Can AI make your daily workflow more effective and efficient?
Director of accounting Russ Jeans is exploring AI-supported accounting as part of a new faculty teaching role in the Leeds College of Business.
As part of a new faculty teaching appointment in the Leeds College of Business, director of campus accounting Russ Jeans has been given a literal license to explore how AI can support accountants across campus.
“I’ve been blown away by the knowledge and approach that Leeds faculty and students are using to explore and harness AI in support of automating daily tasks, creating valuable trainings and more,” Jeans said. See below for the results of a ChatGPT query Jeans conducted related to automating routine PeopleSoft tasks.
Jeans is using a ChatGPT 4.0 license as part of the class he is teaching this semester, and he hopes to use it to develop a curriculum for a new possible accounting class offering, Not-for-Profit Accounting. To that end, Jeans is interested in hearing from accounting staff across campus about how AI might assist them in their daily workflows. “I’d love to explore what possible AI solutions might be available to our teams,” Jeans said. You can reach Russ Jeans directly at russell.jeans@colorado.edu.
ChatGPT can significantly assist with the automation of routine PeopleSoft tasks by providing intelligent support, guidance, and even taking direct actions based on its integration with PeopleSoft's functionalities. Here’s how ChatGPT might contribute:
1. Guiding Users Through Processes
ChatGPT can serve as a virtual assistant to guide users through various PeopleSoft processes. For example, it can help users navigate complex workflows for tasks like setting up new vendors, entering journal entries, or generating financial reports. By providing step-by-step instructions, ChatGPT reduces the time spent on training and minimizes errors.
2. Automating Data Entry and Validation
ChatGPT can be programmed to automate routine data entry tasks within PeopleSoft. For example, it can assist in filling out forms or uploading bulk data by understanding the required fields and automatically entering the correct information based on predefined rules or past user behavior. Additionally, ChatGPT can validate data entries in real time, flagging potential errors or inconsistencies before they are committed to the system.
3. Streamlining Report Generation
Generating reports in PeopleSoft can be automated with ChatGPT by allowing users to request specific reports through natural language commands. ChatGPT can then execute the necessary queries and compile the data into a formatted report, ready for review or distribution. This can save significant time, especially when dealing with complex financial reporting requirements.
4. Facilitating Transaction Processing
ChatGPT can automate routine transaction processing tasks, such as approving purchase orders, processing payments, or reconciling accounts. By setting up predefined rules and thresholds, ChatGPT can automatically approve transactions that meet certain criteria and escalate those that require further review, thereby streamlining the workflow and reducing bottlenecks.
5. Enhancing Communication and Notifications
ChatGPT can be integrated into PeopleSoft to manage routine communications and notifications. For example, it can send reminders about upcoming deadlines, notify users of system changes or updates, or alert users to potential issues such as budget overruns or compliance concerns. This ensures timely communication and helps keep all stakeholders informed without manual intervention.
6. Providing On-Demand Training and Support
Users often need quick access to information on how to perform specific tasks in PeopleSoft. ChatGPT can act as an on-demand support tool, answering user queries and providing immediate help or documentation references. This reduces the need for dedicated support staff and allows users to resolve issues quickly, enhancing overall productivity.
7. Assisting with Data Extraction and Integration
ChatGPT can facilitate the extraction of data from PeopleSoft for integration with other systems or databases. By understanding user requests and accessing the appropriate datasets, ChatGPT can automate the process of pulling data and formatting it for export, reducing manual effort and ensuring data consistency.
8. Monitoring and Error Handling
ChatGPT can monitor routine tasks and workflows within PeopleSoft, detecting and addressing errors as they occur. For example, if a process fails or a transaction is flagged as problematic, ChatGPT can provide immediate feedback or corrective actions to the user, minimizing downtime and maintaining smooth operations.