Why Big Red Cloud believes in human-led automation
Last week, during a client meeting, someone leaned in and asked, “Do you think AI will eventually replace accountants?” It’s a question we’re hearing more often and understandably so.
AI has long supported accountants behind the scenes suggesting codes, posting transactions, and reconciling accounts. With ChatGPT making headlines, it’s brought AI into daily conversations. And while the benefits are clear, so too is a growing fear, will the tech eventually take over?
At Big Red Cloud, we’ve always seen things differently. We believe automation is here to assist, not eliminate. The real opportunity lies in using technology to free up time, reduce repetitive work, and empower professionals to focus on the decisions that truly matter.
Turning AI into Action: Purchase Importer
At Big Red Cloud, we’ve already embraced smart automation. Our Purchase Importer, powered by Google AI, reads invoice data from a photo or email and pulls it straight into your accounts.
Every month, our customers process over 3 million invoices and a growing share are now automated through Purchase Importer. It’s a simple, reliable way to eliminate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and give accountants more time to focus on higher-value work.
What AI Does Well in Cloud Accounting
Artificial intelligence and accounting go hand in hand when it comes to recognising patterns and that’s a powerful advantage, it shines through features like Purchase Importer, where AI reads, recognises, and records invoice data automatically.
When scanning invoices, it can:
- Read totals, VAT, supplier names, and dates with high accuracy
- Catch typos and formatting issues that often slow down bookkeeping
- Reduce errors caused by manual data entry
- Process large volumes without ever getting tired
The result? Less time spent on repetitive admin. More time to focus on the work that really matters, growing your business.
Why AI Can’t Replace Accountants and Bookkeepers
However, not everything can or should be automated. AI doesn’t understand context. It doesn’t know why a supplier’s price has changed. It can’t tell that your client is waiting on a credit note. And it definitely doesn’t realise that an invoice might belong to last month’s VAT return.
These are the judgment calls that real people make every day calls shaped by experience, professional insight, and a deep understanding of client relationships. That’s why our cloud accounting software for accountants is built to support the decision-makers, not replace them.
Augmentation, Not Replacement
Our approach is simple: let machines handle the mundane, so people can focus on what matters.
Big Red Cloud isn’t trying to replace anyone. We’re building accounting software that’s designed to work alongside you, not instead of you. It:
- Reduces time spent on admin
- Flags things that need your attention
- Stays out of your way when you need flexibility
We believe the future of accounting software is AI-assisted and human-led, where technology supports professionals, not sidelines them.
Cloud Accounting That Fits Real Workflows
It’s not just about how smart the software is it’s about how naturally it fits into your day. That’s where Big Red Cloud stands out.
Our cloud accounting software is built to support accountants and business owners with everything they need in one place. It keeps tasks flowing, admin under control, and you fully in charge of the numbers without the constant clicking.
Big Red Cloud is designed to:
- Work the way accountants and SMEs actually work
- Automate repetitive tasks while keeping them fully visible
- Keep you in control, with no hidden processes
- Provide the flexibility you need to make professional decisions
When the routine is taken care of, you get time back for what matters advising clients, managing cash flow, and growing your business with confidence.
Is AI Changing Accounting for the Better?
Yes, technology is transforming accounting and at Big Red Cloud, we’re proud to be part of that change. But our goal isn’t to replace people. It’s to support them with tools that make real work smoother, faster, and more rewarding.
Whether you’re using our cloud accounting for accountants, simplifying day-to-day tasks with cloud accounting software, or managing wages through our payroll software, we build products that work the way real people do.
Because accounting isn’t just numbers and inputs it’s experience, judgment, and trust. And those are things only humans can bring. That’s the future we believe in: smart software, led by people.
Ready to Explore Purchase Importer in Action?
With over 30 years of experience supporting accountants and small businesses in Ireland, Big Red Cloud delivers cloud accounting software that blends human expertise with the power of AI in accounting helping you work smarter, not harder.
Our AI accounting software is designed to reduce admin, increase accuracy, and give you more time to focus on growing your business.
Start your free trial or book a demo today and see how Big Red Cloud helps you spend less time typing and more time thinking.
Have questions? Call us on +353 (0)1 204 8300 or email mailto:info@bigredcloud.com for more information.
