Recorded at ACCA's London headquarters, the opening episode of our three-part AI mini-series set out to cut through the hype and demystify what artificial intelligence actually means for accountants today. I was joined by my co-host Yogesh Dhanak, senior technical advisory manager at ACCA, and by serial entrepreneur and management consultant Alexis Kingsbury, who built the world's first AI-powered accounting practice, staffed by eleven AI "employees" to ground a fast-moving topic in practical reality.

We started off with the most important question of all: how do we explain AI? Demystifying what it actually is, what it can do for us, and what it means for the future of the accountant and the accounting industry. Rather than distant, futuristic scenarios, we focused on the everyday tasks already being handled; drafting client communications, summarising documents, preparing working papers, answering technical queries and automating repetitive admin. Rather than singling out particular apps, we talked more broadly about where and how AI can be used, and made the point that it ultimately doesn't matter which tool you choose; they largely do similar things. What really counts is how you set it up.

Alexis's experiment offered a striking illustration of how far the technology can be pushed and prompted an honest look at the impact on staff. Far from simply replacing people, we explored how AI reshapes roles, freeing teams from low-value work while raising the bar on the skills practices need to develop.

We also talked candidly about investment: the time, money and mindset required to adopt AI well, and why starting small and learning fast tends to beat waiting for the perfect solution.

The aim throughout was to leave listeners feeling that AI is approachable, understandable and already within reach, setting the stage for episodes two and three on ethical use and what works in practice.

Eriona Bajrakurtaj

About the contributors

Eriona Bajrakurtaj is chair of the ACCA UK Practitioners Network Panel and CEO of Major's Accounts. An international speaker on the future of the profession, she also helps other accountancy businesses through Volt Digital Transformation, which focuses on optimising practices so they run more efficiently, giving practice owners their life back to focus on what matters most.

Yogesh Dhanak is senior technical advisory manager at ACCA and co-host of the series. He supports members with technical and regulatory guidance across the profession, helping practitioners navigate emerging issues, including the responsible and compliant adoption of AI.

Alexis Kingsbury is a serial entrepreneur, management consultant and speaker, and the founder of Accrual Intentions; the world's first fully AI-employee accounting practice experiment.

Watch AI mini-series for SMP: Episode 1 – Demystifying AI in Accounting