Full AI For Accountants 4.5 CPE Course available here.

If there’s one lesson to take away from this course, it’s the importance of carefully evaluating AI-generated work. While AI tools can make your life easier, they are far from perfect. They make mistakes, and sometimes they even fabricate information altogether. These errors—often called AI hallucinations—can look legitimate at first glance but are simply not true.

That’s why it’s essential to build a review checklist into your workflow whenever you use AI. Let’s walk through the key points to keep in mind.

Verify Numbers Against Source Data

One of the most common pitfalls with AI is numbers. AI can generate data that looks authoritative but is completely fabricated. Always confirm any statistics, charts, or financial figures against a trusted source.

This step is especially important in high-stakes or regulated industries such as tax, healthcare, and law. You are still responsible for the accuracy of the information—an AI tool won’t shield you from liability if it gets something wrong.

Check Tone and Audience Fit

Another area to review is the tone of AI-generated writing. While AI can mimic styles, it doesn’t always get context right. Before hitting send, make sure the tone matches the situation and that the level of detail fits the audience.

For example, communication with a board member will look very different from a technical report sent to an internal subject matter expert. Since AI may not adjust tone and detail appropriately, you need to make those refinements yourself.

Spotting Hallucinations and Misleading Statements

AI hallucinations can show up in subtle ways. Watch for:

• Overgeneralized statements: Words like always, never, or sweeping claims such as “AI will revolutionize an entire industry overnight” should raise skepticism.
• Repetitive phrasing: If AI reuses the same language across different outputs, the message can feel robotic and lazy. Especially for recurring updates (like monthly P&L reports), make sure the wording feels authentic rather than templated.
• Incorrect or outdated sources: AI may pull information from legitimate references but still use the wrong version. For instance, citing an IRS deduction amount from an earlier year. Always double-check source material for accuracy and timeliness.

Make AI Work for You—Not Against You

AI can be a powerful productivity booster, but only if you remain an active editor. By verifying accuracy, ensuring tone fits the audience, and spotting signs of hallucinations or outdated information, you can confidently use AI without undermining your credibility.

The key takeaway? Treat AI as a capable assistant—not an infallible authority.