# Accounting trends 2026: AI Tools are Shifting Expectations and Skills | Capterra > Capterra’s survey of 500 accounting managers highlights the top accounting trends in 2026: AI is shifting the profession but skills shortages and risks remain. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/accounting-trends-ai-software-changing-work --- # Accounting Trends in 2026: How AI Is Changing Work, Skills, and Strategy Written by: David Jani David JaniAuthor Senior Content Analyst Experience Since joining Capterra in 2022, I have focused on writing expertly researched and accessible thought leadership content to ... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/david-jani/) and edited by: Mehar Luthra Mehar LuthraEditor Experience I’ve been a team lead at Capterra for nearly three years, helping shape educational articles, thought leadership research reports, and content des... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/mehar-luthra/) Published May 12, 2026 12 min read Table of Contents - [AI vs manual tasks in accounting software](#how-widely-is-ai-used-in-accounting-software-today-and-whats-still-manual) - [Can AI help solve accounting staffing shortages?](#can-ai-help-solve-accounting-staffing-shortages) - [Biggest challenges accountants expect to face next](#what-are-the-biggest-challenges-accountants-expect-to-face-next) - [Accountants amid economic uncertainty](#how-are-accountants-responding-to-economic-volatility-and-uncertainty) - [What does the rise of AI mean for the future of accounting?](#what-does-the-rise-of-ai-mean-for-the-future-of-accounting) AI is now a standard part of [accounting software](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/), with more than 50% of accounting professionals saying they use artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This is transforming how accountants perform their work and may be influencing skill sets within the sector. However, **rather than replacing staff, AI in accounting and finance offers pathways to improve financial visibility and respond to volatility**.  **How do we know this?** These are key findings from Capterra’s 2026 Accounting Software Trends survey\* of 500 managers in accounting-focused roles.  * * * **Read on for:** How accounting teams are adopting AI tools, where those tools deliver the most value, and why human expertise remains essential. You’ll also gain insights into how accountants are using AI to gain the greatest advantage, how its growth fits into other sectoral challenges, and how it could affect the future of accounting. * * * Key insights - **AI adoption is now mainstream in accounting:** Around half (53%) of accountants use AI in accounting software and other key work tools.  - **Chatbots, automation, and fraud detection lead AI use cases:** Accountants are most commonly using AI features for chatbots/assistants, data entry, and fraud or risk detection. - **AI delivers ROI, but oversight remains essential:** 89% of accounting professionals using AI cite positive return on investment (ROI) and note benefits such as reduced human error, but human checks of output are still necessary in most cases, as mistakes occur frequently. - **Data security risks are rising with AI use:** 52% have experienced a breach of their financial data, but fewer than half of companies with AI have specific guidelines for entering sensitive financial information into AI tools. - **Staffing shortages persist despite AI adoption:** 73% have struggled to retain accounting staff in the last 2 years, with a shortage of qualified candidates most to blame, but AI is not filling the shortfall. - **Future challenges center on technology and financial control:** Accountants expect top challenges from leveraging new tech like AI, as well as budgeting and cash flow in their companies. - **Forecasting is the top response to economic volatility:** Macroeconomic volatility is high, but 45% of accountants are adapting by prioritizing better forecasting. ## How widely is AI used in accounting software today and what’s still manual? _**AI in accounting and finance is no longer a novelty; it’s gradually becoming the expectation.**_ Software increasingly bundles AI features into their features packages, even at the entry level. This is reflected in our survey findings, with more than half of the accounting professionals surveyed indicating that their companies currently utilize AI within: - **Data management software (61%)** - **Cybersecurity software (60%)** - **Financial reporting software (56%)** - **Accounting software (53%)** - **Project accounting software (53%)** **Adoption by size:** AI adoption is strongest in enterprise and midsize organizations, but smaller businesses are not far behind. Even companies with 250 employees or fewer are utilizing AI features within software platforms at a rate of around 35-45%.  _**That said, automation is not complete.