Have you used every setting on your washing machine or microwave?

So much of the technology that forms a core part of our lives is not utilised to its full potential and AI technologies may not be any different.

Unlike with your washing machine, your unused AI features might be holding back your accounting firm, so it is worth senior managers understanding how to make the most of the systems they deploy.

Why is AI being underutilised?

We are all born knowing nothing and it would seem unfair to blame those who have never been taught for not knowing something.

The role of senior managers is to shape the team so that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct their work effectively.

The emergence of AI has thrown into stark relief how often accounting firms can fall into a habitual way of working without exploring the possibility of a better solution.

This is being felt keenly with the AI skills gap, wherein, despite a firm belief that AI will help their firm, many senior managers feel unable to use it effectively.

According to research conducted by the AICPA and CIMA, only 8 per cent felt very well prepared to make the most of AI.

What could be the effect of the AI skills gap?

Given that AI is being used by many accountants to alleviate the tedious tasks that would take up valuable time in the past, an inability to use the technology means human energy is wasted.

An accounting senior manager will want to get the most out of their team, but if junior members are spending hours manually transferring data or chasing clients for information, then this is unlikely to happen.

Team members may feel frustrated if a senior manager cannot empower them with the tools they need to get the job done effectively.

This is echoed in a strong preference for internal training programs acknowledged by 62 per cent of those surveyed.

Only if senior managers understand the benefits of the technology can they pass on those skills to the rest of the team.

Is there a way to close the AI skills gap?

A main factor behind any aversion to learning a skill is a fear that it will be too difficult.

There is an idea that, given how powerful it can be, AI technology must inherently be complicated to use.

Glasscubes dispels that idea and is optimised to close the AI skills gap.

With its deceptively simple and intuitive design, Glasscubes appears initially as a piece of software that an accounting senior manager may be more familiar with.

However, they will soon discover the powerful AI tools that can streamline workflows and automate basic client communications.

Rather than having to click through intimidating menus where it feels like the slightest mistake will be ruinous, Glasscubes presents information clearly so you know what you are seeing.

This will typically be the full firm-wide visibility that is possible through Glasscubes, where everyone on your team can see exactly where each piece of client work is at and what information is currently being requested or outstanding.

Senior managers will be able to start benefitting from Glasscubes swiftly and can roll it out firm-wide with ease.

Book a demo and we can show you how to close the AI skills gap in your accounting firm.