General-purpose AI tools are increasingly discussed in accounting circles as productivity aids, with ChatGPT and Claude often mentioned as leading options. In practice, however, accountants use both tools in very similar, limited ways, and neither replaces professional judgement or responsibility.
This article compares ChatGPT and Claude from a practical accounting workflow perspective, focusing on how firms actually use them, where they differ in day-to-day use, and how to choose between them safely.
How Accountants Actually Use General AI Tools
Before comparing tools, it is important to clarify how accounting firms use general AI tools in practice.
They are typically used for:
- Drafting internal text
- Structuring procedures and checklists
- Rewriting emails for clarity and tone
- Summarising non-confidential documents
- Preparing first drafts of neutral commentary
They are not used for:
- Tax interpretation or planning
- Audit opinions or conclusions
- Regulatory analysis
- Client-specific advice
- Final decision-making
Both ChatGPT and Claude are treated as drafting and organisation tools, with mandatory human review.
When Accounting Firms Tend to Use ChatGPT
In practice, accounting firms that use ChatGPT often do so for shorter, task-based drafting.
Common examples include:
- Drafting internal emails
- Creating structured checklists
- Rewriting notes into clearer language
- Summarising short documents or bullet points
ChatGPT is frequently used where:
- Speed is important
- Outputs are relatively concise
- The task is well-defined
- The content will be reviewed and edited
Example workflow: Drafting an internal checklist
- Accountant outlines required steps in bullet form
- ChatGPT converts bullets into a structured checklist
- Accountant reviews, edits, and approves
The AI assists with formatting and wording, not substance.
When Accounting Firms Tend to Use Claude
Some accounting firms prefer Claude for longer-form internal drafting, particularly where a more cautious or verbose writing style is helpful.
Typical use cases include:
- Drafting internal procedures
- Summarising longer documents
- Preparing extended internal notes
- Structuring policy drafts
Claude is often chosen where:
- Longer explanations are required
- Conservative tone is preferred
- Clarity and structure matter more than brevity
Example workflow: Drafting an internal procedure
- Accountant outlines the process and controls
- Claude generates a structured draft procedure
- Accountant reviews, refines, and finalises
As with ChatGPT, outputs are treated as drafts only.
Key Practical Differences That Matter to Accountants
From an accounting workflow perspective, the differences between ChatGPT and Claude are incremental rather than fundamental.
In practice:
- Both tools perform well for drafting and summarisation
- Both require full human review
- Neither should be trusted without verification
- Neither provides authoritative or compliant answers
The choice rarely affects:
- Risk profile
- Compliance obligations
- Professional responsibility
Most firms find that process controls matter far more than tool selection.
Which Tool Should an Accounting Firm Choose?
For most accounting firms, the answer is simple:
You do not need to choose one over the other.
In most cases, the operational difference between tools is marginal once appropriate controls are applied.
In practice:
- Many firms use whichever tool staff are already familiar with
- Some firms allow both, subject to the same usage rules
- Tool choice is often driven by internal IT or data policies, not capability
What matters more than the tool itself is:
- Clear boundaries on use
- Mandatory review of outputs
- Restrictions on confidential data
- Staff training on limitations
Common Mistakes Firms Make When Comparing AI Tools
When evaluating tools like ChatGPT and Claude, firms sometimes focus on the wrong factors.
Common mistakes include:
- Comparing tools as if they provide advice
- Expecting “correct” answers rather than draft text
- Ignoring data handling considerations
- Overestimating differences in capability
A safer approach is to evaluate how the tool fits into existing workflows, not what it claims to do.
How This Fits Into a Safe AI Strategy
For firms developing an AI policy, ChatGPT and Claude typically fall into the same category:
- General-purpose drafting tools
- Internal use only
- No client-facing outputs without review
- No reliance for decisions
Used this way, either tool can support efficiency without increasing professional risk.
For a broader overview of how these tools fit into accounting workflows, see the guide on AI tools for accountants.
Conclusion
From an accounting perspective, ChatGPT and Claude are best understood as interchangeable drafting and organisation tools. Neither provides advice, certainty, or professional judgement, and both require careful human oversight.
Firms that use either tool successfully focus less on tool comparison and more on controls, boundaries, and review processes. When those are in place, the choice between ChatGPT and Claude becomes a secondary consideration.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
Practical AI for Accountants 
Leave a comment