Digital recommended reading

A Forbes Coaches Council piece outlining how accountants can future-proof their careers by embracing technology, developing advisory capabilities, and upskilling in data and communication. Helpful for firm leaders rethinking talent development or positioning: it connects AI transformation with mindset and skills evolution.

Thomson Reuters explores how agentic AI is reshaping tax and accounting workflows — from automating compliance tasks to enabling strategic insights. The article highlights practical adoption scenarios, emerging trends, and where human expertise remains essential for judgment and oversight. A useful read for SMPs considering AI tools and their impact on efficiency and advisory services.

A Eurofound analysis of how SMEs across Europe are adopting digital tools, the barriers they face, and the policy frameworks supporting this transition. Useful for SMPs advising SMEs on digital strategy or funding access: the report identifies sectors and countries where digitalisation is lagging and outlines best-practice policy measures.

The UK FRC has published/commissioned research into AI adoption and its effects on corporate reporting to inform future supervisory work — important reading for SMPs preparing clients and controls around AI use.

An interactive microsite exploring AI’s ethical threats in finance through three fictitious scenarios, with practical takeaways on principles, governance, and AI literacy; includes links to the full report and related resources. Handy for firm training or discussion workshops.

The UK FRC’s update on its 23rd Key Facts and Trends report flags continued growth in professional membership (with a small decline in student numbers), ongoing audit market consolidation, and a rise in FTSE 350 audits by non-Big Four firms (48, up from 41 in 2023). Useful for context on market structure and workforce trends; the data are available on the site and in Excel for further analysis.

A practical guide that helps organisations map how corporate transition plans depend on actions by suppliers, regulators and public goods. Useful for SMPs advising SME clients on realistic net-zero pathways, because it highlights where risks and data gaps show up across value chains and how to prioritise disclosure and mitigation steps.

A practitioner-focused article from Financial Management that outlines concrete ways AI can augment day-to-day accounting work — from automating routine reconciliations to surfacing insights for advisory services and speeding scenario modelling for clients. Handy for SMPs planning upskilling or service design: the piece explains practical gains and the governance/competency questions firms should address before deploying AI tools.

This article explores how the shift towards a circular economy is reshaping tax policy. It highlights the potential for tax systems to encourage resource efficiency and sustainability, while also raising challenges for governments and businesses in adapting to new models of production and consumption.

The European Commission’s latest press release outlines the bloc’s roadmap for digital diplomacy, cross-border data flows, and global partnerships on emerging technologies. It sets priorities for standard-setting, cybersecurity cooperation, and investment in digital infrastructure—a vital context for SMPs guiding clients on compliance with international digital standards. Explore the strategy here.

The Journal of Accountancy highlights how accountants are already integrating AI into core tasks—from client onboarding and invoice processing to fraud detection and advisory services. This feature offers practical, real-world use cases that can inspire SMPs to explore AI adoption in their own firms. Learn more here.

Broadridge’s latest study tracks how companies are approaching digital transformation across functions, with data showing increased investment in AI, automation, and client experience. SMPs may find useful benchmarking data and indicators of where clients—and competitors—are headed. View the study here.

EFRAG has published its VSME Digital Template alongside a dedicated XBRL taxonomy and converter tool. Designed for very small enterprises, these resources enable SMPs to help clients prepare simplified, machine-readable financial statements—boosting transparency, regulatory compliance, and efficient digital reporting.

This summary captures feedback from EFRAG’s April 2025 roundtable on how to better integrate financial and sustainability reporting. Offers insights into stakeholder expectations and practical barriers to connectivity.

Forbes discusses how 2025 could mark a turning point for decentralized finance (DeFi), bringing new regulatory frameworks to the sector. Read the analysis here. 

In a feature from TechRadar’s Sustainability Week, the article explores how artificial intelligence can accelerate progress toward circular economy models. Find out more here.

EBA has also updated its list of indicators used to monitor risk across the European banking sector. These tools help supervisors assess systemic and firm-level vulnerabilities. See the updated list here.

A new staff paper from FASB clarifies the presentation and disclosure of retainage for construction contractors under U.S. GAAP. While not EU-specific, the guidance offers useful technical context for firms with U.S. reporting exposure. Access the paper here.

