By Natalie Burke, an RSM Thailand 2026 intern currently studying in the United Kingdom

 

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, more commonly known as AI, refers to computer systems which can perform tasks such as identifying patterns, reasoning, and making decisions: tasks that traditionally only humans could do. Simply, it uses algorithms trained on data sets to create machine learning models. This allows computer systems to do tasks like translating a text into another language or picking out the most efficient way to get to a destination. 

AI is gradually becoming a more frequent part of people's lives. Some of the most common AI platforms include ChatGPT and Google Translate. Even Netflix is an example of AI as it uses machine learning algorithms to create recommendations personalised to the user and their viewing history.

Not only is the use of AI increasing in everyday life, but also in the workplace and is commonly used across many industries. This includes accounting service Thailand and consulting firms.

The Use and Effect of AI on Accounting and Consulting Firms

Specific Uses for AI in Accounting:

AI is emerging as a prominent part of accounting and consulting firms. In fact, it is stated in The State of AI in Accounting Report 2026 by Karbon that globally, 92% of accounting professionals are using AI.

Specifically, AI is transforming how an accounting firm Thailand and consulting firms conduct their audit, tax, and advisory services.

Many big accounting firms are now using automation in audit services. For example, AI can now perform full dataset audits instead of just reviewing samples, flag unusual entries and shorten review cycles. Audit is particularly well-suited for AI as it oversees tasks that manage a high volume of repetitive analysis. This improves efficiency greatly and speeds up cash flow. Automation also reduces the workload and amount of time spent on admin. Additionally, automating processes can reduce the very possible risk of human error. Overall, this helps boost client satisfaction, especially as some big companies may take up to six months performing audits.

Thailand tax consultants and tax services are also improved at the hand of AI. Firstly, document reviews and fillings are now able to be automated. Furthermore, tax deductions can be optimised, for example in the U.S., by analysing tax documents, categorising expenses and matching them against current IRS-approved deductions. AI also can monitor tax regulation updates, to ensure that businesses are complying with the correct and up-to-date regulations. As a result, this guarantees more accurate reporting and tax compliance errors are reduced.

AI is affecting advisory services also. Currently, AI can analyse advanced financial data to find patterns and risks which can then generate tactical insights for advising clients. This also improves financial accuracy and forecasting through things like expense tracking. It is also expected in the future that forecasting will become smarter as AI can now analyse previous data to predict cash flows and risks. This allows accounting firms to provide better advice to businesses before problems occur.

Efficiency gains with AI:

The best aspect that AI brings to businesses, including accounting firms, is efficiency. As stated in The State of AI in Accounting Report 2026 by Karbon, AI has the potential to save firms up to 21 hours a month, per employee. Furthermore, a study done by MIT Sloan professor Chloe Xie and Stanford University professor Jung Ho Choi found that many of the accountants asked felt that AI has the “potential to reduce repetitive work and improve analysis.” AI is an invaluable asset to consulting and accounting firms and the implementation of it will certainly increase soon.

Emerging Skill Requirements for Firms:

With an increased use of AI in accounting and consulting firms comes emerging skill requirements for jobs in the industry. One of the most prominent requirements with this influx of AI into financial reporting processes is technological proficiency. Professionals may also be required to understand how some algorithms for forecasting and detection of anomalies work and how to use these systems for creating applied insights. Not only will professionals need these current skills in technology, but due to the rapid pace of evolution in technology, they must also keep up to date with technological developments. This will include ongoing professional development such as participating in workshops or seeking out certifications in advancing technology for them to stay competitive in the industry. 

In addition to computer skills, there is an increase in the need for people skills also. Therefore, as many tasks can be performed using automation, more critical thinking and critical thinking skills will be necessary to evaluate and assess outputs from systems that are automated for financial data. Teamwork skills will also be sought after as AI will seep into most departments and therefore will result in increased collaboration between them.

Emerging Business Models due to AI:

As the world is increasingly becoming aware of AI’s benefits and confidence in it is growing, especially in the workplace, more business strategies are progressively incorporating AI. One main aspect of this is that accounting firms are seeking AI training for their employees. This is because, with a higher proficiency in AI-use, many firms can stay competitive against each other. However currently, this is not as implemented, with only 46% of firms investing in AI training for their teams, according to The State of AI in Accounting Report 2026 by Karbon. Moreover, the use for AI that is emerging the most in 2026 is financial forecasting and analysis as modern technologies are advancing. Therefore, it is expected that accounting and consulting firms will invest more in these modern technologies as those which do not, will not have the same competitive advantage.

AI has already evolved how we work and live our daily lives and instead of searching a question on Google like many will have done in the past, many now resort to using platforms like ChatGPT to obtain an answer. Therefore, AI will do the same in transforming how accounting and consulting firms perform tasks. Using AI in accounting firms is likely to become the norm in all firms in the industry. Because of this, any firms that wish to stay competitive in the industry will need to evolve their technology, in line with the evolution of AI itself. This way they will be able to create a much more efficient way of performing internal processes, delivering their services, and reducing overheads which sadly will apply to people costs and possibly those of the RSM consulting firm in Thailand.

Should you require any advice with respect to this article or any of our Audit, Accounting, Payroll, Taxation, Legal or Recruitment and Outplacement Service, please do not hesitate to contact us on Askus@rsmthailand.com