From data entry to decision maker: Why the future of bookkeeping is more human but more demanding than ever

Automation and AI are eliminating data entry and manual bookkeeping processes fast, but many practices feel more stretched, overwhelmed, and stuck firefighting. This session challenges the assumption that “more tech = better outcomes,” and exposes the widening gap between what software can do, the skills finance teams have, and what clients actually need. I’ll share what worked (and what didn’t) as I used automation and software to deliberately strip out low-value work, redesign services, and reclaim time for judgement, interpretation, and trusted human insight, so firms become decision-led, not just tech-led.