#Japan #Tokyo #Money Forward #Toshi Matsuoka #AI in Accounting

Introduction to Accounting x AI

Money Forward, Inc., a leading financial technology company, is excited to announce the release of 'Introduction to Accounting x AI', a groundbreaking book authored by Toshi Matsuoka, the Group Chief Accounting Officer. This book is set to launch on January 23, 2026, and is currently available for pre-order through various online retailers including Amazon, as well as in bookstores nationwide.

Purpose and Content of the Book

'Introduction to Accounting x AI' serves as a practical guide designed for accountants who may feel uncertain about leveraging AI in their careers and work environments. Rather than merely focusing on operational efficiency, the book aims to elevate the quality of work and broaden career prospects through specific methods that Matsuoka has developed based on his experiences leading AI initiatives in the company’s accounting department. This book is suitable for a wide audience, from young professionals looking to enhance their skills to managers aiming to boost team productivity.

Through this book, readers will not only grasp essential concepts related to AI uses but also discover numerous real-world applications related to email correspondence, spreadsheets, document creation, tax law changes, audit responses, and financial disclosures, each accompanied by actionable prompts.

Chapter Overview

The book is structured as follows:

• - Chapter 1: Why is AI utilization progressing slowly in your organization? - Key insights on AI adoption.
• - Chapter 2: Why is accounting now embracing AI? - Exploring the last frontier beyond accounting systems.
• - Chapter 3: A Practical Guide to Accounting AI - 18 actionable cases.
• - Chapter 4: The Evolution of AI Agents and the Foundations of Digital Transformation (DX).
• - Chapter 5: The Future of Accounting Professionals in the Age of AI Agents - Future working styles and career paths.

Author Background

Toshi Matsuoka joined Sony Corporation in 1998, engaging in various accounting tasks such as accelerating financial closes and adapting to new accounting standards. With around five years of overseas experience in the UK, he joined Money Forward in April 2019, launching various improvement initiatives, including the 'Early Monthly Closing Project' using Money Forward Cloud. Matsuoka is certified as a business consultant, tax accountant, IT strategist, and has passed the CPA examination in 2020.

Author's Perspective

In discussing his book, Matsuoka states: "The nature of accounting work has always collaborated with technology, transitioning from traditional tools to calculators and now to spreadsheets. With the arrival of generative AI, we are merely continuing this evolutionary path. In my daily interaction with numbers at Money Forward, I realize that AI does not replace human intelligence; instead, it sharpens our unique human judgment."

This book aims to provide practical language surrounding AI, grounded in accounting practices. Matsuoka hopes to foster a more liberating and exciting environment in the accounting profession through the adoption of new tools.

Endorsements

Renowned CPA instructor Keisuke Shirai complements the book, stating that Matsuoka's insights resonate deeply with practical accountants by addressing the critical issue of knowledge transfer and underscoring the necessity of incorporating AI into organizational knowledge. Similarly, Kazunari Kasai, CEO of IS Accounting Office, highlights the book's accessibility, filled with in-depth content while examining AI’s role in transforming modern accounting practices.

Upcoming Seminar Announcement

To commemorate the release, Matsuoka will host a seminar where participants can delve deeper into AI utilization ideas and prompts covered in the book. The seminar will also include live demonstrations showcasing practical AI applications.

Seminar Details:

• - Name: Introduction to Utilizing Generative AI in Accounting - Showcasing Money Forward's Practical Examples
• - Dates: February 19 and 20, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• - Format: Online (EventHub)
• - Cost: Free
• - Speaker: Toshi Matsuoka
• - More Info & Registration: Money Forward Seminar

About Money Forward, Inc.

Established in May 2012, Money Forward, Inc. is headquartered in Tokyo and led by CEO Yosuke Tsuji. Operating primarily in platform services, Money Forward is a frontrunner in financial technology innovations.

Website: Money Forward Corp

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