Tech with purpose: how European accountants are aligning technology with strategy

The 2025 Future Ready Accountant Report shows that 83% of European accountants now operate in hybrid or fully cloud-based environments. This tech maturity creates a strong foundation for transformation, but only if it’s paired with focused execution.

A shift from experimentation to enablement

In Europe, technology is no longer seen as an optional efficiency booster. It’s now core to the firm’s ability to deliver value. High-growth firms are using integrated platforms to automate processes, reduce manual work, and increase responsiveness, all while freeing staff to focus more on advisory and planning.

Notably, 48% of European firms plan to increase workflow automation this year. That includes AI-powered tools that summarise documents, analyse data, and surface compliance risks. These automations help firms meet regulatory demands, reduce errors, and spend more time advising clients.

“Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing how we work as accountants – and how we must work,” said Bart Van Coile, President of the Institute for Tax Advisors and Accountants in Belgium. “On one hand, AI boosts our efficiency and accuracy. On the other, it demands continuous learning, refining our soft skills, and rethinking our service offering.”

Stronger tech, stronger client relationships

Technology is not just changing how work gets done — it’s changing how firms engage clients. With automation handling repetitive tasks, firms can focus on more proactive service delivery.

Nearly one-third (32%) of European firms are already using client data to tailor services and identify new opportunities. In Belgium and Denmark, that number rises to 47% and 40% respectively. These firms are leveraging cloud platforms and client portals to monitor performance, surface insights, and engage more frequently.

“Accountancy is increasingly becoming a strategic advisory field,” said Geert Degens, Partner at FinFisco in Belgium. “Companies need expert guidance on complex financial and tax issues, which only increases the added value of the sector.”

For firms looking to grow, this client-centric model is no longer a differentiator — it’s the baseline.

A readiness gap is widening

Even with growing adoption, a readiness gap is emerging across the region. While 42% of European firms now use AI tools (a huge jump from 8% in 2024), many still lack staff expertise, and cite privacy and security risks and data quality concerns as persistent challenges.

Firms without integrated tech stacks struggle to generate timely insights or use automation at scale. And without strong change management, even the best tools fall short. This is especially critical for firms seeking external capital, where 92% of firms globally say tech infrastructure played at least a moderate role in M&A or private equity opportunities.

“The strategy that companies must follow to achieve high levels of growth is: people, processes, technology, and talent,” said Carlos María Ruiz García, CEO of Sincro in Spain. “Putting technology at the service of the best talent, accompanied by KPIs (indicators) to measure results and personalize services, something that we see as increasingly decisive for customers of financial and tax services.”

From tools to transformation

What separates tech leaders from stragglers is not just investment, but intention. Leading firms build technology into their DNA by training staff, connecting systems, and aligning usage with firm-wide goals.

Technology is helping firms tackle their biggest growth-focused challenges in the next 12 months:

• Strengthening client relationships: 48% of European firms and 61% of firms in Denmark.
• Enhancing digital communication with clients: 47% of European firms and 61% of firms in Denmark.
• Expanding advisory services offerings: 47% of European firms and 51% of firms in Spain.

When firms treat tech as a strategic enabler, not just an IT project, they unlock new capacity, drive growth, and future-proof their service model.

 Shaping the Future of Advisory with Technology

In Europe, tech-forward firms are leading by example. They’re using digital tools to reduce friction, deliver insight, and create space for meaningful client conversations.

The message is clear: it’s not just about having the right tech, it’s about using it with purpose. For firms willing to connect technology with vision, the path forward is full of possibility.

To explore how leading firms are aligning strategy with technology, download the Wolters Kluwer 2025 Future Ready Accountant report.