iscoverProfessional services sectors are defined by accuracy and timeliness, and accounting professionals are under constant pressure to keep pace with regulatory changes.
AI has become a compliance ally for accountants
06 October 2025
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9 minute read
Updates from the ATO, ASIC, Fair Work, and state revenue offices can arrive without warning, leaving little margin for error. At the same time, compliance deadlines are rigid, penalties for mistakes are increasing, and clients expect their advisers to be across developments instantly.
Against this backdrop, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful ally. Far from replacing accountants or their systems, AI is being applied as a support tool – accelerating the flow of regulatory information, improving accuracy in checks, and reducing the reliance on human vigilance alone.
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Smarter monitoring of regulatory changes
One of the most immediate applications of AI in accounting is tracking updates. Rather than waiting for industry summaries or manually combing through government sites, firms are deploying tools that scan ATO releases, ASIC notices, state gazettes, and industry publications. These systems use natural language processing to condense material into clear summaries, flagging the changes most relevant to a firm’s client base.
For partners and managers, this shift means daily, client-specific alerts instead of periodic, second-hand updates. In an environment where missing a rule change can create risk exposure, speed and precision are critical.
Automated checks that never tire
Beyond updates, AI is gaining traction in automating checks that once consumed hours of staff time. Firms are pre-screening BAS and tax returns, matching payroll against superannuation obligations, and identifying unusual ledger entries for further review.
The technology does not make final judgement – responsibility still rests with accountants, but it provides a “second set of eyes” that never tires. This safeguard helps catch errors early, reduces the chance of ATO queries, and lowers the cost of rework. For busy compliance teams, it means more time can be spent on higher-value analysis.
Governance is the linchpin
Adam Franklin, AI and digital marketing expert, believes the profession is at a turning point. “The real value comes when firms embed AI into their existing processes with proper governance,” he said. “Transparency and audit trails are essential, because the profession’s reputation ultimately rests on trust.”
That trust is under increasing scrutiny. Regulators and clients alike expect firms to explain how decisions are made and to demonstrate fairness in automated processes. “Using AI tools without strategy, documentation, oversight and clear accountability can create as many risks as it solves,” Franklin warned.
The business case for adoption
The incentive to embrace AI goes beyond compliance efficiency. By reducing error risk, firms protect their reputation in a profession where accuracy is non-negotiable. By freeing partner time, they gain capacity for advisory work, leadership, and growth. And by showcasing AI capability, they send a message to clients that the firm is forward-looking and equipped to handle the pace of regulatory change.
Franklin sees a clear competitive advantage for adopters. “Clients want confidence that their compliance is under control,” he explained. “When firms show that AI is part of their toolkit, they’re demonstrating they’re not just keeping up – they’re moving ahead.”
Building capability
To help firms put this into practice, Captivate Q, part of the Momentum Media stable, has launched AI Edge for Accountants, with Franklin as facilitator.
In a one-day workshop on 29 September in Sydney, Franklin will give forward-thinking accounting professionals the tools they need to integrate AI with existing processes, automate low-value compliance and admin tasks, and deliver sharper client advisory through a tailored AI-powered prompt library.
Franklin’s message is clear: AI works best as an enhancement, not a substitute. “AI will not remove compliance pressure, but it can transform the way accountants respond to it. By combining speed with accuracy and building governance around use, firms can stay ahead of regulatory change while unlocking capacity for strategic growth,” he said. “The choice is no longer whether AI belongs in compliance – but how quickly it can be integrated. Those who adopt it are not just meeting the demands of today’s regulatory environment. They are shaping what readiness looks like for the future of the profession.”
Limited spaces remain for Sydney’s workshop on 29 September, with further sessions planned for Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Secure your spot today.
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