5 Accounting Tech Trends to Watch in 2025

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Whether or not you’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI), it’s impossible to overlook the rapid advancements in tools including ChatGPT. A recent Journal of Accountancy study found that nearly half of all tasks performed by U.S. workers could be completed more quickly with generative AI, without compromising quality.

Accounting firms are adopting these tools at an increasing rate, with 24% of top-performing client advisory services (CAS) practices already using AI. This number is expected to grow as AI helps firms address key challenges such as production capacity, staffing shortages, and employee burnout. 

Key Points:

• AI can significantly improve production efficiency, enabling firms to handle higher workloads with fewer resources.
• Automating routine tasks with AI alleviates staffing shortages by reducing manual labor requirements.
• By taking over repetitive tasks, AI lowers the risk of employee burnout, allowing accountants to focus on more engaging work.
• Explainable AI (XAI) provides clear explanations for their actions and decisions, helping users validate outcomes and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

What it means for you: AI will help with routine tasks, freeing up your time for higher-value activities.

Demonstration: Deloitte uses AI to automate complex data review and XAI to promote transparency in decision-making processes.

2. Cloud-Based Accounting Solutions 

Cloud-based accounting solutions are transforming the industry by empowering accountants to access and manage financial data in real-time, allowing for more accurate and timely reporting. These platforms reduce the need for costly physical infrastructure, support remote work, and enable global client collaboration.

A prime example is the Dynamic Audit Solution (DAS), a cloud-based audit tool developed by CPA.com, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and Caseware International. DAS uses step-by-step workflows and real-time collaboration to improve audit quality, provide more value to clients, and develop employee skills.

Key Points:

• Cloud accounting allows accountants to access and update financial data in real-time, ensuring more accurate and timely reporting.
• The flexibility of cloud platforms reduces costly physical infrastructure and supports remote work and global collaboration.
• Security is central to cloud accounting, with encryption and compliance measures protecting sensitive financial data.

What it means for you: Mastering cloud platforms such as DAS will help you provide efficient, secure, and flexible client services.

Demonstration: KPMG uses cloud-based systems to securely manage financial data, support remote work, and collaborate with clients in real-time.

3. Cybersecurity Enhancements 

Cybersecurity is now more critical than ever for protecting sensitive financial data in the accounting world. With ransomware becoming increasingly destructive — often combining distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and system-destroying malware — firms must step up their defenses. Strong employee training, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and reliable backup systems are no longer optional; they’re a necessity.

Accountants who leverage encryption, secure client portals, and AI-driven monitoring tools are better positioned to ensure data integrity and confidentiality while setting themselves apart in the field.

Key Points:

• Deepfakes are a growing threat, used for convincing phishing attacks that can lead to data breaches. 
• CPAs can expand their role in cybersecurity to help safeguard their clients’ data.
• Government regulations on consumer privacy are increasing, making cybersecurity a prerequisite for business transactions.

What it means for you: Understanding how to protect client data will allow you to provide critical additional services.

Demonstration: Deloitte is incorporating advanced cybersecurity strategies, such as AI-driven monitoring systems, and partnering with specialized security providers to protect against increasingly sophisticated threats.

4. Blockchain and Secure Transactions 

Blockchain technology is transforming accounting and financial statement auditing by offering a secure, transparent, and efficient way to record transactions. While some argue that blockchain might replace traditional audits, the role of CPA auditors remains vital. Blockchain’s immutable ledger helps verify transactions, but it doesn’t address critical audit needs such as confirming authorization, classification, or fraud.

CPA auditors will need to adapt and create new methods to extract and verify audit data from blockchain systems while considering the risks. This technology also presents opportunities for streamlining audits, leveraging real-time data, reducing manual tasks, and enhancing quality and efficiency.

Key Points:

• Blockchain provides an immutable ledger, making transactions more secure and transparent.
• CPA auditors remain essential to verify that transactions are authorized, correctly classified, and accurately represented in financial statements.
• Blockchain could support continuous auditing by enabling auditors to access real-time data.

What it means for you: While blockchain may simplify some audit tasks, professional judgment and verification will still be needed for areas including transaction classification and estimates.

Demonstration: Deloitte is already exploring blockchain-enabled audits, using real-time data access to enhance efficiency and reduce the time between transactions and verification.

5. Data Analytics and Accounting Transformation

Data analytics is transforming the accounting profession from number-crunching to strategic decision-making. By leveraging powerful tools to analyze large datasets, accountants can uncover patterns and insights that help businesses make informed decisions, predict financial outcomes, and identify risks early. Rather than just managing historical data, accountants are now expected to provide forward-looking insights that drive value.

Key Points:

• Most companies still rely heavily on manual data cleansing instead of automation.
• There is a shortage of new accounting graduates and accountants with data analytics skills.
• Upskilling and adopting modern analytics are crucial for staying competitive in 2025 and beyond.

What it Means for You: Accountants should embrace data analytics. Leveraging automation reduces manual tasks, enabling accountants to provide strategic advisory services that add greater value.

Demonstration: Penn State University’s accounting analytics course addresses this skills gap by teaching students advanced Excel, R, Python, and SQL. 

Looking Ahead 

The demand for tech-savvy finance and accounting professionals capable of providing strategic insights, designing efficient solutions, and leveraging modern tools is only growing. As businesses continue to adapt to a digital landscape, accountants who upskill and stay ahead of these trends will be in high demand, enjoying greater career opportunities and the potential for long-term success.