Xero survey shows 35% of Australian accounting practices use AI to grow output without adding headcount

• Xero survey of 500-plus Australian accounting leaders found 35% used AI to hold or lift output without adding staff.
• Most practices, 88%, did not expect AI to cut headcount over the next year; 38% expected role restructures.
• Top-performing firms were 2.8 times more profitable; they reported 11 hours weekly saved from AI, versus 8 hours overall.
• Estimated annual savings reached $244,000 at top performers, compared with $160,000 across all practices.
• AI trial rates hit 85%, daily use 52%; daily use rose to 69% at top-performing firms.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Xero Limited published the original content used to generate this news brief on September 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.