What Australian accounting firms told us about technology – and what it means for the years ahead
Technology has been a constant topic of conversation in the accounting profession for years. But progress isn’t always linear – and confidence doesn’t always keep pace with adoption.
To understand how Australian accounting firms really feel about their technology, we recently surveyed firms across the country. We asked about everything from cloud adoption and AI to working papers, compliance and future readiness. The results highlight a profession that is increasingly digital, but still questioning whether its current tools are truly fit for the future.
Cloud adoption is widespread – but completeness matters
When asked how they would describe their current tech stack, most respondents said they operate with a mix of connected and disconnected systems, or tools that are mostly connected but still rely on manual processes.
This was reinforced when firms were asked to what extent their tech stack is cloud-based. While many described themselves as mostly cloud-based, more said they were not fully cloud-based across all core systems.
That distinction matters. Firms with partially cloud-based setups often still depend on spreadsheets, Word documents or locally stored files for critical processes. Over time, these gaps introduce duplication, version control issues and inefficiencies – particularly during busy periods.
Clients remain cautious, while staff are ready to move faster
One of the strongest themes in the survey came from comparing attitudes to technology.
When asked how their clients feel about adopting new technology, the majority of respondents described them as open but cautious – often willing to follow their accountant’s lead, but rarely driving change themselves.
By contrast, responses to staff and team attitudes told a different story. Most firms reported that their people are progressive and keen to use technology to improve the way they work. This was especially pronounced among firms that described their tech stack as fully cloud-based, where staff were frequently described as proactive and enthusiastic about new tools.
The result is a familiar tension. Internal teams want systems that reduce manual work and friction, while firms feel the need to move at a pace that keeps cautious clients comfortable.
AI is already being used – not just discussed
AI is no longer a future consideration for Australian accounting firms. When asked whether they have adopted AI in day-to-day operations, the majority of respondents said they are already using it – either actively across multiple areas or through early experimentation.
This suggests firms are willing to adopt new technology when the benefits are clear. AI is being used to save time, improve analysis and reduce repetitive tasks, even while other parts of the tech stack remain more traditional.
Confidence today, uncertainty about tomorrow
When firms were asked how confident they are that their current systems support compliance requirements, most respondents expressed a good level of confidence. However, that confidence dropped when looking ahead.
Responses to whether current technology supports growth over the next two to three years revealed a clear pattern. The majority of respondents questioned whether their existing tech setup would remain suitable in the future.
The exception was striking. Firms that described their tech stack as fully cloud-based overwhelmingly felt confident that their systems would continue to support them as they grow. In those firms, future suitability was far less of a concern.
The contrast suggests that partial cloud adoption can leave firms feeling exposed – while end-to-end cloud setups provide reassurance, scalability and clarity.
Cost remains a persistent concern
Despite strong adoption of cloud tools and AI, cost of software continues to be a key issue. When asked about the biggest challenges with their current software setup, cost of licences was consistently cited alongside disconnected systems and manual effort.
This highlights an important reality. Firms are not resistant to technology, but they are increasingly selective. Every tool needs to justify its place in the stack by delivering clear value, efficiency or risk reduction.
Working papers remain an opportunity for improvement
We also asked firms whether they use software for working papers, how satisfied they are with their current process, and whether they would be open to optimisation.
While many firms do use dedicated working paper software, satisfaction levels vary, and Excel-based systems are still common. Encouragingly, a large proportion of respondents said they would be open to exploring tools that could improve their working papers process – suggesting this is still an area where meaningful gains can be made.
What this means for firms moving forward
The survey results point to a profession that is digitally capable, but not fully confident in its foundations. Staff are ready to embrace better tools. AI is already in use. Yet many firms still question whether their current technology will support them in the years ahead.
Firms that have fully committed to cloud-based systems stand out as the most confident about the future. For audit and assurance teams, this reinforces the value of standardised, cloud-based working papers that reduce manual effort, improve consistency and scale without increasing risk.
That’s where MyWorkpapers fits – designed specifically for audit teams, supporting modern ways of working without adding unnecessary complexity or cost.
As expectations continue to rise, the firms best placed for the future will be those whose technology gives them confidence – not just today, but for what comes next.
