AI Is Eating Accounting Workflows, But RSM Says It Is a Net Win
RSM says AI is not killing junior roles. Instead, it is making new grads more valuable because they show up with AI readiness built in.
Their tools now handle work such as:
• controls mapping
• tax credit documentation
• tax law research
These tasks used to take weeks or months. Now they take minutes.
The tension remains.
If AI removes 60 to 80 percent of early career grunt work, how do firms develop the next class of seniors and managers.
Is the pipeline getting stronger or weaker.
---
The New Crisis: AI Debt Is Growing Faster Than AI Value
AI hype is at its peak. But according to Egnyte’s CEO, many companies are racking up technology debt by bolting AI onto systems that were never designed for it.
Mid sized companies are often the worst offenders, building quick AI pilots that look impressive but create long term risk.
OpenAI, investors and vendors are telling companies to move fast.
CFOs are looking at the bills and asking when the return will appear.
Here is the part that is not being discussed.
Are we in a small AI bubble where fear of missing out is pushing organizations to overspend on tools that will not pay off for years.
Or is this simply the cost of gaining an edge before competitors do.
Where do you stand.
---
Accounting’s So Called Boring Year Was Not Boring
If you told someone outside finance that accounting had a dramatic year, they would laugh.
If you told someone inside finance, they would nod.
2025 brought a level of change that few expected.
AI reshaped workflows.
Private equity muscled into audit firms.
New tax laws rewired planning and compliance.
A depleted IRS strained to keep pace with reforms.
Tom Hood at the AICPA described it as an Everything Everywhere All at Once moment.
AI was the accelerant. Not because it replaced people, but because it rewired the work itself.
Here is the debate.
If AI continues to absorb slow, manual tasks, does the traditional accountant career path still make sense.
Or is it time to build a new model for developing talent.
---
This newsletter will not remain on LinkedIn for long.
If you want the full weekly breakdowns, subscribe directly on Beehiiv: