a Staff Accountant role. The manager was very high strung so I left pretty quickly. I won’t get into detail but it was not a good env”
“Age: 33 Credentials: two year college diploma in Business - Accounting. Work experience: 12 years of AP and AR. Included in that is four years of prepaids, depreciation, and accruals. I graduated in 2013 from college. I’d like to do some bookkeeping on the side as I currently work full-time as an AP associate and the income is not great. I’ve tried a Staff Accountant role. The manager was very high strung so I left pretty quickly. I won’t get into detail but it was not a good environment to work”
“Hi all, I just wanted to get input/ personal opinions about completing an accounting bachelor degree at a community college. I’m looking at Green River community college in Washington state and it is a fully accredited accounting degree. https://catalog.greenriver.edu/preview\_program.php?catoid=10&poid=4190 I know that one thing I’ll lose out on is more opportunities to join bigger firms/ big four opportunities but I wanted to know any other opinions besides that, as I’m not really one that”
“Hello !! I am currently a rising senior in high school looking to major in accounting at a four-year and maybe pursue a CPA license in the future. My school has a dual enrollment program, where Im currently enrolled at a community college. Would taking Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting (different semesters) at the community college through DE be a good idea? In my state (Minnesota), the credits would be accepted for the CPA exam as long as it transfers to the four-year institution,”
“I'm half way through my degree and have been working two part-time jobs as a Librarian and Pyro-Tech. I'm curious about how to get my foot in the door into my degrees industry, but also in recent years I have been considering Aerospace more. However that requires an actual university v.s. my current community colleges degree I'm in the process of completing. I have previous experience in engineering robotics, coding and web design, completed a banking internship, working fast food, l”
“I wrote something related to this topic.. take a look.. https://www.reddit.com/r/TheDebitCreditAcademy/s/nfXKOUATIA”
“Entry level jobs are drying up. Senior level and higher ranking jobs are ever more in demand in accounting, so unfortunately it depends on when you broke into the profession.”
“I like accounting, regret getting into tax accounting, so I’m looking to make a move”
“I’m a partner in PA and I disagree. PA has stresses that are unique to the field. And long hours to boot that do get worse as you rise and which are not the norm for all industries”
“I went direct to industry after school. Fit my life better (older, married, kids). Corporate has a lot of options. Cost accounting at a major aerospace/DoD firm was actually engaging and tied directly to revenue. Easy to branch out into finance and technology. An accounting degree is a a gateway into business not just accounting. Don't limit yourself.”
“Yes. Joined because I wanted a stable job and a middle class income. This field is no longer because it is impossible to hold down a job. And that's even talking about what ai and offshoring is doing. There is also no money to be made either. I have been doing accounting for almost six years and still have not crossed over 50k a year.”
“No I had applied for 2026 internships (I was just being ambitious). This fall though I will be applying for 2027 internships and I will be graduating in 2028 but cpa eligibility will be 2029 so I’m wondering if AI will flag my resume for that “May 2029 CPA eligibility” on my resume”