Artificial Intelligence: Challenges of AI in Accounting

Objective: The aim of the article is to present the AI solutions used by accounting departments and the challenges they bring to the accounting field. Research Design & Methods: The article was developed based on the literature, reports of companies which are currently implementing AI solutions in their accounting departments, and author’s own research findings. The empirical part of the article includes the results of qualitative research. In the research process, the method of a diagnostic survey using the questionnaire technique was used. The study was conducted from February to March 2024, and involved 108 participants. The selection of respondents was deliberate and included a group of companies from the Małopolskie province. Findings: The conducted research confirms that AI solutions have not been widely used in finance and accounting departments yet. However, respondents recognise the benefits and potential that the introduction of AI solutions and tools brings in terms of improving processes and tasks carried out in various enterprises. The obtained responses confirm that respondents are open to the introduction of new technologies and intend to use them in their organisations in the future. They do, however, express certain concerns about software errors or potential changes in employment levels. Implications / Recommendations: AI solutions will be increasingly used in accounting. The challenge for future accounting departments will be to create a harmonious environment in which artificial intelligence will collaborate with human intelligence. The profession of an accountant will not disappear as a result of the introduction of improvements and the transfer of routine tasks to machines. Modern accounting systems will still require human supervision. However, the role of the accountant will change, as they will become operators of intelligent accounting applications in the future. Contribution: The article addresses the current yet relatively scientifically understudied area of the practical use of AI solutions in the accounting departments of enterprises. The article partially fills the research gap and is one of the first studies presenting the results of research on the use of artificial intelligence solutions in the financial and accounting departments of the Małopolskie province. The research was exploratory and related to a limited group of enterprises. However, the presented research results may serve as a starting point for conducting more comprehensive studies on the discussed issue.