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As AI and automation drastically change the way accounting practices operate, what’s happening to the human accountants? Attracting and retaining talent has been an issue in the sector for years, so will widespread AI adoption make the problem worse?
In many ways, it’s the opposite. Talent is a critical constraint for practices, which can’t operate effectively or expand their services without it. Rather than being a barrier, technology is part of the solution. By taking on much of the manual, time-consuming work often associated with accounting, AI and automation can help reframe the roles of accountants and practices.
The 2026 MYOB Accounting Industry Monitor agrees. The survey found that the vast majority of Australian practices (84%) see modern accountants as strategic advisors, rather than service providers. Up 9% from last year’s survey, it’s a sign of a sector-wide shift.
In a world of talent shortages and rapid change, the practices that can lean into this reframe are most likely to succeed.
Talent shortages and tech solutions
The accounting sector has been dealing with talent shortages and recruitment difficulties for years, and 2026 is no different. 76% of practices in our survey agreed that there is a shortage. In Australia, fewer accountants are entering the profession, while many older accountants are set to retire soon. Without a steady supply of new talent, practices don’t always have the capacity to expand their customer bases or grow their businesses.
Why are young people less interested in accounting? According to our survey respondents, stereotypes about the industry are a key factor. People see accounting as dull and repetitive, and choose other professions instead. Technology can help by taking on more of that boring grunt work, which is often an expectation for entry-level roles, and free up time for more interesting work and professional development.
Redesigning roles and reimagining the industry
The MYOB Accounting Industry Monitor found that accounting practices are not only rethinking roles, but reimagining the sector as a whole. Respondents in the ‘progressive’ cohort — future-focused with significant revenue growth — are strong advocates for change in the industry. A significant 80% of this group think that accounting practices should describe themselves as strategic advisors. This signals a change in focus for the industry, away from service-based work to client partnerships and expert advice.
Of course, this reframe needs to be backed up with real change within practices. If practices are talking about industry change but still expecting new hires to do repetitive manual work that could be done by AI, they may struggle to attract and retain talent. Accountants – and young ones in particular — will be looking for roles that give them a chance to work with clients and take on challenging, strategic jobs. It’s about reimagining the role of an accountant and making the sector more appealing at the same time.
Progressive practices in our survey agree — with 37% citing technology as a way to enhance strategic capabilities and advocate for industry change.
Technology, training and AI readiness as professional development
Connecting talent and technology could be a winning strategy for future-focused accounting practices. The missing link: AI readiness. Both incoming talent and existing staff need to be well-trained in AI technology, so they can make the most of practice investments. Training gaps could also lead to security issues and data risks — not ideal in a financial sector.
Thorough AI training can also be seen as a recruitment and retention tool. If employees know that they’ll receive AI onboarding and ongoing support, they know they can build their professional skills and develop their CV in the long term. In a competitive sector, where accountants are always looking for new opportunities, this could be a game-changer.
Progressive practices are taking a thoughtful approach to AI readiness, using strategies like:
Staff training workshops and guided AI onboarding to build staff confidence before new technologies go live
Pilot schemes and phased rollouts, rather than all-in adoption
Specific AI policies and guidelines, to protect client and practice data
Talent, technology and the practice of the future
The 2026 MYOB Accounting Industry Monitor report tells us about what’s happening in the sector right now, but it’s also a glimpse into the future. By looking at progressive practices, we can see where the industry is headed and what accounting practices might look like in a couple of years.
These practices are ahead of the game in terms of talent. They’re revising our view of accounting, with a focus on strategic advisory work rather than standard service. Many of them are strong advocates for changing the public view of the whole sector, so more young graduates will be drawn to the industry. In their practices, they’re focused on AI adoption and how it will change the role of accountants, particularly younger ones. And, of course, they’re leading the charge in thoughtful, talent-focused AI adoption.
If we look at these trends, the practices that can fight talent shortages will see technology as an opportunity, not a threat. They will be investing in technology not just for operational reasons, but as a way to make accounting roles more engaging, challenging and attractive to top talent.
Want to know more about technology, talent and the future of the sector? Read the full MYOB Accounting Industry Monitor report.
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