State of Accounting Report: 84% AI Adoption, 61% Hit by Tool Sprawl
Progress Software’s State of Accounting 2026 survey of 311 U.S. accounting professionals finds 84% using AI for document summarization, workflow routing and client advisory tasks while only 24% have large portions of work automated. Three-quarters report workflows involve too many steps and 61% struggle with insecure document exchanges.
1. Survey Methodology and Scope
The State of Accounting 2026 report surveyed 311 U.S. accounting professionals across public and private firms, in-house roles and various disciplines to assess AI usage, workflow efficiency and security challenges.
2. AI Adoption Trends
The survey finds 84% of professionals using AI for document summarization, workflow routing, validation and client advisory, with 97% believing automation enhances client experience but only 24% reporting large portions of work are automated.
3. Operational and Security Challenges
Results show 75% of respondents face overly complex workflows, 61% are slowed by switching between fragmented tools and 61% cite insecure document exchanges as a barrier to productivity.
4. Market Opportunity for Progress Software
With 98% of accountants seeking streamlined, AI-powered solutions, Progress Software’s ShareFile and digital experience platform could address automation gaps and tool sprawl to improve efficiency and client outcomes.