New research from Agile Market Intelligence’s 2025 Accounting Tech Review shows that accounting professionals are increasingly playing a hands-on role in enabling their clients’ technology ecosystems. The data reveals platform usage across over 40 tools, including Xero and MYOB, based on interim responses from 505 firms.
Key stats you need to know
- 75% of firms deploy platforms specifically in client organisations.
- Client-only deployments account for 34% of all use cases across tech categories.
Most firms are deploying accounting tech in client environments
In the Accounting Tech Review survey, participating accountants are asked to identify each platform they use and how they deploy the platforms (either in their practice only, a combination of practice and client or used only within a client’s business). We found that:
- The majority of accountants surveyed (75%) say they use platforms in their clients’ organisations.
- 77% of firms report using the same platforms in both their own practice and with clients.
The high rate of client-facing use highlights the central role these systems play in the accountant-client relationship. Rather than being siloed internally, general ledger tools are increasingly deployed as a shared operational backbone.
“When insights flow through to clients in real time, it strengthens the accountant’s role as a partner, not just a processor. This is a critical step for firms as they seek to increase revenue, deepen relationships and secure client loyalty.” said Michael Johnson, Director at Agile Market Intelligence.
General ledger, insights & reporting tools are most client-facing
- Unsurprisingly, general ledger tools are most commonly used across both clients and practices to enable faster reporting, reconciliation and task management.
- However, insights and reporting platforms have high levels of deployment in client engagements with 41% of these technology deployments are used only in a client’s business.
The most client-facing technologies are those that directly support operational efficiency and reporting clarity. Accountants are embedding these systems into client businesses to streamline data flow and improve decision-making at the source.
As firms shift towards advisory and strategic services, reporting platforms have become key to communicating value. Their visibility within client organisations supports more data-led decision-making and ongoing engagement. This trend reflects a broader shift in the profession, from internal efficiency to external enablement. Firms are increasingly acting as technology operators and infrastructure partners for their clients.
“We are starting to see insights tools become the backbone of how firms deliver real-time advice. Clients expect that level of integration, and accountants have leveraged the tools they have available to drive it.” - Michael Johnson
About the research
The interim results from the 2025 Agile Market Intelligence Accounting Tech Review are based on survey responses collected from 501 accountants and bookkeepers across Australia to date commencing in March 2025.
The report is designed to benchmark platform performance across private practice and in-house accounting professionals. It captures perceptions around functionality, service quality and platform features, with year-on-year comparisons. Data has been weighted by firm size and role seniority to ensure a representative cross-section of the market.
We encourage all accountants and bookkeepers to contribute to the research here.
The survey closes on 31st August 2025 and will take 10 minutes to complete with participants rewarded for their time via a prize draw.
A public version of the report will be made available to participants and industry in early November 2025. For more information about the full report, including the competitive analysis tool for technology providers, please contact jarrad.nash@agilemi.com.au.
