overcome the chatgpt ai learning curve.
by sandi leyva and chatgpt
in the fast-paced world of tax preparation and accounting, the adoption of artificial intelligence (ai) tools like chatgpt can be a game-changer. however, the learning curve associated with these technologies can be a bit daunting, especially for technology immigrants in the gen x, boomer, and silent generations (versus natives born after 1985).
check out our courses on chatgpt,
offered as a deep discount bundle or separately.
webinar schedule:
march 19: your strategic partner: using chatgpt for strategy work
march 22 webinar: deep dive with chatgpt and zapier interface
april 18: your advisory assistant: using chatgpt to provide better advisory services to clients
april 25: the ai playoffs: chatgpt, bard, and bing compared
more chaptgpt here
if you’re hesitant or short on time, here’s how to get started:
step 1: familiarize yourself with ai capabilities.
begin by understanding what chatgpt and similar ai tools can do. as of the latest updates, chatgpt can assist with a broad range of tasks in practice management, client service, bookkeeping, advisory, marketing, research, workflow and even business strategy. it’s essential to grasp the capabilities and limitations of ai to set realistic expectations.
step 2: set up your account.
choose the appropriate version of chatgpt that suits your needs. while the free version offers a wealth of features, the paid version unlocks advanced capabilities such as browsing the web for the latest tax law updates, generating and reading complex documents, creating custom gpts that specialize their answers, and accessing third-party plug-ins that enhance functionality. setting up an account is straightforward and can be completed on the openai platform in minutes.
step 3: start with simple tasks.
ease into using chatgpt by starting with simple tasks. this could include generating a tax preparation checklist, drafting a blog article or creating a procedure for quickbooks accounting. these small wins will build your confidence in using the tool and help you understand its potential impact on your workflow.
a note of warning: do not enter any confidential client information into the model, as it is a public tool. also, all answers should be considered first drafts and thoroughly checked for accuracy by an expert in the topic area.
step 4: explore tax-specific applications.
delve into the tax-specific capabilities of chatgpt. use it to create initial drafts of interpretations of tax legislation, evaluate scenarios or keep abreast of the latest tax news and updates through its web browsing functionality. remember, the quality of output is directly related to the specificity of your prompts. be clear and detailed in your requests to the ai.
step 5: integrate with your workflow.
for ai adoption to be truly beneficial, integrate it into your daily workflow. set aside time to explore ai-generated solutions to practice management tasks or other areas of your business. tools like zapier can automate the workflow between chatgpt and other software applications you use, enhancing efficiency.
step 6: stay informed on new features.
ai technology evolves rapidly. stay informed on the latest chatgpt features and updates that could benefit your tax practice. for instance, adding multimodal capabilities in chatgpt 4.0 allows for the analysis of image-based documents, and custom gpts could provide tailored assistance based on your specific needs.
step 7: practice and experiment.
the more you use chatgpt, the better you’ll understand its nuances and capabilities. don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of prompts or to use the tool for varied tasks. the goal is to find the most effective ways chatgpt can support your tax practice.
step 8: seek support and training.
if you find the ai learning curve particularly steep, consider seeking training courses or resources. many organizations, including ours, offer courses tailored to tax professionals, helping you to quickly get up to speed on the most effective ways to use ai tools like chatgpt in your practice.
embracing ai in tax preparation and accounting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. by taking practical steps to understand and integrate ai tools like chatgpt into your practice, you can overcome the learning curve and begin reaping the benefits of enhanced efficiency, accuracy and insight in your tax-related tasks. remember, the journey to ai proficiency is ongoing; stay curious, adaptable and open to the possibilities ai brings to the tax profession.
and yes, this article was written by a custom gpt trained to model my writing style, then lightly edited by me.
want to learn more about chatgpt, including all of its new features? check out our courses on chatgpt, offered as a deep discount bundle or separately.