**_ Many teams still rely on manual workflows, such as document drafting and ad‑hoc data handling, for parts of their financial operations, highlighting a gap between the availability of AI and full process automation. Here’s a quick breakdown: **Financial tasks managed at least sometimes through manual processes** **Managed manually process** **%** Financial reporting 55% Accounts payable/receivable 48% Billing/invoicing 46% Payroll 43% Expense reporting 42% _Source: Capterra Accounting Software Trends Survey 2026_ _Q: Which of the following tasks are performed manually at least some of the time at your organization? Select all that apply._ _n= 500 accounting decision makers_ _Notes: This table shows the top five selected answers from eleven possible answer options. Multiple answers possible, data adds up to over 100%_ * * * **Spreadsheets are also still very much part of the picture in many businesses**, despite how fast technology has moved on. In our data, 51% of accounting professionals still use Excel and Google Sheets to store some of their financial data.  **Why this matters:** Despite a trend of embracing AI, many accounting tasks remain manual in practice today. If at any point in the future these processes are automated, it may take extra time to centralize data and translate tasks into an AI or software workflow, which rely on formalized and uniform steps. ### How are accounting teams adopting AI tools in their software stack? _**AI is entering accounting technology stacks in two key ways.**_  1. Companies are specifically choosing systems or software packages that prioritize AI features, often paying extra for them.  2. A significant proportion are simply being upgraded to them at no extra cost as software vendors add new AI capabilities. The following scenarios are the most common when adopting AI within accounting tools: - AI was adopted as a paid-for add-on by 52% of AI adopters - AI was added to the software as a free upgrade, 48% - The company switched to a different software specifically for its AI features, 46% **What this means:** While some companies are pushing forward and investing in AI-enabled accounting tools, the rising tide of new AI features is also reaching companies that have not made this their primary goal or paid extra for the privilege. In terms of features actually used, _**accountants tend to favor AI tools that assist with queries, enter data, prevent fraud, and support better analysis.**_ Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 features:  - **AI chatbots, 53%** - **Data entry tools, 46%** - **Fraud and risk detection, 43%** - **Smart invoicing, 41%** - **Predictive analytics, 39%** ### Do AI accounting software features offer a decent return on investment?    Simply, yes. _**89% of those using AI in accounting report positive returns on investment (ROI) from these tools.**_ In the majority of cases, our data shows that accounting professionals find that AI software and features meet expectations and offers performance improvements for their businesses. There are many benefits that make AI accountancy features valuable. In our data, 50% cite productivity improvements, while other key advantages include reduced human error (46%), faster financial close and reconciliation (39%), and better data insights (36%). ### Is AI in accounting safe and reliable? _**AI in accounting is generally reliable, but it still requires consistent human oversight.**_ Most accounting teams report positive experiences with AI, but errors remain common, especially in high‑risk financial tasks, so oversight is critical. **The potential fallout:** Accounting errors can have major consequences, especially in sensitive [industries, such as finance](https://www.capterra.com/resources/accounting-software-by-industry/), law, or healthcare. As a result, many teams treat AI as a support layer rather than a replacement for professional judgment. That caution shows up clearly in day‑to‑day workflows - 48% of accounting professionals check all AI or GenAI output for errors - 39% review AI output some of the time  **This is for good reason, as mistakes are still common.** Nearly two in five of the AI users we surveyed (37%) find mistakes in output more than half the time, 10% of whom say mistakes are always present in AI-generated work. **Why this matters:** Just like AI can figuratively provide an extra pair of eyes for an accountant, accountants should take on a similar role when AI is doing the work to prevent errors from creeping in. Safeguarding data remains a priority AI is becoming increasingly common in managing financial processes, raising cybersecurity concerns. Financial data is among the most sensitive used in a business, and this is increasingly fed through AI systems.  **Even so, confidence in AI remains high overall.** Most (61%) see the risk of introducing AI into accounting software as posing negligible risks for their organizations. However, data security risks mustn’t be underestimated. We found that 52% of accountants have experienced a breach of their financial data. Despite this risk and the fact that more than half of accountants use AI in accounting software, not all companies are taking precautions. Less than half (49%) of accountants using AI have specific guidelines or restrictions in place for entering employee/payroll data into AI tools, and even fewer do for bank reconciliation data (39%) and customer billing and payment data (38%). **Bottom line: As AI handles more sensitive financial data, clear usage guidelines and security controls cannot be ignored or seen as optional. They are essential to prevent avoidable risk.