Hello! I'm your financial news analysis assistant. This article from "Ten O'Clock Profiles" is a typical example of an observation on industry changes. It doesn't pile up dry data but, through the stories of three accountants in different stages and situations, peels back the facade of the traditional "golden job" of accounting, revealing the dramatic changes that are happening beneath.
To help you understand the economic logic behind this news more easily, I'll first summarize the key points and then break it down in five dimensions.
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📝 Summary of Key Points
In one sentence:
The accounting industry hasn't disappeared, but the era of low entry barriers, high stability, and increasing value with age that used to characterize it has completely ended.
The core logic chain is:
1. Narrowing entry: Due to AI and automation in financial software, the number of basic accounting positions has significantly decreased, making it difficult for new graduates, especially from ordinary colleges, to enter the industry.
2. Reconstruction of value: The financial needs of companies have shifted from simply calculating accurately (recording the past) to understanding business operations and controlling risks (predicting the future and supporting decision-making).
3. Changing survival rules: The strategy of gaining experience through long-term employment is no longer effective because tools are evolving too quickly; obtaining certifications is no longer a guarantee of success, as these only demonstrate basic skills, while the market demands comprehensive abilities (business + finance + technology).
4. Polarization: Accountants must either advance to become experts in business finance (such as those involved in IPOs or tax planning) or be eliminated or switch careers. The middle tier of accountants who only know how to do basic bookkeeping is being squeezed out.
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🔍 In-depth Explanation in Five Dimensions
1. Why has accounting become the hardest industry to enter? – A complete reversal of supply and demand
In the past, accounting was seen as a secure job because there was a shortage of supply and high demand. Every company needed people to process invoices, and as long as you were willing to learn and persevere, you could do well.
But now the situation has reversed:
- Supply side (many people): Although many universities have discontinued accounting programs, there are still tens of thousands of accounting graduates entering the market each year. Many of them entered the field through alternative pathways, resulting in varying levels of expertise.
- Demand side (fewer opportunities): Companies no longer need as many people just for data entry. For example, a financial department that used to require 10 people now only needs three people plus software.
- Metaphor: It's like the taxi industry in the past, where there were few drivers and many passengers, and anyone could drive. Now, with ride-hailing and autonomous vehicles, fewer drivers are needed, and the remaining ones must also be skilled in vehicle maintenance and route planning. If you only know how to drive (i.e., only know how to do accounting), it's harder to find work.
Data support: The article mentions that in 2026, several provinces had to recruit accounting undergraduates through special programs because no one was applying, indicating a significant loss of confidence in junior accounting talent.
2. Who exactly is AI replacing? – Not accounting, but repetitive tasks
People panic when they hear that AI will replace 90% of accounting work, but this is a misunderstanding. AI is replacing the repetitive, rule-based tasks, not the profession of accounting itself.
- Replaced tasks: Tasks like posting invoices, entering data, reconciling bank statements, and generating basic reports. These are repetitive, highly structured, and error-prone, making them ideal for machines.
- Unreplaced tasks: Judging the legality of transactions, analyzing company profits, and identifying tax-saving opportunities through strategic planning. These require judgment, communication skills, and a deep understanding of business operations.
Case study: Teng Yun's firm reduced from 10 to 5 employees by eliminating the repetitive tasks. She now spends more time on complex tasks like calculating export taxes for farmers and assisting chip companies with IPOs, which AI can't yet handle fully.
Conclusion: AI lowers the barrier to entry for basic accounting, but if you only have basic skills, your value diminishes.
3. Why doesn't the concept of "increasing value with age" work anymore? – Devaluing experience and rapid technological advancement
In traditional industries, experience was valuable because older accountants knew the rules and could handle unusual transactions. However, in the digital age, systems are erasing this advantage:
- Fast tool updates: Skills learned over years, like fast data entry, are useless with electronic invoices and automated processes.
- Changing policies: Laws and accounting standards change frequently, and outdated knowledge can lead to mistakes.
- Advantages of the new generation: Young people are more familiar with digital tools and can learn them quickly.
Reality: Luo Haoyu, 30, found his direct supervisor, only one year younger than him, in the same position. In finance, age is no longer an advantage; what matters is continuous learning and business understanding.
4. Are certifications still the "golden key"? – From a stepping stone to a requirement
In the past, having a CPA or intermediate certification was like having a guarantee of a high salary. Now, certifications are a minimum requirement, but they don't guarantee a high salary unless you can apply that knowledge to solve real problems.
Example: Luo Haoyu's CPA and tax consultant certifications helped him advance from an accountant to a financial manager, but his real value came from his understanding of the chip industry's cost structure and his ability to handle complex financial operations.
Advice for everyone: Don't pursue certifications just for the sake of them. Ask yourself: Do you want the certification to prove you can do accounting, or to help the company save money and make profits? If it's the former, the cost-benefit is low.
5. What are the options for ordinary accountants? – Three paths to choose from
The article suggests three strategies for accountants facing these changes:
- Path one: Advance to become a business finance expert (like Luo Haoyu): Move beyond bookkeeping to understand business operations, participate in strategic decisions, and develop comprehensive skills.
- Path two: Specialize in a niche (like Teng Yun): Start your own small firm or focus on a specific area, using AI to improve efficiency and provide personalized services.
- Path three: Change careers: If you don't fit into the industry, consider switching to a related field using your accounting skills.
Warnings: Don't get stuck in repetitive, low-value tasks. If your work is repetitive and there's no room for growth, start learning about business logic or AI tools immediately.
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💡 Tips for Non-Professionals
- For parents considering a career in accounting: Don't expect stability upon graduation. Prepare your child for a challenging path with a second skill, and be prepared for slow income growth.
- For current accountants: Avoid complacency. Embrace AI and use it to improve efficiency; ask more questions about the business behind the financial data.
- For business owners: Hire accountants who understand business operations. Outsource basic tasks and focus on hiring those who can contribute to strategic decisions.
In summary, the accounting industry hasn't died; what's changing is the role of accountants. The future accountant will be a business consultant with technical expertise.