Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increasingly become a cornerstone of business strategy across a variety of sectors, particularly within the accounting profession in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. It has evolved from mere experimentation to an everyday practice that firms are leveraging for efficiency, client satisfaction, and competitive advantage. The 2025 Future Ready Accountant report by Wolters Kluwer emphasizes the rapid acceleration of AI adoption in APAC, particularly in Southeast Asia (SEA), where firms are outpacing their counterparts in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) in both usage and applications of AI.
Southeast Asia Leads the Way in Foundational AI Adoption
AI adoption is not a uniform journey across the APAC region; rather, it showcases a broader spectrum of engagement with technology. SEA firms are at the forefront of foundational AI applications. According to the Future Ready Accountant report, a staggering 53% of SEA firms utilize AI tools for tasks such as tax, accounting, and audit research. In stark contrast, only 36% of firms in ANZ reportedly do the same.
Moreover, SEA organizations are more inclined to incorporate AI solutions for various tasks including document summarization (50% vs. 36% in ANZ) and automated bookkeeping processes (47% vs. 38%). This trend is indicative of a proactive approach whereby firms are not waiting for the ‘perfect’ AI solution but are incorporating available technologies to enhance productivity, lower workloads, and improve client service engagement.
Lydia Tsen, Government Affairs Leader for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, states, “Technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing are transforming how firms operate, making processes more efficient and effective, particularly in changing regulatory environments." This sentiment underscores the transformative capabilities of AI that are driving firms to adapt and thrive in modern business landscapes.
Barriers Persist, But Mindset is the Differentiator
Despite the burgeoning interest and accelerated adoption rates, challenges remain. Key barriers such as privacy concerns, security risks, staff experience gaps, and data integrity issues continue to affect AI implementation across the board. The 2025 Future Ready Accountant report shows that these barriers are common among firms, irrespective of their size or technological standing.
However, what differentiates the leaders from the followers is not a lack of obstacles but rather their mindset. Over 80% of APAC firms report regularly using AI in their roles, signifying a collective decision to prioritize the potential benefits of AI over these challenges. The willingness of high-growth and tech-oriented firms to "test and learn" with AI technologies highlights a proactive attitude that contrasts sharply with firms that remain hesitant.
According to Liam Telford, National Tax Technical Director at RSM Australia, “Investment in Artificial Intelligence has had the most significant impact in the last 12 months. … the incremental benefits of adoption are palpable.” His remarks indicate a positive trend where firms that adopt AI methodologies see tangible improvements in service effectiveness and efficiency.
Investment Priorities are Shifting Toward Intelligence
Looking to the future, the investment priorities for AI in APAC firms are transforming from basic automation to more sophisticated applications. Organizations express significant interest in deploying AI for predictive analytics and compliance risk detection. More than half of the surveyed firms indicated a strong likelihood of implementing AI technologies capable of identifying clients failing to meet compliance requirements, alongside comparable interest in generating predictive insights based on client interactions.
Even in Australia and New Zealand, where foundational AI adoption remains comparatively lower, aspirational plans for integration are evident. For instance, around 62% of the firms anticipate adopting AI tools for predictive insights, with 60% considering AI for informed strategic decision-making. Diana Winfield, Associate Director of Content Solutions in APAC for Wolters Kluwer, encapsulates the urgency of adopting AI within firms by asserting, “the risk is that those firms that don’t adopt AI technology will be replaced by the firms that do.”
A Call to Action: Embrace, Invest, Evolve
The overarching message is unmistakable: AI integration in accounting practices across APAC is no longer a mere strategy but rather an operational necessity. Firms that have already woven AI into their daily functions are reaping the benefits—not due to the absence of challenges, but because they possess the ambition to evolve.
For firms lagging in AI adoption, immediate action is imperative. Start with basic AI tools, invest in comprehensive training, and create a roadmap that progresses from automation to strategic insight generation. However, as these firms accelerate their transition towards AI, they must navigate increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies. For instance, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) has highlighted the importance of responsible AI use and human accountability in AI-driven decisions.
An essential aspect of this transition involves embedding transparency, ethical considerations, and proper oversight into the AI adoption process. A recent report, "The Price of Knowledge," points out that the reliability of AI systems is contingent on the competencies of the professionals leveraging them.
The forward momentum of AI in accounting is not solely dictated by technological advancements; it is invariably shaped by professionals ready to adapt and use these tools effectively.
Conclusion
AI adoption in the APAC region, especially within accounting practices, is witnessing unprecedented growth. Southeast Asia is leading the charge with its proactive approach, effectively utilizing AI in various foundational tasks. While hurdles exist, organizations are encouraged to overcome these challenges with a mindset geared towards innovation and continuous improvement. As firms shift their investment priorities to advanced AI solutions, they must also ensure that ethical standards and human oversight remain paramount in their strategies. The journey of AI in APAC is just beginning, and the firms that embrace and integrate these technologies will undoubtedly set the benchmark for industry standards in the years to come.
