How the role of the accountant is changing and why it matters for business owners

With day‑to‑day pressures, client demands and an inbox that never seems to slow down, I almost didn’t make time for a trip to Accountex. However, stepping away from the desk for an afternoon proved to be a worthwhile investment and one that reinforced just how quickly the accountancy world is changing.

Over the last few decades, the profession has already transformed significantly. It moved from paper files and manual bookkeeping to spreadsheets, cloud accounting and online working papers. But Accountex confirmed something that is becoming increasingly clear: the next wave of change, driven by AI, is only just beginning.

AI and the shift in value

For owner‑managed businesses, this matters. AI is not about replacing accountants, but about redefining where value really sits. Compliance and administrative work can be automated, improving both speed and accuracy, and reducing the risk of human error. That shift creates space for something far more valuable; better conversations, better insight and better decision‑making.

One conversation at the event really brought this home. I spoke with a provider offering AI training specifically for accountants. Last year, they generated around 20 leads from Accountex. This year, they had already reached 200, a dramatic increase. The demand is clear: businesses and advisers alike are actively looking for ways to understand and use AI effectively. However, technology on its own is not the answer. AI is only as good as the person using it. It relies on the right prompts, strong judgement, commercial awareness and an understanding of context. That won’t change. The professionals who upskill, assess the market and choose the right tools, rather than simply the newest ones, will always add the most value.

Where human judgement still matters

That’s particularly important for business owners. At Accountex, I saw software that claimed it could replace the need for an accountant by providing all the data and interpretation a business might need. On the surface, it was impressive. But while AI can produce answers, it often raises even more questions.

• What matters to you and what doesn’t ? Too much information can be overwhelming and often hinders decision making.
• How do we navigate grey areas? Often AI struggles with this and may even misinform.
• How do the numbers link to your personal finances, long‑term goals and wider circumstances?

This is where the role of the accountant becomes more important, not less.

Looking ahead

That’s why I’m genuinely excited about the direction of our Business Services team. As automation takes care of more bookkeeping and compliance tasks, our focus continues to shift towards strategic thinking, forward planning and tailored advice. The fundamentals will always be done well, but with the right tools in place, they can be delivered more efficiently, freeing up time to focus on what really matters to business owners.

Accountex reinforced that this change is not something to fear, but an opportunity to improve how we support our clients. We’re already exploring ideas that will shape how we work, enhance our client experience and help businesses make clearer, more confident decisions as they grow.

Last updated: 19.05.2026