AI and Your Accountant: Who Really Does the Books?

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-10-20

Ever wonder if AI will make your accountant obsolete? You're not alone. In a recent podcast episode, An Maes—former Big Four accountant and now CEO of Silverfin—shared her take. She's seen the accounting world from the inside, from compliance grunt work to strategic advising. And her verdict? The accountant isn't going anywhere. But the job is changing, big time. ### From Bean Counter to Business Partner An's career path says it all. She started at a Big Four firm, then climbed the ranks at Silverfin, eventually becoming CEO. Along the way, she helped expand the company into the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Silverfin now operates in multiple international markets, helping accountants automate compliance and admin tasks. That frees them up for deeper conversations with entrepreneurs like you. So what does that mean for your relationship with your accountant? For starters, you should expect more than just a year-end tax filing. Your accountant should be a strategic partner—someone who understands your business, not just your numbers. An suggests asking questions like: - How can I improve my cash flow? - Which customers are paying late, and what can I do about it? - Are my suppliers giving me the best terms? These are the questions that keep you up at night, right? Your accountant should help you answer them. But that only happens if they've automated the boring stuff. ### AI: The New Junior Accountant AI is already handling repetitive tasks: data entry, reconciliation, even flagging anomalies. According to An, that's a good thing. It means your accountant can focus on advice, not paperwork. But it also means the skill set is shifting. Accountants need to be tech-savvy and analytical. And you, as an entrepreneur, need to be ready to have more strategic conversations. > "The accountant won't disappear, but the job will fundamentally change," An says. "They'll become more of a trusted advisor." That's a big shift. In Belgium, for example, accountants are traditionally seen as compliance officers. In the Netherlands, they're more likely to be involved in strategic decisions. An has seen both up close. The difference? Dutch accountants are more embedded in business operations, while Belgian accountants are catching up. ### What You Should Demand from Your Accountant So how do you make sure you're getting the most from your accountant? Start by asking if they're using automation and AI. If they're still buried in spreadsheets, they're not leveraging technology to your advantage. Next, ask about their advisory services. Do they offer cash flow forecasting? Do they help with budgeting? Can they flag potential risks before they become problems? Finally, don't be afraid to switch if your accountant isn't keeping up. The industry is changing fast, and you deserve a partner who's ahead of the curve. ### The Bottom Line AI isn't replacing your accountant—it's changing what they do. The mundane tasks are being automated, which means your accountant has more time to help you make better decisions. But you have to hold up your end of the bargain. Be proactive, ask the right questions, and expect more than just compliance. Your business will thank you. For more insights from An Maes, check out the full podcast episode. And if you're curious about how digital branding can help your business grow, visit [Creatic's website](https://www.creatic.com) (nofollow).