Introduction: The Future of Accounting in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept—it’s here, and it’s reshaping the accounting profession. What once required long nights of manual journal entries is now being streamlined through automation and digital workflows. For accounting professionals, the question is not whether AI will change the industry, but how to adapt and thrive in this new era. In a recent episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht sat down with Chris Miller, Vice President at NetGain Solutions, to discuss how accountants can future-proof their careers in the age of AI.
Meet the Guest: Chris Miller, VP of NetGain Solutions
Chris Miller brings over 17 years of finance, accounting, and software experience to the table. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and PMP-certified professional, Chris has worked across the software, services, and healthcare industries. His journey began in industry roles, but his passion for making accounting more operational eventually led him to the software world. “I get to talk about accounting all day, but I don’t have to stay up late at night closing the books,” Chris joked during the interview.
The Evolution of Accounting Technology
Accounting has always revolved around debits and credits, but the way professionals work has dramatically shifted. The profession has moved from paper-based ledgers to desktop software, then to cloud platforms, and now to AI-driven tools. As Chris noted, “It’s not just an electronic ledger anymore—the software is intervening and able to do a lot of the processes.” This evolution means that accountants today must master not just accounting principles, but also the digital systems that power their firms.
How AI Is Changing the Accountant’s Role
AI is transforming accounting from a task-heavy function into a strategic role. Instead of spending hours reconciling transactions, accountants are now expected to orchestrate workflows, analyze insights, and guide decision-making. Roger Knecht summarized it well: “We’re not so much going to be involved with the actual recording of entries. We’re going to be involved in the workflows as to how those get recorded.”
Chris added that the future is not about one all-knowing AI bot, but about many specialized “agents” each performing a task. “Each sliver of an AI agent is going to be good at doing one distinct thing very well,” he explained. Accountants will need to coordinate these digital assistants to achieve accurate, efficient results.
Overcoming the Challenges of AI Adoption
Despite its potential, AI adoption often meets resistance. Many professionals worry that technology will replace their jobs. Chris pushed back on this fear: “Don’t be afraid of AI. It’s an opportunity. It’s going to be like the industrial revolution or the internet—it will create so many more opportunities.”
One key challenge is learning to trust AI outputs without losing professional skepticism. AI tools can “hallucinate,” or generate inaccurate responses. That’s why accountants remain critical in applying wisdom and judgment to ensure accuracy.
Practical AI Use Cases in Accounting
AI isn’t just theory—it’s already in practice. Firms are using AI to perform variance analysis, flux reporting, and pattern recognition in financial data. Chris gave an example many accountants can relate to: “We’ve all been there at 1:00 am writing variances and the best we can come up with is, ‘It’s different this month because we spent more money.’ AI doesn’t get tired—it can generate variance analysis consistently.”
Starting small is key. Simple integrations, such as automating PBC list communications or using AI to summarize client documents, can create immediate efficiency gains.
The Future of Accounting Firms: Skills That Matter Most
The profession’s future lies in advisory and system management rather than manual entry. Accountants must focus on mastering workflows, orchestrating AI tools, and communicating insights to clients. “The opportunity as an accountant is unlimited if you can pick up these skills,” Chris emphasized. Firms that adapt will thrive, while those clinging to old methods risk being left behind.
Spotlight on NetGain Solutions
NetGain Solutions, where Chris serves as VP, is building software designed to make accountants’ lives easier. From simplifying lease accounting to eliminating double data entry, NetGain emphasizes user-friendly design and automation. Chris explained: “Everybody is desperate for software that just works. Our goal is to eliminate Byzantine processes and give accountants tools that save time and reduce frustration.” Importantly, NetGain is not tied to a single platform—it integrates across systems while ensuring data security and efficiency.
Key Takeaways: How to AI-Proof Your Career
The episode offers several key lessons for accountants looking to prepare for the future:
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Embrace AI as a partner, not a threat.
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Focus on workflows and advisory roles rather than data entry.
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Start small with AI adoption by automating repetitive tasks.
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Develop wisdom and judgment to guide AI outputs.
As Roger Knecht summarized, “AI is a tool for us. It helps empower us to bring a better, more cohesive story to the business owner and help them make intelligent business decisions.”
Call to Action
To hear the full conversation with Chris Miller and learn how to prepare your firm for the future, listen to the latest episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. You can also download Roger Knecht’s free ebook, In the Black: 9 Principles to Make Your Business Profitable, at UniversalAccounting.com. Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights on building a profitable, future-ready accounting firm.
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You can learn more about how Netgain helps businesses of all shapes and sizes become more confident, agile, and capable of rapidly coming to clear financial decisions fueled by accurate, precise financial insights at www.Netgain.tech
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