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How an accountant / auditor can use AI, task by task

O*NET 13-2011.00: Accountants and AuditorsMedian pay $83,680/year (BLS, May 2025)30 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Accountant, Accounting Officer, Audit Partner, Auditor, Cost Accountant, CPA (Certified Public Accountant), Financial Auditor, Financial Reporting Accountant, General Accountant, Internal Auditor.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 34%AI-assist 58%Stays human 8%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 10 AI-ready, 17 AI-assist and 3 human-led tasks out of 30. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 10

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Prepare adjusting journal entries.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 57% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to prepare adjusting journal entries.

Context: We use Epic Systems and MEDITECH software.
Statement: [periodic accounting, claim file]
Data: [paste transactions or figures]

Draft a clear statement with totals and notes. Mark any figure you couldn't confirm with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Client financial statement

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare adjusting journal entries.
Step 2Fill in [Statement] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute every total and reconcile to the source before sending.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare financial documents.. Also involves: Analyze financial information..

Compute taxes owed and prepare tax returns, ensuring compliance with payment, reporting, or other tax requirements.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to compute taxes owed and prepare tax returns, ensuring compliance with payment, reporting, or other tax requirements.

Context: We use Epic Systems and MEDITECH software.
Report: [budget, expense, financial summary]
Figures and context: [paste numbers, notes]
Audience: [board, manager, regulator]

Draft the report with a summary, tables, variances explained and next steps. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Financial or budget report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compute taxes owed.
Step 2Fill in [Report], [Figures and context] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute every total and check each variance explanation against the books. Recompute every total yourself.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.. Also involves: Calculate tax information..

Establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 66% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts.

Context: We use Epic Systems and MEDITECH software.
Statement: [periodic accounting, claim file]
Data: [paste transactions or figures]

Draft a clear statement with totals and notes. Mark any figure you couldn't confirm with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Client financial statement

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you establish tables of accounts. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Statement] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute every total and reconcile to the source before sending. Recompute every total yourself.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare financial documents..

Develop, implement, modify, and document recordkeeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to develop, implement, modify, and document recordkeeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology.

Context: We use Epic Systems and MEDITECH software.
Here's what I have for the recordkeeping and accounting systems: [rough notes, the facts, figures and decisions behind it]

Write a clear first draft that I can check and finish. Keep it [one page / short / formal], laid out so I can paste it into Epic Systems or MEDITECH software. Use headings if they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Draft the recordkeeping and accounting systems

Step 1Pull up the last recordkeeping and accounting systems you did, or jot 5 rough bullets for the next one.
Step 2Paste the prompt and put those bullets in [rough notes]. Pick the length in [one page / short / formal] to match what goes into Epic Systems or MEDITECH software.
Step 3Fix every [CHECK] against your source and anything else that's wrong, then compare the time with writing the recordkeeping and accounting systems from scratch. Recompute every total yourself.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop business or financial information systems..

Inspect cash on hand, notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and canceled checks to confirm records are accurate.

Monthly

AI is a tireless first-pass checker.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a tireless proofreader. It catches inconsistencies, missing fields and errors across documents and data, so your review time goes on what matters.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to inspect cash on hand, notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and canceled checks to confirm records are accurate.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Records: [paste claim, title or file data, private details removed]
What they must match: [source documents, rules]

Compare item by item and list discrepancies, missing items and next steps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Record accuracy check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inspect cash.
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [What they must match] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Confirm each discrepancy in the source documents. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Verify accuracy of records..

Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 47% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to prepare detailed reports on audit findings.

Context: We use Epic Systems and MEDITECH software.
Report: [budget, expense, financial summary]
Figures and context: [paste numbers, notes]
Audience: [board, manager, regulator]

Draft the report with a summary, tables, variances explained and next steps. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Financial or budget report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
Step 2Fill in [Report], [Figures and context] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute every total and check each variance explanation against the books. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets..

Prepare, analyze, or verify annual reports, financial statements, and other records, using accepted accounting and statistical procedures to assess financial condition and facilitate financial planning.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 53% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to prepare, analyze, or verify annual reports, financial statements, and other records, using accepted accounting and statistical procedures to assess financial condition and facilitate financial planning.

Context: We use Epic Systems and MEDITECH software.
Report: [budget, expense, financial summary]
Figures and context: [paste numbers, notes]
Audience: [board, manager, regulator]

Draft the report with a summary, tables, variances explained and next steps. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Financial or budget report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare, analyze, or verify annual reports and financial statements.
Step 2Fill in [Report], [Figures and context] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute every total and check each variance explanation against the books. Recompute every total yourself.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.. Also involves: Verify accuracy of financial information..

Review taxpayer accounts, and conduct audits on-site, by correspondence, or by summoning taxpayer to office.

Monthly

AI is a tireless first-pass checker.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a tireless proofreader. It catches inconsistencies, missing fields and errors across documents and data, so your review time goes on what matters.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to review taxpayer accounts, and conduct audits on-site, by correspondence, or by summoning taxpayer to office.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Records: [paste]
Source documents: [what they should match]

Find discrepancies, errors and questions to ask. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Financial accuracy review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review taxpayer accounts. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Source documents] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Verify accuracy of financial information..

Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to project future revenues and expenses or to provide advice.

A few times a year

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 33% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to project future revenues and expenses or to provide advice.

Context: We use Tableau and Alteryx software; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Question: [price reasonableness, cost trends, profitability]
Data: [paste proposals, reports, history]

Analyze, compare to benchmarks and give a recommendation. Show formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Business data analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze business operations, trends and costs.
Step 2Fill in [Question] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use it in your next negotiation or estimate. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze business or financial data..

Examine inventory to verify journal and ledger entries.

A few times a year

AI is a tireless first-pass checker.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a tireless proofreader. It catches inconsistencies, missing fields and errors across documents and data, so your review time goes on what matters.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to examine inventory to verify journal and ledger entries.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Records: [paste claim, title or file data, private details removed]
What they must match: [source documents, rules]

Compare item by item and list discrepancies, missing items and next steps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Record accuracy check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you examine inventory.
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [What they must match] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Confirm each discrepancy in the source documents.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Verify accuracy of records..

AI can help you prep these 17

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.

Weekly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 57% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Records: [paste bills, statements]
Purpose: [cost control, research, review]

Flag unusual items and questions. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Financial records review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records and financial statements (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine financial records.. Also involves: Examine financial records or processes.; Analyze business or financial data..

Process invoices for payment.

Daily

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to process invoices for payment.

Context: We use Epic Systems and MEDITECH software.
Payments: [duties, freight, claims]
Authority: [limits]

Organize a payment checklist. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Paying charges or fees

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you process invoices (today).
Step 2Fill in [Payments] and [Authority] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both. Recompute every total yourself.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Pay charges, fees, or taxes..

Review accounts for discrepancies and reconcile differences.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to review accounts for discrepancies and reconcile differences.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Area: [accounts, operations, betting]
Rules: [policies, regulations]

Draft an audit program: tests, samples, evidence. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Audit plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review accounts. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Conduct financial or regulatory audits.. Also involves: Examine financial records..

Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Records: [paste bills, statements]
Purpose: [cost control, research, review]

Flag unusual items and questions. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Financial records review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inspect account books and accounting systems. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine financial records..

Direct activities of personnel engaged in filing, recording, compiling, and transmitting financial records.

Weekly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to direct activities of personnel engaged in filing, recording, compiling, and transmitting financial records.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Submission: [type, agency, deadline]
Contributors and documents: [who owes what]

Make a tracker: each required section, owner, status, review step and the agency requirement it meets.

10-minute exercise: Regulatory submission coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct activities of personnel (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Submission] and [Contributors and documents] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the section list against the agency's current guidance. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate regulatory documentation activities..

Review data about material assets, net worth, liabilities, capital stock, surplus, income, or expenditures.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 58% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to review data about material assets, net worth, liabilities, capital stock, surplus, income, or expenditures.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Records: [paste bills, statements]
Purpose: [cost control, research, review]

Flag unusual items and questions. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Financial records review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review data about material assets, net worth and liabilities.
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine financial records..

Report to management regarding the finances of establishment.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to report to management regarding the finances of establishment.

Information: [irregularities, referrals]
To whom: [manager, investigator]

Draft a concise factual report. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Report information

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you report to management regarding the finances of establishment.
Step 2Fill in [Information] and [To whom] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Report information to managers or other personnel..

Confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.

Topic: [budget, policy, purchases]
My view: [describe]

Draft talking points and data to bring. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Discuss with management

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [My view] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Discuss business strategies, practices, or policies with managers..

Examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Process: [financial or information system]
Risks: [fraud, error]

Evaluate controls and suggest improvements. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Controls review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you examine and evaluate financial and information systems.
Step 2Fill in [Process] and [Risks] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine financial records or processes.. Also involves: Advise others on financial matters..

Evaluate taxpayer finances to determine tax liability, using knowledge of interest and discount rates, annuities, valuation of stocks and bonds, and amortization valuation of depletable assets.

Monthly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to evaluate taxpayer finances to determine tax liability, using knowledge of interest and discount rates, annuities, valuation of stocks and bonds, and amortization valuation of depletable assets.

Context: We use Tableau and Alteryx software; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Client situation: [no names]
Figures: [income, expenses, debts, assets]

Summarize financial health, ratios, and options. Show formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Client financial snapshot

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you evaluate taxpayer finances.
Step 2Fill in [Client situation] and [Figures] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Assess financial status of clients..

Examine records and interview workers to ensure recording of transactions and compliance with laws and regulations.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to examine records and interview workers to ensure recording of transactions and compliance with laws and regulations.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Process: [financial or information system]
Risks: [fraud, error]

Evaluate controls and suggest improvements. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Controls review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you examine records.
Step 2Fill in [Process] and [Risks] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine financial records or processes..

Examine whether the organization's objectives are reflected in its management activities, and whether employees understand the objectives.

A few times a year

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to examine whether the organization's objectives are reflected in its management activities, and whether employees understand the objectives.

