Accountants Are Already Equipped for AI—They Just Don’t Realize It Yet

4 Keys to Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Accounting with Effective Data Structure

2025 will see accounting teams facing challenges both familiar and new, with more demanding expectations being placed on the Office of the CFO as well as a growing talent shortage in the accounting industry. While automation and AI can certainly alleviate the pressures that come from doing more work with less resources, its implementation will fail without a strong foundation in accurate and comprehensive data.

CFOs are investing in automating their accounting functions to prepare for the future, but their teams are burned out from rapid technological changes and high turnover. Additionally, their executive peers are asking CFOs to deliver insights on cost, growth objectives, and providing data that can tell a story to potential investors.

These issues, while daunting, can all be addressed by branching strategies that begin from one fundamental point: a strong foundation in the business’ data structure.

In this white paper we will discuss the growing expectations for CFOs to act as data stewards—leaders who are not just able to compile and report numbers, but to act as data storytellers—and the growing demand for artificial intelligence in accounting. We delve into ways that accounting teams can deliver results through structured data, how AI and automation can help, and how to upskill employees for improved data literacy with AI usage. The good news? Many of the skills needed for AI competency are skills accountants already possess.