What Agentic AI Means for the Accounting Profession

“Agentic AI isn’t just a tool—it’s an AI that manages other AIs.”

Artificial intelligence is already changing the accounting industry, but agentic AI represents a major leap forward. Unlike generative AI, which generates content and responses based on large datasets, agentic AI takes automation a step further by chaining multiple AI models together to complete complex, multi-step tasks.

In the latest Accounting ARC episode, Byron Patrick, CPA.CITP, CGMA; Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA; and Liz Mason, CPA, discuss the evolving role of agentic AI in accounting and explore how it could reshape the profession.

How Does Agentic AI Work?
As Shimamoto, founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC and founder of the Center for Accounting Transformation explains, agentic AI serves as a coordinator, breaking down large tasks into smaller ones and assigning them to different specialized AI models. These models work together autonomously, analyzing data, executing decisions, and even learning from feedback to improve efficiency.

For accountants, this means AI won’t just automate tasks—it will orchestrate multiple systems to complete accounting workflows end-to-end.

Opportunities for the Accounting Profession
According to Mason, CEO of High Rock Accounting, one of the most promising applications of agentic AI is in audit and financial planning. She explains that AI could continuously monitor transactions, detect anomalies, and flag potential risks in real time, reducing the need for traditional sample-based audits.

Patrick, CEO of VERIFYiQ and co-founder and educator for TB Academy, highlights the time-saving potential of AI, particularly for repetitive tasks like data entry, transaction classification, and compliance checks. “AI can eliminate bottlenecks and free accountants to focus on advisory work,” he says.

The Risks and Challenges
Despite its advantages, agentic AI is not a perfect solution. Mason warns that biases in AI models, lack of regulation, and the complexity of tax law could lead to flawed outputs if firms aren’t careful.

Shimamoto also emphasizes the importance of human oversight in AI-powered workflows. “AI can assist, but it won’t replace the professional judgment of a CPA,” he says.

What’s Next?
While agentic AI is still in its early stages, it’s clear that the accounting profession is headed for a new era of automation and efficiency. As AI adoption accelerates, firms must invest in AI literacy, risk management, and ethical safeguards to ensure responsible use.

Want to hear the full discussion? Watch the episode now!

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