In the rapidly evolving world of professional skills, where artificial intelligence threatens to automate routine tasks, one seasoned accountant has turned the tables by embracing a new coding paradigm. Wei Khjan Chan, with nearly two decades in accounting, recently shared his journey of learning “vibe coding” to safeguard his career. As detailed in a recent profile by Business Insider, Chan feared AI would render his expertise obsolete, prompting him to upskill in this AI-assisted coding method that allows non-programmers to build applications through iterative, natural-language interactions with tools like ChatGPT.

Vibe coding, a term that gained traction in early 2025, involves describing ideas conversationally to AI, which then generates and refines code. Chan’s story highlights how professionals outside tech are adopting it to automate workflows, such as data analysis or custom financial models, without traditional programming knowledge. He attended a hands-on workshop, experimenting with AI coding assistants to create simple apps, transforming his daily routines and boosting efficiency.

As AI reshapes white-collar roles, stories like Chan’s illustrate a broader shift toward hybrid skills, where domain experts leverage generative tools to prototype solutions rapidly, bridging the gap between idea and execution in fields like finance.

This approach isn’t without challenges; Chan noted the trial-and-error process required patience, as AI outputs often need verification to avoid errors. According to insights from Business Insider‘s lessons on vibe coding with ChatGPT, users must refine prompts iteratively, learning to “vibe” with the AI for optimal results. For accountants, this means integrating vibe coding into tasks like automating tax calculations or generating reports, potentially increasing productivity by up to 30%, as seen in similar case studies.

Industry experts emphasize that while vibe coding democratizes development, it complements rather than replaces formal coding skills. Engineers interviewed in a Business Insider piece argue that understanding core programming principles enhances vibe coding effectiveness, preventing pitfalls like insecure code or inefficient algorithms.

With startups emerging from programs like Y Combinator’s summer 2025 cohort, vibe coding tools are proliferating, offering user-friendly interfaces that promise to empower non-tech professionals, though traffic dips in some platforms raise questions about long-term adoption.

Educational resources are exploding to meet demand. Chan, for instance, drew from online courses, including those on Udemy, which a Medium article lists as top picks for 2025, featuring hands-on training with tools like Cursor and GitHub Copilot. Similarly, the Harvard Business School Club of Seattle hosted a workshop on AI vibe coding, as noted on their event page, focusing on building apps in under two hours.

For accountants specifically, specialized AI courses are recommended in a Upskillist blog post, tailoring vibe coding to financial applications. Chan’s proactive stance echoes a vibe shift in venture capital, where investors, per Business Insider, now value founders who can iterate quickly with AI over pure technical pedigrees.

Beyond individual upskilling, vibe coding is fostering innovation in enterprises, with tools from startups like those in YC’s demo day enabling rapid prototyping, though experts warn of overhype as some platforms see declining usage amid sustainability concerns.

Critics point to limitations, such as AI’s occasional hallucinations or the need for human oversight. A Business Insider report on traffic crashes in vibe coding tools like Vercel’s v0 underscores that initial excitement may wane without robust integrations. Yet, success stories abound: an Etsy seller doubled revenue through AI-driven automation, as highlighted in WebProNews.

As more professionals like Chan integrate vibe coding, it signals a fundamental change in how knowledge workers operate. Free tools listed in a TechPP guide, such as Bolt and Orchids, make entry accessible, while comprehensive platforms from CodeConductor cater to enterprises. Ultimately, Chan’s pivot underscores that in an AI-driven era, adaptability through skills like vibe coding isn’t just survival—it’s a competitive edge.