With a new year comes new opportunities. For accounting firms, that means new trends in how they serve their clients. From adapting to changing technology to rethinking how accounting professionals do their jobs, staying ahead of these trends is essential for firms to remain competitive throughout 2026 and beyond. Following are some of the trends we predict for the coming year.
AI & Automation Will Become the Rule, Not the Exception
It should come as no surprise that the use of AI is expected to be one of the most notable changes in the accounting field. AI has already changed many industries, so it only makes sense that it will change accounting as well. Not only will the use of AI for certain tasks become more common, but it will also become standard practice. Although some may be hesitant to embrace it, AI can have a positive impact on workflow, freeing up time so accounting professionals can instead focus on more strategic, impactful work.
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AI is the not-so-secret weapon in terms of automation, especially for bookkeeping related tasks. It is especially useful for data entry, invoice processing, accounts payable/receivable, bank and credit card reconciliations, and expense categorization. AI can quickly and accurately analyze datasets from various sources and improve accounting processes. Not only does this lead to lower operational costs, but it also reduces human error, thus improving accuracy.
The value of AI extends beyond simple tasks. It can also help in highly structured tasks such as financial reporting, tax preparation, and compliance. It is a useful tool for detecting misclassified expenses and duplicate transactions. Plus, it can spot fraudulent activities that humans can sometimes miss by identifying questionable patterns and duplicate or altered entries. Most notably, AI can even provide financial insights. It can analyze trends, make predictions, and conduct scenario modeling.
To that end, the use of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is expected to grow in 2026. This process involves the use of bots to pull data from various sources, eliminating the need for staff to spend time on these tedious tasks. RPA not only reduces errors, but it also helps firms manage deadlines and remain compliant, as the software can monitor due dates, set reminders, gather required information, and flag omissions or inconsistencies.
Cloud-Based Solutions Will Continue to Expand
Although cloud-based accounting platforms are nothing new, we expect them to dominate the industry in 2026. Because cloud-based data can be accessed from anywhere at any time, it streamlines workflow and collaboration, not just among employees, but also among clients. Cloud-based client portals will become commonplace, providing a safe, easy way for clients to provide their information in real time.
Cloud-based products also allow for real-time financial insights. This leads to more succinct, data-driven decision making and improved forecasting, which in turn improves client and investor relationships. This can position your firm as a leader in forward-looking technologies and set it ahead of the competition.
Cloud-based solutions are also beneficial because they provide enhanced security and data protection. Built-in data encryption, automatic backups, and audit trails for compliance means your client’s information is safer than ever before.
Accounting Firms Will Expand Their Service Offerings
As routine tasks become automated, accounting professionals will have more time to take on new roles. It is expected that there will be a shift toward more advisory services, including forecasting, risk management, and performance strategy. Alongside this shift is an increased focus on building and sustaining client relationships — an essential component to ongoing success.
It is also expected that many accounting firms will be expanding their compliance offerings. As tax laws and regulations continue to change, compliance becomes even more important. Add to this the growing trend of accounting professionals becoming full-service business partners, and many firms will include compliance services in their menu of offerings. Many firms have already expanded their compliance offerings or partnered with other companies to outsource these services, positioning them as an all-in-one service provider.
Firms Will Outsource Business Services
As the work of accounting professionals changes, so do the needs of accounting firms. With much of the focus now on advisory services, some firms will look to outsource their offerings. Outsourcing everyday tasks means firms can focus on their key business objectives. Partnering with other companies with specific expertise, such as tax preparation, compliance, or business formation means accounting firms can better focus their efforts and reduce costs — all while providing top-notch service to their clients.
Stay Ahead of the Trends to Remain Competitive
As 2026 approaches, staying ahead of the trends is essential to remain relevant and competitive. AI will continue to improve and grow, making it a must-have for many industries, including accounting. This will have an impact on every facet of the industry, including the role of accounting professionals and the value firms deliver to clients. Firms that adapt to these changes will be better positioned to operate more efficiently and will no doubt retain their competitive advantage in an increasingly tech-focused landscape.
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