Week 4: AI in Careers

    This week’s reading from Todd Kelsey’s Surfing the Tsunami really made me think about how much artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we work. Kelsey talks about how tools like calculators and Microsoft Excel replaced doing math by hand, saving time and making things easier. Now, AI is taking things even further by automating tasks we once had to do ourselves and even creating new ways to get work done.

    As an accounting student, I can already see how AI will shape my future career. It can handle repetitive tasks like data entry, reconciling accounts, and even detecting errors in financial records, which are often time-consuming but crucial. For instance, AI-powered software can scan large volumes of financial data for inconsistencies or unusual trends, something that would take a human much longer to do. This means I can spend less time on routine tasks and more time on analyzing financial statements, advising clients, or identifying areas for improvement in a company’s finances.

    AI is also influencing areas like auditing, where machine learning tools can quickly review transactions and flag anomalies that might indicate fraud or misstatements. This could give me an edge as an accountant because it allows me to focus on interpreting these insights and providing strategic recommendations rather than combing through endless spreadsheets. Learning to use AI effectively will not only help me stay relevant in the field but also make my work more impactful. I’m excited to grow alongside these advancements and see how AI continues to transform accounting for the better.