Context: We use Tableau and Alteryx software; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Policy or practice: [selection test, benefits, safety program]
Data: [paste turnover, results, claims, survey results]

Assess whether it's achieving its aim, spot unintended effects, and suggest changes. Note any legal considerations.

10-minute exercise: HR policy effectiveness

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you examine whether the organization's objectives are. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Policy or practice] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check legal points with your HR or legal team.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate effectiveness of personnel policies or practices..

Develop, maintain, or analyze budgets, preparing periodic reports that compare budgeted costs to actual costs.

A few times a year

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 48% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to develop, maintain, or analyze budgets, preparing periodic reports that compare budgeted costs to actual costs.

Context: We use Tableau and Alteryx software; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Program or unit: [describe]
Costs and income: [paste]

Build a budget with assumptions and formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Operating budget

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop, maintain, or analyze budgets.
Step 2Fill in [Program or unit] and [Costs and income] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare operational budgets.. Also involves: Analyze budgetary or accounting data..

Advise clients in areas such as compensation, employee health care benefits, the design of accounting or data processing systems, or long-range tax or estate plans.

A few times a year

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 36% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to advise clients in areas such as compensation, employee health care benefits, the design of accounting or data processing systems, or long-range tax or estate plans.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Microsoft Word; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Topic: [recruiting, EEO, retention]
Audience: [managers, employees]

Explain guidance clearly. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: HR advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise clients. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check legal points with HR or counsel. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise others on human resources topics..

Audit payroll and personnel records to determine unemployment insurance premiums, workers' compensation coverage, liabilities, and compliance with tax laws.

A few times a year

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to audit payroll and personnel records to determine unemployment insurance premiums, workers' compensation coverage, liabilities, and compliance with tax laws.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Records: [paste bills, statements]
Purpose: [cost control, research, review]

Flag unusual items and questions. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Financial records review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you audit payroll and personnel records. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine financial records..

Conduct pre-implementation audits to determine if systems and programs under development will work as planned.

A few times a year

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to conduct pre-implementation audits to determine if systems and programs under development will work as planned.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Process: [financial or information system]
Risks: [fraud, error]

Evaluate controls and suggest improvements. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Controls review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct pre-implementation audits.
Step 2Fill in [Process] and [Risks] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine financial records or processes..

Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.

A few times a year

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.

Information: [irregularities, referrals]
To whom: [manager, investigator]

Draft a concise factual report. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Report information

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you report to management about asset utilization.
Step 2Fill in [Information] and [To whom] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Report information to managers or other personnel.. Also involves: Advise others on business or operational matters.; Advise others on financial matters..

These stay human 3

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Impact of decisions: important results · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day

Supervise auditing of establishments, and determine scope of investigation required.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to supervise auditing of establishments, and determine scope of investigation required.

Context: The work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Process: [recall, regulatory samples]
Team: [describe]

Plan coordination and checkpoints. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Overseeing business processes

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise auditing of establishments.
Step 2Fill in [Process] and [Team] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Oversee business processes..

Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.

A few times a year

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.

Context: The work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Type of case: [claim, inspection, violation, investigation]
Rules that apply: [chain-of-custody, agency procedures]

Create a checklist for collecting and preserving evidence for this type of case: what to gather, how to label, document and store it, and common mistakes that make evidence inadmissible. Add a template log.

10-minute exercise: Evidence collection checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls.
Step 2Fill in [Type of case] and the procedures you follow in [Rules that apply].
Step 3Compare the checklist with your agency's procedure. Your official procedure always wins.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collect evidence for legal proceedings.. Also involves: Investigate legal issues..

Represent clients before taxing authorities and provide support during litigation involving financial issues.

A few times a year

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an accountant / auditor. Part of my job is to represent clients before taxing authorities and provide support during litigation involving financial issues.

Context: The work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and administrative.
Matter: [tax, land development, case]
Client's position: [summary]

Prepare arguments, anticipated objections and responses. Then play the other side. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Representing a client

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you represent clients. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Matter] and [Client's position] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Represent the interests of clients in legal proceedings.. Also involves: Negotiate financial arrangements.; Provide legal advice to clients..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Active Learningimportance 3.2/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Learning Strategiesimportance 2.8/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  • Writingimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Documenting/Recording Information
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  • Active Listeningimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

  • Budget Analysts4% human-led · Same preparation · $91,640/yr · usually bachelor's degreeSkills to build: Management of Financial Resources, Systems Analysis, Mathematics
  • Treasurers and Controllers31% human-led · Same preparation · $166,570/yrSkills to build: Management of Financial Resources, Systems Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making
  • Personal Financial Advisors18% human-led · Same preparation · $105,070/yr · usually bachelor's degreeSkills to build: Systems Analysis, Critical Thinking, Systems Evaluation
  • Compensation and Benefits Managers8% human-led · Same preparation · $149,230/yr · usually bachelor's degreeSkills to build: Management of Personnel Resources, Systems Analysis, Systems Evaluation

Getting into this job

O*NET has not surveyed education and training for this occupation yet.

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe AcrobatAlteryx softwareEpic SystemsGoogle DocsGoogle SheetsIBM SPSS StatisticsIntuit QuickBooksIntuit TurboTaxMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software