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

By Public Technologies
  • 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.


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