Will AI Replace Your Accountant? What Entrepreneurs Need to Know

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-10-20

An Maes knows the accounting world from the inside out. She started as an accountant 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. Today, Silverfin operates in multiple international markets, helping accountants automate compliance and admin work so they can focus on advising entrepreneurs. But with AI getting better at handling bookkeeping tasks, what does that mean for the profession? According to An, accountants aren't going anywhere—but their jobs will change fundamentally. In this episode, we dig into the impact of AI on accounting, the accountant as a strategic partner, and the differences between Belgium and the Netherlands. An also explains what you as an entrepreneur should expect from your accountant, the questions you should be asking, and why understanding cash flow, outstanding receivables, and payables is crucial for making better decisions. ### The AI Shift: Threat or Opportunity? AI is already crunching numbers, categorizing transactions, and spotting anomalies faster than any human. But that doesn't mean accountants become obsolete. Instead, their role shifts from number-crunching to strategic advisor. "The repetitive stuff gets automated, but the need for judgment, context, and advice grows," An says. That's good news for entrepreneurs who want more than just a tax filing—they get a partner who can help navigate complex financial decisions. ### What to Expect from Your Accountant So what should you, as a business owner, demand from your accountant? An suggests starting with these questions: - How can you help me improve cash flow? - What's the real-time status of my receivables and payables? - Are there compliance risks I should know about? - How can we use data to make better strategic decisions? A good accountant won't just report on the past—they'll help you steer the future. And with AI handling the grunt work, they'll have more time to do exactly that. ### Belgium vs. the Netherlands: Different Approaches An also highlights a cultural difference: Belgian entrepreneurs tend to see their accountant as a compliance officer, while Dutch entrepreneurs are more likely to treat them as a business partner. That mindset shift is slowly happening in Belgium too, but it's a work in progress. The key takeaway? The more you engage your accountant strategically, the more value you'll get. > "AI won't replace accountants, but accountants who embrace AI will replace those who don't." – An Maes ### The Bottom Line AI is changing the game, but it's not the end of the accountant. It's the end of the boring parts. For entrepreneurs, that means a chance to get more strategic advice and deeper insights from your financial partner. So next time you talk to your accountant, ask the tough questions—and see how they can help you grow, not just comply. This podcast is an initiative by Creatic. They help SMEs and entrepreneurs put their brand on the digital map with strong branding, thoughtful marketing, and high-performing websites. From brand strategy and visual identity to a website that delivers results, they make sure your business grows visibly and recognizably online. Curious what they can do for your business? Discover more at www.creatic.com.