Jun 5, 2025
According to the IBM Global AI Adoption Index, more than 58% of global finance departments already implement AI to some extent, while in Latin America the figure reaches 67%—above the global average. This revolution is not limited to large corporations: SMEs are also accessing these technologies through cloud-based solutions like QuickBooks and Xero.
The first tangible impact of AI is seen in the automation of accounting tasks. Tools like QuickBooks Online with Intuit Assist and Xero with Just Ask Xero (JAX) integrate generative AI assistants capable of:
Automatically classify transactions according to the chart of accounts.
Reconcile bank accounts in seconds.
Generate quotes and invoices from email messages.
Detect discrepancies between accounting and banking records.
These features not only reduce human error, but also free up accounting professionals for more analytical and less operational tasks.
“Working with Intuit Assist is like having an additional financial team for your SMB” — Intuit, 2024 release.
Intelligent financial assistants: conversational accounting
With the rise of conversational assistants, it's no longer necessary to navigate multiple menus to understand the financial health of a business. For example, Xero's JAX allows you to ask questions like "What were my supplier expenses last quarter?" or "How much VAT do I owe this month?" from WhatsApp or the mobile app.
The answers are generated based on the company's accounting data and are presented in a clear and understandable manner, even for non-accountants.
This marks the beginning of a new era: conversational accounting, where artificial intelligence translates complex figures into simple, decision-making language.
Predictive analytics: from history to the future
One of the greatest benefits of AI is its ability to predict financial results. Through the analysis of time series and behavioral trends, AI solutions:
They project cash flows.
They warn about liquidity risks.
They simulate scenarios (“what if”) in the face of changes in sales or costs.
They identify trends in delinquency or customer behavior.
Corporations like JP Morgan Chase invest more than $15 billion annually in AI to power this type of analysis. But the same principle is already available to SMEs through more accessible solutions.
Practical implications for SMEs and accountants
For SMEs, AI represents a historic opportunity to professionalize their financial management without hiring large teams. And for accountants, it's a clear invitation to evolve their role: less data entry, more strategic analysis.
However, the key lies in responsible implementation. AI requires well-structured accounting data, human validation, and gradual integration. It's not about replacing people, but rather about enhancing their judgment with technology.
AI in accounting is no longer a promise, it's a reality. From startups to multinationals, companies are automating their finances and obtaining richer, faster, and more useful information. For those who lead SMEs or accounting firms, the message is clear: learn, adopt, and lead the change.
“The accountant of the future won't be replaced by AI. But it will be replaced by another accountant who knows how to use it.”