Intuit’s newly released 2026 Accountant Technology Survey gives measurable context to an issue many practices are facing right now. Firms continue to invest in technology, but many are still losing time to disconnected systems and manual work.
According to the survey, firms use an average of 10 applications, and one in three respondents report using 11 to 25 or more. Accountants also lose about five hours each week moving, reentering, or reconciling information across tools.
That time loss is significant for practices already managing hiring pressure and expanding client expectations. The data suggests that technology decisions now need to be evaluated by how well they support the full workflow, rather than by whether a single application solves a single problem.
The survey found that 92% of respondents invested in technology during the past 12 months, with average spending of approximately $21,000. The investment pattern is expected to continue, as 91% plan to invest again next year, with expected spending averaging $22,000.
These figures show that most practices understand the importance of technology. The more difficult question is whether those investments are producing the intended return. A tool can be useful on its own and still create friction if it does not connect well with the rest of the practice’s systems.
Only 41% of respondents say their tools are fully integrated. Another 48% say their setup works but remains fragmented. Practice leaders may need to focus less on total application count and more on how the information moves from client intake to final deliverable.
Client technology readiness adds another layer of complexity. Respondents reported that 53% of their clients are tech advanced or proficient, while 47% are tech limited or challenged. Practices need workflows that can support clients with very different levels of comfort. That may mean better onboarding, clearer standards, and more intentional client education.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved into regular accounting task work. The survey found that 88% of respondents used AI for at least one client service in the last 12 months, while 86% used AI for at least one firm operation. Common client service uses included data entry and processing, financial forecasting, and real-time insights. Common practice operation uses included invoicing and payments, client communication, and managing client portfolios.
The survey also shows that accountants continue to prefer a human-led model. Forty percent of respondents want AI as a support tool. Another 34% want AI to draft work that a human reviews and then signs off on. Only 6% want autonomous AI execution.
The results suggest that accountants prefer AI to handle more routine work, while people remain responsible for review, judgment and the final decision.
Many practices want to provide more advisory services, but operational barriers continue to limit that progress. The survey found that manual data cleanup is the top barrier to more proactive advisory work, cited by 30% of respondents. Staffing shortages followed at 24%, while app overload was cited by 16%.
AI may help practices address this issue. The survey found that 86% of respondents expect AI to increase their ability to deliver advisory work over the next 12 months. Thirty-eight percent described AI as a real capacity unlock, while 48% expect more incremental help.
Outsourcing is also becoming part of the capacity conversation. For the second year in a row, 80% of respondents outsourced at least one service, and 65% plan to increase outsourcing.
The goal is not merely to reduce hours. The larger purpose is to create enough capacity for review, client conversations, and higher-value analysis.
AI adoption creates new client expectations around transparency and data protection. The survey found that one in three respondents proactively explain how AI supports their work. Another 49% address the topic only after a client asks them. At the same time, three in five respondents say clients always or frequently ask for proof of AI data protection.
Clients need confidence that their information is protected and that a qualified professional remains accountable for the work.
The survey found that 84% of respondents agree strong AI security practices help firms retain current clients and win new ones. The survey also found that 79% agree that responsible AI can increase trust through consistency, earlier issue detection, and better documentation.
The talent pipeline remains under pressure. The survey found that 77% of respondents reported at least one hiring struggle in the past 12 months. That figure is lower than 84% in 2025 and 94% in 2024, but it still shows widespread difficulty. The hardest experience levels to fill were professionals with one or more years of experience and professionals with five or more years of experience.
The skills practices value is changing as well. Thirty-eight percent of respondents said strategic judgment is their firm’s top hiring priority, followed by AI fluency at 22%. Software and technology certifications were cited by 53% of respondents as improving an entry-level candidate’s hiring chances. AI, automation and data skills were also cited by 53%. CPA credential or CPA track followed at 50%.
Traditional accounting knowledge remains important, but practices increasingly need professionals who can work effectively with modern systems.
The survey shows that client needs continue to extend beyond traditional accounting services. More than half of respondents report increased client demand across core financial categories, led by financial management at 61%, regulations and compliance at 59%, and filing taxes at 56%.
Client needs outside traditional finance are also increasing. Sixty-two percent of respondents say clients need more guidance on technology management. Fifty-nine percent say clients need more support with business plans and strategy.
Human resources and workforce support have also become more common parts of client service. The survey found that 77% of respondents play a major or moderate role in HR and workforce support for clients. Thirty-four percent say this work is now a core and growing part of what they deliver.
This expanding scope creates opportunity, but it also requires practices to be disciplined about capacity and service boundaries.
This survey shows a profession focused on better execution. Practices need connected technology, clear AI standards and stronger communication around data protection.
Capacity should be treated as an operational priority. Better integration, consistent AI workflows, strategic outsourcing and stronger training can help practices protect time for higher-value client work.
Technology will not replace professional judgment or client trust. Used with structure and accountability, it can support both.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and edited by a human.