Case Study
The Access Group State of AI in Accounting Report 2026
The State of AI in Accounting Report 2026 by Agile Market Intelligence and The Access Group reveals near-universal openness to AI among Australian accountants, with rising productivity gains tempered by ongoing concerns around accuracy and trust.
Challenge (Abstract)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is inevitable for the accounting industry in Australia, especially as most firms have already begun to adopt this technology. AI, however, has the potential to create a larger impact so long as there are sufficient structures for proper implementation.
The State of AI in Accounting Report 2026, made by Agile Market Intelligence in partnership with the Access Group, intends to illustrate the state of AI in the accounting profession in Australia. This includes uncovering practitioner sentiments towards the tool, how it is currently utilised, the risks and barriers involved, and the value AI provides accounting firms.
Solution (Methodology)
A survey was conducted on 434 Australian accountants and bookkeepers between 9th September and 13th October 2025. This sample included 265 accountants, 108 partners/principals, 35 bookkeepers, and 26 other accounting professionals. They were asked to participate in a self-accessed evaluation regarding their experience with AI, such as standalone, generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot), and AI tools embedded in existing accounting tech software.
Findings (Results)
- 99% of accountants are open to using AI.
- The main barrier to standalone AI (66%) and embedded AI (50%) adoption is trust in accuracy.
- 56% of firms report increased productivity due to AI utilisation.
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