Cory Ng is pleased to announce a forthcoming book Artificial Intelligence in Accounting: Practical Applications to be published by Routledge in December 2020. The book, co-authored by John Alarcon, DBA ’18, aims to provide accounting practitioners, researchers, educators and students with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its many accounting applications.
“In recent years, my focus has been on the application of technology in accounting,” says Ng. “After reviewing several emerging technologies, I became very interested in AI because I could relate to the impact that artificial intelligence has had on our daily lives.”
Artificial Intelligence in Accounting explores accounting-specific applications of robotic process automation and text mining, which Ng also explores in his courses, and features case studies and interviews with representatives from global professional services firms.
“The book provides an overview of essential AI concepts and technologies that accountants should know, such as machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing,” he states. “It is meant to serve as a guide for identifying opportunities to implement AI initiatives to increase productivity and profitability.”
Ng met co-author John Alarcon through their work on the editorial board of the Pennsylvania CPA Journal, a professional journal published by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA).
Ng says, “During his time on the editorial board, John distinguished himself as a prolific practitioner-based scholar, publishing articles that have been at the forefront of the accounting profession.”
Ng and Alarcon have co-written on three feature articles for the PICPA: “Use of Non-GAAP Measures and KPIs in a Digital Era,” “Accounting AI and Machine Learning: Applications and Challenges”, and “Blockchain and the Future of Accounting.”
In looking to the future, Ng predicts that the nature of the work accountants do will shift. “AI combined with automation technologies will allow accountants to spend less time on manual tasks,” he explains, “and instead focus on higher value-added activities such as exercising professional judgment and strategic thinking.”