Why basic tech is not enough for Accountants?
Understand why embracing tech and AI beyond basic is important for Accountants and Finance Professional in the Era of AI
When I speak with accountants and finance professionals, especially those in their 30s or 40s, like me, one common question always pops up:
👉 “I’m good at accounting. But I don’t know these new tools, data analytics, or automation systems.” And believe me I have grown with this mindset that let's learn Excel, word, PPT and tally and it will be enough. But recently when there is a tech boom due to AI, everything is changed. So If you are in early career and still thinking that only learning Tally and Excel will save you, believe me, you will have hard time in your accounting and finance career.
Let me tell you the harsh truth that,
In today’s world, basic technical accounting knowledge alone is not enough. The profession is evolving at a speed we’ve never seen before—automation, AI, Power BI dashboards, ERP systems, and data analytics are becoming as fundamental as debits and credits.
The question is no longer, “Do I need tech skills as an accountant?” The real question is, “How long can I survive without them?” Because the tech is changing so fast than it ever did in the past. Every 6 months, new technology is evolving, and data has become a new fuel. You might have heard this several times in your office. That is why sticking to basics may be troublesome in the future.
But why does This Problem even exist?
First reason is a Comfort Zone:
Many professionals are comfortable with Excel, Word, and Tally basics. They think: “I can manage my job like this.” I am good at my work, in the same company for so many years, and we have had this system for a very long time. Nothing is going to change; we will see in the future, and I will learn if required. This is a very wrong approach towards upgrading your tech skills. And you may not believe, but still, so many accountants have this mindset.
Another reason is Workload Pressure:
Our profession offers a tough schedule with deadlines, month-end closings, audits, and compliance. So who has the time to learn something new? This is a very common reason, but we can't just stop here by saying this again and again.
One more reason I found was Fear of Complexity:
For example, Tools like Python, SQL, and Power BI sound intimidating. Even advanced Excel and VBA are a nightmare for so many accountants. They are still doing the same basic spreadsheet and manual tasks in it.
No Guidance:
Now, this is a more genuine reason I found that most companies don’t provide structured tech training to Accountants. so employees wait, instead of taking initiative. So it is up to us to take charge of it.
Do you know what happens as a result of it?
🔻 We miss promotions.
🔻 There is Limited career mobility.
🔻 Verse, Being replaced by tech-savvy peers.
The younger generation is much more tech-savvy and faster than us. Don't you think?
Why Tech Skills Are Now Non-Negotiable
You may argue that you don’t have requirement of learning all these new tech in your current job, but I would always encourage to look into upcoming future and see where the trend is going. You will find the reason to learn and enhance your tech skills. Let me share a few points which can help you to think in the favour of tech learning : -
1 . Global Companies Expect It:
If you wish to apply in MNC or overseas like Dubai. You can easily see that Job descriptions now list “Excel + Power BI + ERP exposure” as minimum threshold, because they are too much into tech savvy environment for better productivity for their employee.
2 . Automation and AI is Here:
Well every area of job market is getting automated these days. So accounting is not untouchable. You can see how these new softwares are taking PDF’s of Invoices and tracking transactions by their own and do the Basic accounting entries, financial preparation and even reconciliations automatically. And AI and ChatGPT is upgrading everyday and bringing amazing innovations in all professions.
Have you heard about it? If no, search about it. You will find the truth.
3 . Data is a King:
These days, Companies need professionals who don’t just record numbers, but analyses them for insights. And you can do it, only when you know how to input right data, manage it and extract for better reporting. I am not asking about Data Science, because that is all together came as a whole new profession. But I am talking about Data Analytics applicable to the Finance domain. You can bring better decision-making insights for the management, and this is how you can create value for the organization you are working with. So if you still think that the data analysis is not for you, rethink
4 . High Pay = High Tech:
If you wish to earn more, you must learn high-income skills in the Accounting and Finance domain. The highest-paying finance roles like FP&A, consulting, CFO-track, etc. They all demand strong analytical and digital skills. So if you are ambitious for a great future in your career
Here I would like to add a famous quote that I read online somewhere, which is,
“Tech doesn’t replace accountants—it replaces accountants who refuse to learn tech.”
How to Start (Simple, Practical Steps)
Now you might be thinking, “Ok, I understand it, but how to start”. And this is actually going to turn the table 360. The moment you realize this gap, you will analyse and then once you take action, you will see that shifts will start to happen.
Let me help you to give you few action steps which I am also taking. And yes, don’t think of it as “I must learn everything at once.” Instead, take small, smart steps:
1 . Audit Your Gaps:
Write down the tools you already know (Excel, Tally, QuickBooks, etc.). Compare with job descriptions of roles you want (Finance Manager, FP&A, etc.). Spot the missing tools. It’s all about what you desire to be and your goal in your career.
2 . Pick ONE Tool First and Embrace AI
Instead of learning all at once, go one by one. Like for example;
If you’re in reporting, learn Power BI or Tableau.
If you’re in analysis, start with advanced Excel or Python basics for finance.
If you’re in audit, explore ERP navigation and data analytics software.
Make sure you start learning AI, ChatGPT, Gemini, etc., for your work and how you can integrate with your work.
3 . Use Micro-Learning:
Create micro learning sessions for one topic and Learn 30 minutes daily with Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or even YouTube. All these platforms make it simple. You can also join our Community, The Accountant Hub. Where we share important trends and knowledge with each other, I am bringing so much value in the near future with my practical experience, which can help you to grow in your career fast.
4 . Apply Immediately:
Tech is something we forget very fast, unless we use it. I remember when I was learning Advanced Excel, I tried to find out some templates online, observe them, and create a project for my office work. Like Detailed FA Schedule or Automated financials, etc. So don’t just “learn.” Use your current company data. Create a small dashboard or template, and automate your simple reports. And by doing this, you will be able to show results.
5 . Showcase Online:
Share your learnings on LinkedIn—this builds your personal brand and positions you as a “tech-forward” finance professional. And these days HR Team actually looks at your profile to see what kind of content you are sharing. You can write blogs as well. And, treat them as specimens of your expertise.
There are Two Accountants, Who have Two Different Futures: -
I once met two professionals, both started as accountants in the same company.
One stayed comfortable with Excel and resisted learning new tools.
The other invested 30 minutes daily to master Power BI and SQL.
Five years later:
👉 The first one is still doing reconciliations, frustrated with low hikes and doing manual tasks
👉 The second one is leading FP&A in a multinational, earning 3x more.
Same background. Different mindset. Different future. Ask yourself. Which one you would like to be?
Here’s the Big Takeaway for you: -
In short, I would like to say that whether you believe it or not;
📌 Tech is not optional anymore - it’s the new language of accounting.
📌 So start small, but start today.
📌 Every tool you learn makes you more valuable in the market.
📌 Stay updated with like-minded community. Join my VIP club of Confident Accountants and finance professionals called “The Accountant Hub” and subscribe on the member portal.
Remember, You don’t need to become a programmer. You need to become a finance professional who uses tech to solve problems and add value.
Here is one small Action Step for You: -
Today, pick ONE tool you’ll commit to learning in the next 3 months. And write it down which one you are choosing. Then start small. Take the first lesson this week.
Then ask yourself:
👉 “If I learn this tool and apply it at work, how will my career look 1 year from now?”
That’s how transformation begins.
This is all for today. I hope you got some clarity of the importance of Tech.
Share your valuable thoughts below this post. 💬 I’d love to hear from you.
Stay Tuned. And have a great successful career.
Your Friend
Divyesh Dave