Your clients are using ChatGPT: How are you going to react when your clients use ChatGPT?

Your clients are using ChatGPT.

Your clients are going to try to do their accounts and their tax using ChatGPT.

Your clients are going to ask you questions generated from ChatGPT.

Your clients are going to ask you why you have not deducted THIS because ChatGPT suggested it.

Your clients are going to come to you with “the work finished by ChatGPT” and they are going to ask you to give it a quick look over and remind you that you should not charge them as much because ChatGPT has done the bulk of the work.

AND how are you going to react to this???

Firstly, be AWARE that it’s happening.

It’s good that your clients are taking an interest, and doing some of their own research.

REMIND clients that ChatGPT can make mistakes, and that important information needs to be checked. “That’s a helpful starting point, but it’s not always right, especially for tax.”

ChatGPT can help clients understand terminology, accounting concepts, simplify language, and help prep them for a meeting.

ChatGPT is not a professional accountant or bookkeeper. It may not know the latest tax legislation, may draw on international information, or suggest non-compliant responses.

ChatGPT rarely understands the nuances of a client situation, and has a tendency to oversimplify things, and be overconfident in its statements, as if they are facts.

I recall when I was pregnant, turning up to the Doctor's office with a large hardcover copy of Dr Miriam Stoppard’s Pregnancy Book, filled with post-it notes of my hand written questions. If the Doctor had been reluctant to answer my questions, then I probably would have found a new Doctor.

When your client comes to you with ChatGPT responses, how are you going to respond?

You could be prepared to suggest that ChatGPT can be a helpful tool, but it's not a substitute for the knowledge and judgment of a qualified bookkeeper or accountant.

Highlight where ChatGPT can be used, and where it’s not so good. Remind them that it needs to be triple fact checked! You could highlight that in some areas it could save them money, but in other areas such as reviewing ChatGPT responses may lead to inefficiencies and actually cost them more money.

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