Accounting Firms Struggle with AI Tool Fragmentation Despite Rapid Adoption

Event summary

  • Progress Software's State of Accounting 2026 report reveals 84% of U.S. accountants now use AI, but 61% are slowed by switching between too many tools.
  • 75% of accountants say their workflows involve too many steps, and only 24% report a large portion of their work is automated.
  • Client experience is the top priority for 98% of firms, yet only half say it’s easy to deliver consistently due to operational inefficiencies.
  • 61% of accountants say document exchanges aren’t secure enough, highlighting ongoing security concerns.

The big picture

The accounting industry is rapidly adopting AI and automation, but fragmented tools and inefficient workflows are limiting productivity gains. As firms prioritize client experience, the ability to streamline processes and enhance security will be critical in maintaining a competitive edge. Progress Software's findings highlight the need for secure, governed AI-powered technology to remove operational friction and enable higher-value client work.

What we're watching

Tool Consolidation
Whether accounting firms can successfully consolidate fragmented tools to improve efficiency and client experiences.
AI Scalability
The pace at which AI adoption will scale responsibly amid concerns about data privacy, bias, and governance.
Security Enhancements
How advancements in secure document exchange will impact productivity and collaboration in accounting workflows.