Table of Contents
AI for Accountants1
| Introduction | 1 |
| Overview of Artificial Intelligence and its Evolution | 1 |
| Key Artificial Intelligence Terms | 2 |
| Why AI Matters in Accounting | 2 |
| Ethical and Regulatory Considerations | 3 |
| The Foundations of AI Technologies | 4 |
| The Basics of Machine Learning | 4 |
| Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision in Accounting | 4 |
| Data Types Used in AI Applications | 5 |
| AI Model Training and Accuracy Considerations | 6 |
| Automation in Transactional Accounting | 7 |
| AI in Financial Reporting and Analysis | 8 |
| Pattern Recognition and Anomaly Detection | 10 |
| Predictive Analytics for Forecasting | 11 |
| Fraud Detection and Risk Management | 12 |
| How AI Detects Irregularities | 12 |
| Regulatory Compliance Implications of Using AI in Fraud Detection | 14 |
| AI in Audit Procedures | 15 |
| The Automation of Audit Sampling and Risk Assessments | 15 |
| The Use of Natural Language Processing to Review Contracts and Documentation | 17 |
| Taxation and AI | 17 |
| AI in Tax Compliance and Planning | 17 |
| How AI Handles Complex Tax Codes and Jurisdictions | 18 |
| Using AI for Indirect Taxes Analysis | 19 |
| AI-Powered Decision Support Systems | 20 |
| Dashboards and Real-Time Reporting | 20 |
| The Use of Prescriptive Analytics for Budgeting and Resource Allocation | 21 |
| Data Governance and Ethical Considerations | 22 |
| The Importance of Data Integrity and Quality in AI | 22 |
| Bias in AI Models | 23 |
| The Ethical Use of Customer and Financial Data | 24 |
| AI Implementations | 24 |
| Implementation Strategy for AI in Accounting | 25 |
| Evaluating AI Vendors and Software Platforms | 25 |
| The Future of AI in Accounting | 26 |
| Summary | 28 |
| Review Questions | 29 |
Answers to Review Questions30
Glossary33
Index35
Course Details
Author: Steven M. Bragg, CPA
Steven Bragg, CPA, has been the chief financial officer or controller of four companies, as well as a consulting manager at Ernst & Young. He received a master’s degree in finance from Bentley College, an MBA from Babson College, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Maine. He has been a two-time president of the Colorado Mountain Club, and is an avid alpine skier, mountain biker, and certified master diver. Mr. Bragg resides in Centennial, Colorado. He has written more than 300 books and courses, including New Controller Guidebook, GAAP Guidebook, and Payroll Management.
Publication/Revision Date: 7/7/2025
Course Exam Questions (online): 13 (multiple-choice)
Program Delivery Method: NASBA QAS Self-Study
Available Formats of Course Text: PDF or PDF plus printed copy sent in the mail
Course Level, Prerequisites, and Advance Preparation Requirements
| License | Course Level | Prerequisites | Advance Preparation Requirements |
|---|
| CPA | Overview | None | None |
* This program is appropriate for professionals at all organizational levels.
Sponsor ID Numbers
National Registry of CPE Sponsors ID: 107615
State CPA Board Sponsor ID Numbers (where applicable)
Florida Division of Certified Public Accounting: 0004761
Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy: 14003
New York State Board for Public Accountancy: 002146
Ohio Accountancy Board: CPE .51 PSR
Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy: PX178025
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy: 009349
Learning Objectives
As a result of studying the course material, you should be able to meet the objectives listed below:
- Recognize how prescriptive analytics can be used in accounting.
- Recall the limitations of deep learning models.
- Recognize the AI technologies that can be used in transaction processing.
- Specify how AI can be used in audit sampling.
- Recall the different types of learning that AI systems use.
- Recognize why structured data is especially useful for AI in an accounting setting.
- Recall the manner in which natural language generation can support accountants.
- Recognize the problems with an excessive reliance on historical data in AI models.
- Specify how computer vision can be applied to accounting.
- Recall how data preprocessing improves AI models for accounting.
- Specify the regulatory concerns when using AI within accounting activities.
