There’s an old saying I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: “a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” For me, this blog is that first step on a new and exciting journey into the world of Artificial Intelligence.
The Why: A New Frontier for Finance
I’ve spent my career in finance and accounting, specifically within a global shared services environment for a multinational company. In this world, the pressure is always on. We’re in a constant search for better processes, greater efficiencies, and new ways to deliver value. For years, the big answer was labor arbitrage—outsourcing services to low-cost locations. It was a massive shift, and it reshaped our industry.
Now, a new, even bigger wave of change is on the horizon: Artificial Intelligence. Machine learning, generative AI, and especially agentic AI are no longer just buzzwords; they represent a fundamental transformation in how business services will be designed and delivered. Change is coming, and I don’t want to just watch it happen. I want to be ready for it, to understand its impact, and to be in a position to effectively help guide that change.
The How: A Plan for Immersive Learning
So, how do I plan to do this? My approach is a blend of formal education, deep reading, and hands-on engagement at work. I’ll be taking courses on platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, diving into technical books from publishers like O’Reilly, and actively participating in AI discussions and early adopter networks within my company. This blog will be the chronicle of those experiences.
The Who: The “Wannabe” Developer
I’m not a software developer, but I’ve always had a strong affinity for the technical side of things. It’s not enough for me to just read about concepts; I learn best when I’m actually doing. You could call me a “wannabe” developer. I want to see things from a developer’s perspective, to bridge the gap between high-level business strategy and the code that makes it all happen. This blog is for others like me—business professionals who want to get their hands dirty and truly understand the technology that is shaping our future.
The What: Charting the Course
This blog is my commitment to that journey. It will be a real-time account of my experiences, my “aha!” moments, and my inevitable stumbles as I explore the dynamic field of AI and its application in finance and accounting. I’m excited to see where this path leads, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you.
This is step one.
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