From advisory roles to AI, discover five emerging trends reshaping accounting in 2025 and how to stay ahead as an accountant.
Every industry evolves over time, and accounting is no exception. You could be managing balance sheets for small businesses. Or you might be advising large corporations. But you’re probably committed to staying ahead of the game. Doing this means you’ll remain relevant and in-demand in your field. There are some very interesting emerging trends shaping how accountants work, interact with clients, and use technology. So what’s next for your profession? Here’s a round-up of five key trends shaping the future of accounting — and how they might impact your business or career.
1. The Role of the Accountant is Transforming
Remember when bookkeeping and tax preparation felt like the core of accounting? Those days are behind us. Now, clients are looking for accountants to be their all-encompassing financial advisors. You’re not just crunching the numbers — you’re helping them interpret those numbers and make smarter financial decisions.
Research by Accountancy Age shows that clients expect their accountants to provide proactive insights and strategic financial advice. This means analyzing financial data to provide advice on investments, cost-cutting measures, and forecasting future revenue trends. You’re no longer just the “numbers person” — you’re the expert helping businesses thrive.
So what action can accountants take to be ready to take on this additional type of work? Start investing in soft skills like communication and problem-solving in addition to technical training. When you’re confident in your ability to simplify complex financial ideas, your clients will view you as an essential part of their team.
2. Technology is Redefining the Industry
If you’re still hesitant about adopting new tech solutions, it’s time to change that mindset — quickly. From automation to artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, tech innovation is transforming how accountants work.
There are some tools in accountancy that heavily incorporate AI to automate repetitive tasks like data entry, invoice tracking, and expense categorization. This not only saves hours of manual work but also minimizes errors.
Blockchain is increasingly being used in auditing and fraud prevention. Its transparent, tamper-proof ledger ensures accurate record-keeping, making your job much easier and more reliable.
Emerging technologies aren’t here to replace accountants but to make your work more efficient. By adopting them, you can spend less time on tedious tasks and focus on what really matters — providing insights and building relationships.
And then there’s accountancy practice management software, which is quickly becoming the core of operations at every accounting firm. If you haven’t invested already, this is something seriously worth looking at. It’ll make many efficiencies while adding value to clients — so it’s pretty much a no brainer.
So what action should accountants take now to stay ahead of the tech trends? Consider upskilling or taking certifications in niche tools and platforms. Companies like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning are fantastic for these quick tech courses.
3. A Larger Focus on Sustainability Reporting
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore. Businesses are under immense pressure to disclose environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. And guess what? That responsibility often lands on accountants.
According to a Deloitte survey, 90% of businesses expect ESG reporting to become a critical part of their financial statements. Companies are looking to track not only dollars and cents, but also their carbon emissions, energy usage, and corporate social responsibility efforts.
Accountants must now be adept at gathering, analyzing, and presenting non-financial data in a way that aligns with regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations.
So what action can you take on this if you’re an accountant? Brush up on sustainability frameworks like GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) or SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board). Having expertise in ESG will position you as a leader in the growing field of sustainable business practices.
4. The Talent Gap is Growing
The accounting industry is facing a talent gap, and it’s not projected to close anytime soon. With increasing demand for specialized skills like data analysis and regulatory compliance, many firms are struggling to find qualified professionals.
A recent report by PwC revealed that 67% of accounting firms cite recruitment as one of their biggest challenges. Many employers are looking for tech-savvy accountants who can seamlessly integrate finance expertise with new software tools.
For you, this means that staying ahead of skill trends could open doors to lucrative opportunities. Whether it’s learning data visualization or mastering the latest compliance tools, investing in your professional growth will help you thrive in this competitive job market.
Can you take any action on this as an accountant? Consider attending conferences and workshops to network with industry experts. Also, aim to stay informed about the changing skill trends in finance and accounting.
5. Working Remotely is Here to Stay
The pandemic may have accelerated the shift, but remote work is here for good. A McKinsey report found that over 70% of professionals prefer flexible work arrangements — and that includes accountants!
Many clients now expect services that can be delivered wholly online. This has led to increased adoption of cloud-based accounting platforms, digital communication tools, and virtual CFO services.
While remote work offers flexibility, it also presents challenges, particularly maintaining client relationships and ensuring data security. As more accounting teams go virtual, it’s crucial to find the right tools and processes to bridge these challenges.
Can you do anything as an accountant right now? Invest in secure cloud accounting software and prioritize regular video calls to build stronger client relationships. Tools like Slack or Zoom can help keep you connected virtually without compromising on quality.
The world of accounting is evolving, but this change brings opportunity for those who are ready to adapt. Future-proofing your career doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything, but it does mean staying curious, proactive, and open to learning. So what are the takeaway messages?
Identify and leverage emerging technologies to streamline your work.
Focus on becoming the go-to advisor for your clients—trust and expertise are your strongest assets.
Stay informed about new industry standards, like ESG reporting, and differentiate yourself with specialized knowledge.