This report provides an overview of how artificial intelligence is reshaping the UK accounting sector, offering practical insights for SMPs. Access the report here.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) offers transformative capabilities to Professional Accountancy Organizations (PAOs) across diverse functions, from education and examination to marketing and administration. This IFAC Gateway article introduces the basics of Gen AI, explores the role of a PAO, and delves into practical use cases for integrating Gen AI into a PAO’s services and operations

This AIA webinar, using practical examples, explains the current ethical risks of artificial intelligence (AI) and provides guidance on how professional accountants can manage those risks.

Access a suite of free podcasts here including ones on private equity in accounting and transforming SMPs.

Explore how finance functions are being reshaped by AI, automation, and cloud platforms. This Edstellar overview outlines the benefits and challenges of digitalisation, with key implications for accounting professionals supporting SME clients. Read more here.

This Q&A published by the AICPA’s Journal of Accountancy provides useful guidance on using Copilot in Microsoft Outlook.

The Audit and technology playbook: A practitioner’s guide, developed by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and ACCA, offers a comprehensive guide to help auditors adapt and thrive in this changing landscape.

This step-by-step guide shows how the advanced data analytics features in Power BI can solve business problems in minutes rather than hours.

This AICPA ‘AI Road to AI Implementation infographic is designed to help implement an artificial intelligence strategy by serving as a checklist of things an SMP needs to consider as it embarks on the journey to transformation. And once the practice is ready to get in the driver’s seat to transformation, check out the AICPA’s toolkit and other resources.

ACCA research suggests by developing the right mix of technical and soft skills, embracing continuous learning, and focusing on responsible AI adoption, accounting professionals can position themselves, and their organisations, for successful leveraging of AI.

ACCA research suggests by developing the right mix of technical and soft skills, embracing continuous learning, and focusing on responsible AI adoption, accounting professionals can position themselves, and their organisations, for successful leveraging of AI.

Watch the ACCA’s AI Virtual Conference on-demand here.

This new PCAOB staff Spotlight shares insights from recent outreach on how audit firms and public companies are integrating generative AI in audits and financial reporting.

In this LinkedIn article by Inflo CEO Mark Edmondson read how a US SMP are using GenAI.

To help accountants find the AI coverage most relevant to them, the Journal of Accountancy has created a dedicated webpage for all its AI content.

This IFAC Gateway article examines how Gen AI stands to impact the accountants.

AI technology can be misused for fraud, but accountants also can use it to detect fraud. Learn how to manage AI-generated fraud risks by reading this Journal of Accountancy article.

This AICPA podcast examines how accountants can appropriately rely on AI.

The US Center for Audit Quality has published ’Auditing in the Age of Generative AI’.

In this article leaders of the US accountancy profession offer suggestions for how firms, especially SMPs, can transform their audit technology.

This article explains how the emerging art of ‘prompt crafting’ i.e., the instructions a user gives to the software, can deliver more powerful results from platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

This panel discussion provides perspective on the potential, perils, and place of GenAI in the wider context of artificial intelligence and automation.

Microsoft Copilot merges generative AI with key apps, potentially revolutionizing how accountants work. This article looks at what early adopters say.

This article looks at Microsoft’s new AI tool, Copilot. Copilot is an AI system designed by Microsoft that is replacing the virtual assistant Cortana and Bing Chat. Copilot will become an integral part of pretty much all Microsoft products and services that accountants use.

What is the wider view on AI for accounting firms and finance departments, and how does it all relate to automation making life better for accountants? Find out in this podcast.

In this article firm leaders explain why they are using artificial intelligence to transform audits and how they are handling barriers to AI adoption.

This article examines how SMPs can leverage generative AI including advice on how to pick the right model.

In October 2023, IFAC’s Small- and Medium-Sized Practices Advisory Group (SMPAG) heard a presentation on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) at SMPs from Danielle Supkis-Cheek (SMPAG Member, AICPA). The presentation can be accessed here.

Watch the Good Governance Academy’s 10th Colloquium – The risks and opportunities of Generative AI here.

This article explains that ChatGPT is a language model that uses probability to create a text-based answer to your question. But since maths and accounting hinge on accuracy, not probability, this matters to accountants.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent automation (IA) are creating significant opportunities for organizations and individuals and are shaping the future of professional accountants as leaders and business partners. Watch this presentation to learn more.

This article describes 12 ways an SMP can use AI to improve operations including better serving clients.