Accountants are facing increasing pressure to manage their workload more efficiently. However, time-consuming manual tasks, like data entry and reporting, take away from more important work such as meeting with clients. With automation tools, you can streamline processes, minimize errors and ultimately save time. Consider these automating options to optimize your business and potentially increase profits. (And while you’re at it, be sure to check and see if you’re eligible for an accountant discount on insurance)

Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

Voice-activated AI assistants provide accountants with hands-free productivity solutions. While these virtual assistants only perform basic tasks through simple voice commands, such as setting reminders or scheduling calendar events, they can do so without any physical interaction.

Since these tools are automatically built into Apple, Google, and Amazon products, they provide easy entry points for those new to AI tools.

Claude

Claude is an AI assistant platform that specializes in research and analysis, which could be valuable for accountants. For example, it can be used to extract key information from financial documents or quickly generate an income statement. You can also use it to help draft client communications, such as emails, letters, or reports in easy-to-understand terms.

Calendly

While major accounting firms may have admin staff to manage their employees' various calendars, an independent accountant may be left on their own. Calendly uses AI-powered features to automate meeting arrangements, allowing clients to book appointments directly from available time slots. 

You can specify custom availability windows and buffer times between meetings. The system integrates with popular calendar applications, including Google Calendar and Outlook. It even automatically sends confirmation emails and reminders to help reduce no-shows.

Manychat

As a chat automation tool, accountants could use Manychat to automate conversations across multiple messaging platforms, including Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

This can be ideal for accountants with a social media following that frequently receives the same questions during tax season. Think of it as an instant FAQ that can generate leads to expand your business.

Grammarly

Grammarly is a writing assistant that can significantly enhance your communication with staff and clients. The tool automatically checks grammar, spelling, punctuation and style across various platforms. Not only does Grammarly highlight grammar errors as you type, but you can also prompt it to rewrite your copy. This can be particularly helpful if you’ve found that you’re writing too much in technical accountant-speak.

The app can also work across web browsers and desktop applications, so you’ll always have an assistant for your writing, no matter what platform you’re using.

Expensify

Tracking expenses is a common challenge for any business owner, let alone accountants, but Expensify simplifies the process. Using AI technology, Expensify can extract information, dates, and amounts directly from a receipt photo. This will significantly reduce the time you spend logging expenses. 

Not only does the program handle individual expenses, but it also manages team expenses, making receipt management much easier. The software can also generate detailed expense reports.

Otter.AI

If you meet with your clients via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, then Otter.AI is a great tool because it automatically generates transcripts for you. With this feature, you can focus on the meeting without worrying about taking notes or missing any important details.

Additionally, the program is effective in real-time situations, such as meetings or phone calls. This could lead to fewer follow-up calls, as you’ll have all relevant information available in the transcripts. You can even have it pull together a summary of the meeting for you.

Wave Accounting

It might seem unusual to recommend accounting software to an accountant, but as tech tools improve, you might not be aware of all the options available to you. With Wave Accounting, you gain access to software designed specifically for small business owners. The platform combines invoicing, payment processing, and bookkeeping tools into a single dashboard.

Wave's AI features include receipt scanning technology that extracts relevant information from uploaded documents, allowing you to use this app for multiple purposes. While the free version is helpful, paying for a monthly subscription provides more features.

Aiter.io

Most accountants aren’t great at marketing, but Aiter.io can assist you because the platform automatically creates ads, content, and strategy ideas with minimal input from the user. Simply enter your website’s URL, and the tool will generate content ideas tailored to your specific needs and messaging.

Final thoughts

In today’s fast-paced environment, accountants should consider AI tools to enhance productivity. Once integrated and customized to your workflow, you’ll reduce errors, free up time, and potentially boost profits without sacrificing any face time with clients.

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who frequently makes media appearances. His blog Money We Have is one of Canada’s most trusted sources when it comes to money and travel. As a completely self-taught, do-it-yourself investor with no formal training, he makes money easy to understand for all Canadians. His specialties include personal finance, budget travel, millennial money, credit cards, and trending destinations.

Barry Choi is a paid spokesperson of Sonnet Insurance.