Staying ahead of 2026’s accounting trends isn’t just smart—it’s essential. From evolving regulations to rapid tech shifts like AI and automation, the profession is transforming fast.
Accountants can’t navigate this alone because the pace of change demands collaboration, continuous learning, and insights from across the industry. It’s not just about crunching numbers anymore—it’s about staying relevant. A copywriter can help address these challenges.
The seven trends are:
- AI and Automation Become Standard
Accounting tasks like data entry, reconciliation, and invoice processing will be fully automated. Cloud platforms such as QuickBooks, Zoho Books, and Tally Prime are already leading this shift According to a 2025 survey from INTUIT quickbooks, automation remains a key focus for accounting firms with 45% saying their firm plans to invest in this area. The survey found that automation adoption is nearly universal among accountants (95%), improving everything from payroll processing (47%) and accounts payable/receivable (46%) to data entry and transaction processing (43%). The top 3 priorities for investment are
- AI (64%)
- Automation (45%)
- Marketing apps/software (40%)
- ESG Reporting Takes Centre Stage
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance will become a core part of financial reporting. New regulations across Europe and Asia-Pacific are pushing firms to disclose sustainability metrics alongside traditional financials. ESG reporting is no longer a niche concern; it has become integral to corporate risk management, investment decisions, and regulatory compliance. Accountants play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of ESG disclosures like they do with financial statements. They help organisations navigate ESG reporting frameworks, assess sustainability risks, and integrate ESG factors into overall financial performance. Inaccurate or misleading ESG disclosures can lead to reputational damage, legal consequences, and financial penalties, making the accountant’s role in ESG assurance more critical than ever. A copywriter can help accountants communicate these issues.
- Accountants as Strategic Advisors
79% of accountants expect growth in advisory services by 2026 With automation handling routine tasks, firms will rely more on accountants for insights into business strategy, risk management, and forecasting. Compliance work takes a back seat, signalling a broader shift in the profession’s identity. Nearly 8 in 10 accountants (79%) expect strategic advisory work to grow over the next year by an average of 38%. Technology is playing a pivotal role in enabling this shift, with 95% of respondents saying it has significantly reduced time spent on compliance tasks and amplified their focus on strategic advice and client relationships. The top areas where technology is having an impact are: a boost in overall project and time management efficiencies; advanced analytics for deeper business insights; automating repetitive compliance tasks; and enhancing client engagement through CRM systems. Firms are also prioritizing growth by expanding their client base (56%), attracting higher-value clients (51%), and broadening their range of advisory offerings (43%). A copywriter can help accounting firms expand their client base.
- Rise of Mobile and Cloud Accounting
Remote work and global teams demand flexible accounting solutions. Businesses will increasingly adopt mobile-first platforms and cloud-based tools to manage finances from anywhere. Remote accounting solutions are more than just software. They represent a fundamental shift in how accounting firms operate. By combining cloud-based technology with global talent, these solutions allow any accounting team to work efficiently and collaboratively from anywhere.
- Real-Time Financial Insights
Static monthly reports are being replaced by real-time dashboards. AI-powered analytics will allow businesses to monitor cash flow, expenses, and profitability in real time, improving decision-making speed. Modern AI models, powered by techniques like neural networks and random forests, excel at analysing extensive datasets to provide real-time, refined predictions. These algorithms adapt to changing conditions and continually learn from new data, offering increasingly accurate forecasts. AI can identify seasonal patterns and other operational trends, delivering insights that improve financial planning. It also reduces biases, such as regional optimism, which often affect traditional forecasting methods. Businesses using AI for forecasting have reported a 20% reduction in forecast errors, and cash forecasting software can achieve accuracy rates of 90–95%. This level of precision leads to better financial decisions and lowers operational risks. A copywriter can vet the AI, make sure it’s right and translate it into everyday English.
- Global Regulatory Convergence
International businesses must prepare for harmonized accounting standards. Regulatory bodies are working toward unified frameworks, especially in Europe, which will simplify cross-border operations but require upfront adaptation, Over a decade has passed since the European Union (EU) mandated a uniform set of accounting standards, i.e. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS),for all companies listed on the major European stock exchanges in 2005. Since then, over 100 countries, including Australia, are currently requiring their listed firms to prepare financial reports either under IFRS or under a closely linked accounting standard.
- Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Compliance
With more financial data stored online, cybersecurity is critical. Businesses must invest in secure platforms and stay compliant with evolving data protection laws like GDPR and Australia’s Privacy Act.For many small firms, adapting to regulatory changes like the Privacy Act can feel daunting. But accounting professionals have a long and proven history of rising to meet change, whether it’s digital tax reporting, evolving payroll legislation, or pandemic-related stimulus support. Today is no different. The tenacity of this profession has always been its superpower, including its ability to use cyber security.
If you’re an accountant looking to stay ahead of 2026—or just need help communicating your value in a changing world—I’m your guy. I’m Leon Gettler, a business journalist who’s worked shoulder-to-shoulder with accountants and knows the industry backwards. Let’s make sure you’re not just keeping up, but leading the charge.
📞 Call me on 0411 745 193 📧 Or email me at leon@leongettler.com