** ## Can AI help solve accounting staffing shortages? _**AI can help reduce pressure on accounting teams, but it is not a substitute for staff shortages.**_ The last few years have been challenging for hiring managers in the accounting sector.[\[1\]](#sources) While some of this is down to longer-term trends such as a shortage of certified public accountants (CPAs), filling specialized accounting roles is also providing challenges. The majority of accountants (73%) we surveyed have noticed difficulties with staff retention in their organizations over the last two years. When roles are vacated, they are also harder to fill, with 43% noting a lack of qualified candidates, higher salaries and benefit expectations (also cited by 43%), and the need for more specialized skills from candidates (34%).  **However, companies do not seem to be prioritizing replacing human staff with AI.** Filling roles with AI automation is mentioned by 21% of respondents, but it is far from the top strategy for filling gaps. More firms seek to hire new graduates (23%), while the top strategy among accounting departments is to focus on upskilling existing employees (40%).    It’s also noteworthy that the roles causing the most headaches to fill are mid-career and, in particular, specialized roles.  **Financial roles that have been hardest to fill in the last year** Open role % Financial analyst 30% Specialized accountant (e.g. tax or cost)  27% Payroll specialist 24% Staff accountant  24% _Source: Capterra Accounting Software Trends Survey 2026_ _Q: When hiring new accounting staff in your business, which roles have proven the most difficult to source in the last year? Select up to three._ _n= 500 accounting decision makers_ _Notes: This table shows the top five selected answers from twelve possible answer options. Multiple answers possible, data adds up to over 100%_ * * * **The takeaway: AI changes who firms need, not how many.** It is possible that AI, rather than shrinking the hiring problem, might be increasing it. New tools automate simpler tasks, redirecting accountants to more specialized oversight. This means firms may have to compete harder for talent with these skill sets. This is further exacerbated by the fact that many accountants have left the field in recent years, driving the shortage of CPAs.[\[2\]](#sources) As skilled employees leave the field or retire, this could continue to shrink the available expertise and further drive up competition. Upskill to unlock potential gains The future of accountants could be bright, despite some growing pains as work becomes more AI-partnered. However, the work and skillsets of accountants is shifting and the expertise businesses need is rapidly changing.   The skills you possess in your business will play a deciding role in how effectively any efficiencies found by using AI and technology are realized.  **The takeway:** Supporting existing staff in growing into specialized finance roles offers an opportunity for businesses to avoid skillset gaps, while giving employees clearer career paths.   ## What are the biggest challenges accountants expect to face next?  There are many challenges facing accountants right now, but the accounting trends we observed show **budgeting and technology are proving especially difficult.** Accountants in the main expect adaptation to new accounting software technology, especially AI, and maintaining budgets and cash flow to be the main struggles in the coming months. **Top accounting challenges that accountants expect to face in the next 12 months** **Challenge** **%** Budgeting and forecasting 40% Determining how to leverage AI 40% Managing cash flow and liquidity 37% Implementing new accounting software or technology 34% Ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting 33% Managing payroll and employee benefits 33% _Source: Capterra Accounting Software Trends Survey 2026_ _Q: Which of the following are the top Accounting-related challenges you expect to face in the next 12 months? Please select up to five._  _n= 500 accounting decision makers_ _Notes: This table shows the top five selected answers from fourteen possible answer options. Multiple answers possible, data adds up to over 100%_ * * * **The anticipation of new difficulties as technology evolves is already a well-established trend.** For example, Capterra’s previous 2026 Software Buying Trends survey identified that nearly half (49%) of accounting buyers cite technological advancements as a key external factor affecting goal setting.\*\* However, despite the push for new technology and the need for a clearer picture of financial performance in the moment, most firms have established tools for accounting and finance, with relatively low intentions to imminently replace what is already in place.  **The exception:** Project accounting systems and cybersecurity tools, where around a fifth of our respondents (20% and 19% respectively) are planning a purchase in the coming months. ### What are the challenges of adopting new accounting software? Another factor affecting technological adoption is the challenge of switching and onboarding new software. There are a few areas where accounting buyers are encountering the most difficulty when searching for new software options: - **Integration and security risk complexity (47%):** Understanding how new tools integrate with existing systems—and the security risks involved—creates the biggest challenge. - **Evaluating AI capabilities effectively (43%):** Assessing which AI features actually add value is difficult for many accounting teams. - **Understanding software functionality overall (38%):** Gaps in clarity around accounting software features continue to slow adoption. **Why this matters:** Any attempt to use AI to improve workflows won’t go anywhere if the technology chosen isn’t well selected. Accounting buyers, therefore, need to redouble efforts on understanding their technological options. Narrowing down the options  Accountants see software and technology as key for their goal-setting and team KPIs. However, buyers in the sector struggle when assessing the hundreds of possible systems and packages available, with integration and feature evaluation proving especially tricky.  **What can help?** [Capterra’s buyers guide for accounting software](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/#buyers-guide) walks through the key steps firms need to take during assessment and beyond to find the best-match choice. This and useful helper guides looking at how to [narrow down accounting software options](https://www.capterra.com/resources/accounting-software-by-industry/) and [problems to avoid when switching software](https://www.capterra.com/resources/switching-accounting-software-problems-risks/) can make this process easier. ## How are accountants responding to economic volatility and uncertainty? **The gist:** Most accountants say they have adapted to economic volatility by strengthening forecasting, liquidity, and financial oversight. It’s been a challenging environment for those in accounting and finance in recent months. As noted in [Capterra’s 2026 Software Buying Trends report](https://www.capterra.com/resources/accounting-trends-technology-strategy/) before, inflation, interest rates, and volatility have presented the trickiest obstacles to overcome. **Currently, most firms seem to have successfully risen to the fiscal challenge.** The majority of accountants (60%) say they have adapted to macroeconomic challenges with few difficulties over the last two years, compared to just 8% that experienced significant adversity. There are many strategies at play in managing the uncertain financial environment. The majority of accountants in our survey focus on stabilizing budgets, optimizing technology for forecasting, and reassessing risk management. These steps have likely helped improve the adaptability of accountants to sudden changes in the financial picture. **Top strategies accountants are using to respond to macroeconomic challenges** **Strategy utilized by accountants** **%** Performed financial forecasting and scenario planning 45% Increased cash reserves or liquidity 40% Invested in technology or automation to improve efficiency 40% Reviewed and updated risk management policies 37% Increased frequency of financial reporting and monitoring 36% _Source: Capterra Accounting Software Trends Survey 2026_ _Q: What steps has your company taken to protect itself against economic volatility? Select all that apply._ _n= 500 accounting decision makers_ _Notes: This table shows the top five selected answers from eleven possible answer options. Multiple answers possible, data adds up to over 100%_ * * * We also dug a little deeper to see how accountants can use accounting software to their advantage to overcome macroeconomic instability. **What we discovered was that companies prioritize features that improve their financial visualization.** Specifically, the **five features in accounting software** that respondents see as most valuable for identifying and responding to sudden cost changes and volatility include: - Predictive cashflow, 35% - Risk management features, 33% - Analysis dashboards, 31% - Accounts payable/receivable, 28% - Invoicing, 24% **Why this matters:** Technology plays an important role in effectively monitoring financial performance, especially during volatile periods, but building flexibility is the key. As the choices of most valuable features show, cashflow and analysis tools can help teams maintain visibility and flexibility over their cash and forward planning to adapt to tricky macroeconomic conditions. ## What does the rise of AI mean for the future of accounting? Artificial intelligence is having a significant impact on the technology used in the accounting and finance sector. However, despite many examples of positive outcomes from AI use, what we see in our data is not simply a story of unfettered adoption.  