New research indicates a significant divide among Australian accountants regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the workplace. While a substantial majority are open to using AI tools to enhance productivity and streamline operations, they remain largely opposed to the idea of AI replacing human staff.
Key Takeaways
- 68% of accounting professionals are unlikely or unwilling to replace employees with AI.
- 71% of small accounting businesses are already using AI tools, with an additional 14% planning adoption.
- Accountants primarily use AI for communication, problem-solving, and marketing, not staff replacement.
- Concerns about AI’s impact on career relevance exist, but optimism about its enhancement potential is higher.
AI Adoption in Accounting Firms
Despite the reluctance to replace workers, the adoption of AI tools within small accounting businesses is already widespread. The BizCover "Accounting Small Business AI Report 2025" revealed that 71 per cent of these businesses are currently utilising AI, with another 14 per cent intending to implement it soon. This places the accounting sector fourth in AI uptake among various Australian industries surveyed.
Ricky Prasad, BizCover’s head of finance, noted that the high rejection rate of AI replacing workers in accounting, at 68 per cent, is the highest among the sectors studied. He explained that this caution is understandable given the profession’s emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and ethics. Accountants are focused on leveraging AI to improve administrative tasks and communication, rather than substituting human expertise.
How Accountants Are Using AI
The research highlights that accounting businesses are primarily employing AI to enhance client and external communications. Additionally, AI is being used to assist with problem-solving, decision-making processes, and marketing efforts. While 62 per cent believe AI can automate specific tasks, only 10 per cent consider entire roles to be at risk of replacement, with 32 per cent believing no roles are at risk.
Prasad also pointed out that 68 per cent of small accounting firms are experiencing difficulties in finding both hard and soft skills. This underscores the continued importance of human judgment and interpersonal skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and customer service. Upskilling efforts are increasingly focusing on digital literacy and AI capabilities, indicating a trend towards enhancing existing roles rather than eliminating them.
Outlook and Future Considerations
Looking ahead, 53 per cent of accountants express optimism about AI’s impact on their careers, while 17 per cent are concerned about the relevance of their skills, and 31 per cent remain uncertain. BizCover’s findings suggest that AI is effectively handling routine tasks, thereby freeing up valuable time for accountants to focus on higher-value advisory work.
Discussions at recent industry events, such as Xerocon 2025, have echoed these sentiments, urging practitioners to maintain their "human edge" while adopting new technologies. Experts emphasise that while AI can perform numerous functions, the inherently human aspects of client relationships and decision-making will continue to be driven by human professionals. The consensus appears to be that AI is a tool for enhancement and operational efficiency, not a wholesale replacement for the skilled workforce in the accounting profession.
Sources
- 68% of accountants reject the idea of replacing workers with AI, Accountants Daily.
