AI in practice: What accountants and bookkeepers are thinking, doing and planning next

AI is quickly moving from curiosity to practical reality across the accounting and bookkeeping profession. But while many firms are already experimenting with tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot and embedded AI features within their software, the bigger question is how firms turn that experimentation into safe, repeatable and valuable ways of working.

In this AccountingWEB session, Chris Downing from Sage will share insights from the latest Sage and AccountingWEB AI research, alongside real-world learnings from Sage’s recent AI Roadshows with accountants and bookkeepers across the UK. The session will explore what the profession is thinking about AI right now, how firms are already using it in practice, and where the biggest opportunities and concerns sit.

The webinar will move beyond the hype to focus on practical action. From workflow improvement and team confidence to governance, data security, pricing and capacity creation, Chris will outline the priorities firms should consider this year as AI becomes a more embedded part of everyday practice.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of where the market is heading, what other accountants and bookkeepers are doing today, and the practical steps they can take next to make AI useful, safe and commercially meaningful within their own firm.