Almost as many adopters of AI in accounting have adopted it passively as have paid for it, receiving the tools as free upgrade, rather than making it a strategic investment priority. The upside is that AI offers a way for firms to seize back some of their accounting team’s capacity for forward planning by providing better tools for analysis and prediction. It is also increasingly used for tasks in accounts payable (AP), invoicing, payroll, as well as more manual tasks like data entry, to free up staff efforts towards analysis and planning. However, AI presents challenges also. Buyers struggle to identify the most beneficial tools. Instead of replacing staff or filling hiring gaps, AI shifts necessary skillsets. Additionally, errors remain common and while AI can help reduce man-made mistakes, it still requires oversight of its work. With accounting software rapidly changing, it's essential to understand the best options and features for your business. Our [dedicated accounting catalog](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/) highlights highly-rated choices. ## Capterra's 2026 Software Buying Trends Report ### Download our 2026 Software Buying Trends Report to see how successful software adopters avoid disappointment and how your business can, too. * * * Sources 1. [The Accountant Shortage in the United States: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.kent.edu/business/accountant-shortage-united-states-everything-you-need-know), Kent State University   2. [Gen Z is reviving this boring job that millennials and boomers abandoned—and it’s helping them land six-figure careers straight out of college](https://fortune.com/article/gen-z-reviving-accounting-profession-six-figure-salaries-irs-volunteer-income-tax-assistance-program-vita/), Fortune * * * ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Authors [### David Jani](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/david-jani/) David Jani is a senior content analyst at Capterra. With a background in tech journalism, public relations, professional training, and marketing, he uses his extensive experience to investigate small business technology trends, with a focus on marketing and cybersecurity, to provide timely, actionable insights for small and midsize businesses. [### Mehar Luthra](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/mehar-luthra/) Mehar has been a team lead at Capterra for nearly three years, helping shape educational articles, thought leadership research reports, and content designed to help businesses compare software to find the best fit. She's spent nearly a decade in the editorial space, having served as a content writer, editor, editorial head, and now as a team lead. ### RELATED READING - [Bookkeeper vs. Accounts Payable Software: Which One Should You Choose?](https://www.capterra.com/resources/category-compare-bookkeeper-vs-accounts-payable-software/) - [Switching Accounting Software: Common Risks to Avoid in 2026](https://www.capterra.com/resources/switching-accounting-software-problems-risks/) - [E‑Filing Taxes as a Small Business: Where Software Adds Value and When It’s Necessary](https://www.capterra.com/resources/efile-tax-software-small-business-guidelines/) - [Why Use Accounting Software? Buyers’ vs. Users' Priorities](https://www.capterra.com/resources/why-use-accounting-software/) - [How Much Does Accounting Software Cost in 2026? Real Buyer Budget Data](https://www.capterra.com/resources/accounting-software-cost/) - [Accounting Software by Industry: What to Look for Based on Your Business Type](https://www.capterra.com/resources/accounting-software-by-industry/) - [ERP for Small Businesses: Do You Need It and What to Look For](https://www.capterra.com/resources/does-your-small-business-need-erp/) - [Simple Accounting Software: What 'Easy to Use' Really Means According to 1,700+ Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/resources/simple-accounting-software/) - [How to Choose Accounting Software When You Have 500+ Options](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-to-choose-accounting-software/) **\*Capterra’s Accounting Software Trends survey** was conducted in April 2026 among 500 respondents in the U.S. The goal of the study was to understand the accounting software that companies are buying, the benefits and challenges of adopting AI tools, and how they're managing operations and modern challenges. Respondents were screened for employment at companies with more than one employee, working in management-level roles or above. Respondents were also confirmed to be at least partially responsible for accounting software purchase decisions within their organization. **\*\*Capterra 2026 Software Buying Trends survey** was conducted online in August 2025 among 3,385 respondents in Australia (n=281), Brazil (n=278), Canada (n=293), France (n=283), Germany (n=279), India (n=260), Italy (n=263), Mexico (n=288), Spain (n=273), the U.K. (n=299), and the U.S. (n=588), at businesses across multiple industries, ages (1 year in business or longer), and sizes (5 or more employees). Business sizes represented in the survey include: 1,676 small (5-249 full-time employees), 822 midsize  (250-999), and 887 enterprise (1,000+). The goal of this study was to understand the timelines, organizational challenges, research behaviors, and adoption processes of business software buyers. Respondents were screened to ensure their involvement in business software purchasing decisions. For the purposes of this report, we focused primarily on the buyers who identified their primary industry as accounting (n=139).