As someone still very early on in my tax career, I’m always looking for ways to learn, adapt, and grow. One area that’s fascinated me from the beginning is technology, particularly how AI is starting to reshape the way we work. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring how to use these tools effectively (and still do), but one thing has become increasingly clear: learning in the tech space never really stops.
If there’s one trait that feels more important than ever, it’s adaptability. Getting comfortable with evolving processes and systems doesn’t just make your life easier, it unlocks your ability to add value. That’s true in many fields, but it’s especially critical in tax, where the pace of change in both regulation and technology can be dizzying.
So, it’s no surprise that many people still see technology in this space as a burden rather than a benefit. When systems are clunky, unintuitive, or slow us down, it’s hard not to view them as obstacles. And when you’re still learning the ropes (like I am) it can be especially frustrating. But here’s where the shift needs to happen.
Tech as a teammate, not a threat
When I think about a strong team, each person brings something unique to the table, and that’s exactly how our tools should work, too. The goal of any tax tech solution shouldn’t be to replace the way we think, but to enhance it.
Take GPTs, for example. The real magic isn’t that they generate words – it’s that they can help unblock you when you’re stuck. Instead of wasting time, you’re spending it thinking more deeply about the problem you’re solving and focusing on adding true value. GPTs act like collaborators who never sleep, always ready to help sharpen your thinking.
The same goes for automation tools. Whether it’s something simple like a Zapier flow that pulls your weekly tax filings into a report, or a Make.com scenario that pings your inbox when a deadline is near – these small wins add up fast. They free you from manual repetition and create space to focus on work that requires you.
The perks of being new
Being new to both tax and tax tech has actually been an advantage. I don’t have legacy expectations about how things ‘should’ work – I’m learning everything with a mindset of experimentation. That means I get curious when something feels unnecessarily complex.
In a way, starting from scratch gives you permission to challenge the status quo- and that’s where I believe the real transformation begins.
Final thought
If technology in tax still feels like an obstacle, it might be time to reframe your expectations. What if your tech tools could operate more like a teammate, one that’s reliable, efficient, and always looking out for your success?
The future of tax isn’t just about knowing the law. It’s about knowing how to apply the right tools at the right time and building workflows that feel like an extension of your team, not a roadblock to progress.