By Billy Brindley, published 4 November 2025
As an accounting recruitment consultant, I’ve had a front-row seat to how technology is transforming the profession. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that tasks which were once routine i.e. data entry, reconciliations, and other transactional work, are increasingly being handled by AI, advanced software, and automated systems. This shift is reducing the demand for purely introductory or transactional roles but, at the same time, it is creating exciting opportunities for accountants, auditors, and tax professionals to become far more strategic within their organisations.
From my perspective, the most successful candidates are those who embrace this evolution. Businesses are increasingly looking for professionals who can move beyond compliance and reporting to provide insights that influence decision-making and strategy. For example, in audit, automation now allows professionals to analyse large datasets efficiently, so they can focus on risk assessment and advisory work. In tax, AI handles routine calculations and filings, freeing professionals to develop strategic tax planning and advisory skills. The best candidates are those who understand both the technical side of accounting and the broader business context—those who can translate numbers into actionable insights.
I’ve also observed that this transformation is bringing accounting professionals closer to the core of the business. Employers want individuals who can work alongside senior management, contribute to strategic discussions, and add value beyond the numbers. As a recruiter, I see this reflected in the types of roles that are increasingly in demand: finance business partners, management accountants with strategic influence, and tax advisers who can navigate complex business decisions. For candidates, this is a tremendous opportunity to enhance their career trajectory and become indispensable to their organisations.
In my experience, technology is not something to fear, it is an enabler. Those candidates who are adaptable, tech-savvy, and willing to develop their strategic thinking are the ones who are thriving. For businesses, this shift allows them to redeploy talented professionals into areas where they can have the most impact. As a recruitment consultant, I’ve never seen the alignment between candidate capability and business need more critical. Helping clients and candidates navigate this evolving landscape is more important than ever, and it is incredibly rewarding to see professionals step into these strategic, high-impact roles.
