AI and automation for accounting and finance
Applying AI tools, Python and Excel VBA to the repetitive parts of accounting work: reading documents, matching entries and producing reports. The automation is designed by a chartered accountant, so every figure stays traceable to its source and is reviewed before it is used.
Scope
What the work covers
Most finance teams spend a large part of each month copying figures between PDFs, portals and spreadsheets. That work is slow, and it is where errors creep in. Automation takes over the reading, sorting and matching, and leaves people to review exceptions and make judgements.
AI is useful here, but only with controls. Extracted figures are checked against totals, matching rules are documented, and outputs carry a trail back to the source document. Client data is handled under professional confidentiality, and tools are chosen with that in mind.
- AI-assisted extraction from invoices, bank statements, AIS, Form 26AS and other PDFs into structured data
- Automated bank, vendor, GST and TDS reconciliations with exception reports
- Python scripts for recurring MIS, schedules and payroll calculations
- Excel VBA tools for existing spreadsheet-based processes
- AI-assisted drafting of summaries and working papers, reviewed before use
- Review of an existing finance process to identify where automation fits and what controls it needs
- Documentation and handover, so the team can run and maintain the tools
Approach
How the work is done
Pick the right process
The work starts with one process that is frequent, rule-based and painful, such as a monthly reconciliation or report, and measures how long it takes today.
Build with controls
The tool is built with input checks, totals that must agree, and an exception list for anything it cannot match with confidence.
Run in parallel
For one or two cycles the automated output is compared with the manual one, and rules are refined.
Hand over
Once results agree, the tool is documented and the team is trained, with support for changes as the process evolves.
Getting started
Records to keep ready
- Two or three months of the inputs the process uses today (PDFs, exports, spreadsheets)
- The current output, such as the reconciliation or report produced manually
- A short description of who does the work, how long it takes and where errors arise
Background
Ryan Vaz, FCA has used Python and VBA for years to run finance functions, and the practice's articled assistants are trained in Python-based automation. The tools are built around how accounts, tax and reporting actually work in Indian businesses. See experience and expertise.
Fees
Fees depend on the scope of work, the volume and condition of records and the time required, and are confirmed in writing in an engagement letter before work begins.
Questions about AI and automation for finance
Can AI be trusted with accounting work?
AI is reliable for reading documents and suggesting matches when it is used inside a controlled process: extracted figures are checked against totals, every output links back to its source, and a qualified person reviews exceptions and final results. It should support professional judgement, not replace it.
Python or Excel VBA: which is better for finance automation?
VBA suits processes that already live in Excel and are used by people who work in Excel every day. Python is better for large files, PDFs, portal downloads and anything that needs to run on a schedule. Many solutions use both.
Is client data safe when automation or AI is used?
Data handling is decided before any tool is chosen. Sensitive data can be processed locally, access is limited to the people who need it, and the confidentiality obligations of a chartered accountant apply to all work.
How quickly does automation pay for itself?
A recurring monthly task that takes a day or more of staff time is usually a good candidate, because the saving repeats every month and errors fall. The first process is chosen so that the benefit is visible within one or two cycles.
Contact
Phone +91 95384 16161 or email ryan@vazassociates.in. Office opposite Maxus Mall, L.T. Road, Borivali West, Mumbai 400092. Work can also be handled remotely.