iscover Australian accountants increasingly confident in AI nationally
TechnologyNew findings have shown a growing reliance on AI industry-wide.
The State of AI in Accounting Report 2026, produced by Agile Market Intelligence, reveals the wide range of AI use and its overwhelming popularity, with almost 50 per cent of accounting practices aiming for complete AI integration.
Of the other half, more than one-third were eager to expand AI capabilities, and another quarter were in the experimentation phase. Approximately one in 10 firms was not currently considering AI use professionally.
Clearly, the AI-train shows no signs of stopping for Australian accountants. For Michael Johnson, director at Agile Market Intelligence, it represented a clear move to mainstream adoption that “could set new standards for efficiency and overall quality provided to clients”.
The report revealed a moderately balanced use of specialised software and standalone tools. Reported use of ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and similar tools accounts for approximately 45 per cent of overall use, whilst 44 per cent preferred existing software with AI features, such as those offered by Xero and MYOB.
To see such a balanced interest in specialised and standalone AI in the eager-to-adopt and still-experimenting parties reflects a clear move towards mainstream adoption. Interestingly, knowledge of existing software did not affect these numbers significantly, with standalone tools having only polled 3 per cent lower across those enthusiastic to integrate AI.
Right now, choice may matter more than familiarity.
However, as accountants charge into the future, it is important to note these numbers reflect, for many, the first chapter in a long AI journey. This sense of familiarity may poll differently in the future, as it is, as Johnson points out, “a likelier entry point for practices wanting to dive into AI adoption.”
As confidence grows and experimentation continues, numbers are likely to trend in a clearer direction.
Right now, attitudes towards AI show the clearest indication of the future. A strong receptivity across both categories and a shrinking population of nay-sayers means AI will continue its strong trajectory for accountants and firms.
With the industry on the precipice of mainstream AI integration, and both daily use and willingness to experiment at an all-time high, now is the time for policy-makers at all levels to consider what is best for the future, not just economically, but for job viability.
Despite strong enthusiasm to move with the times, all must remain level-headed and consider what is best for both the individual, the practice, and the industry at large.
Amelia is a Professional Services Journalist with Momentum Media, covering Lawyers Weekly, HR Leader, Accountants Daily and Accounting Times. She has a background in technical copy and arts and culture journalism, and enjoys screenwriting in her spare time.