Jessica Veiga
In a profession built on precision, shifting to a more hands-off approach can feel risky. If you’re going to review the work anyway, why not just do it yourself?
But today’s technology says otherwise. Tools for automation offer massive efficiency gains—just like spreadsheets once replaced pen and paper. The firms that embrace automation now are the ones that will scale and thrive, while others risk falling behind.
That said, success with accounting automation isn’t just about turning it on. You need a smart strategy—and a clear understanding of what not to do.
Why Accounting Automation Matters More Than Ever
In an industry driven by accuracy, compliance, and time constraints, the traditional methods of managing accounting tasks simply can’t keep up with modern client expectations or firm growth goals. That’s where accounting automation steps in—offering a smarter, more scalable solution to handle repetitive and time-consuming processes.
Think of it like this: spreadsheets replaced ledgers, and now this is replacing spreadsheets. Whether you're a small firm or a growing enterprise, embracing automation isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic move that directly impacts productivity, profitability, and scalability.
7 Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Inadequate Planning
Your firm has systems in place, and any disruption can create friction. But the success of accounting automation depends on how well it’s planned and rolled out.
Start with a clear goal: What do you want the automation to achieve—reduced costs, faster month-end closes, fewer errors? Work backwards from that goal and identify affected workflows, team members, and necessary resources. Most importantly, over-communicate. Change management is just as critical as the tech itself.
2. Poor Communication = Poor Buy-in
Automation tools don’t work if no one wants to use them. Without strong communication about the benefits of accounting automation, your team might ignore or resist it.
Be transparent: Explain how the automation saves time, reduces errors, and allows your accountants to focus on higher-level, client-facing work. Include your staff in the transition conversations early on, and highlight their feedback to build investment and long-term adoption.
3. Resistance from Accountants
Even after implementation, some team members may still prefer the “old way” of doing things. But manual work doesn’t scale, and automation is designed to remove the most tedious tasks from their plates.
Keep reinforcing the value: Automation for accounting gives accountants more time to work on advisory, strategy, and growth-focused projects. Gather feedback and continuously show the benefits of the new system through metrics and client success stories.
4. Resistance from Partners
Let’s be real: Partners care about the bottom line. They want to know how a tech investment will improve margins.
Frame it as a tool to increase billable capacity without adding headcount. Reallocate time saved to revenue-generating services like client advisory or virtual CFO offerings. When partners understand the ROI of accounting automation, they’ll stop seeing it as an expense and start viewing it as a growth engine.
5. Lack of Flexibility in Your Workflow
Rigid workflows kill innovation. And the biggest threat to automation success? Trying to plug it into inflexible, outdated systems.
Build in buffer periods to test, learn, and adjust. Schedule your automation rollouts during low-traffic periods like post-busy season, and be okay with trial and error. Flexibility will lead to faster adoption—and ultimately, better results.
6. Failing to Shift Firm Focus
Automation for accounting saves time. But if you don’t use that time strategically, what’s the point?
Think beyond automation as just an efficiency play. Use the freed-up capacity to expand services—like offering Client Advisory Services (CAS), deeper financial planning, or even niche consulting. These value-added services can become your firm’s differentiator and significantly boost your revenue per client.
7. Lack of Implementation
Installing a new tool isn’t the same as using it effectively. Without accountability and structured onboarding, your accounting automation initiative could fall flat.
Create ownership: Assign champions within each department, set automation goals, and track adoption metrics. Regularly follow up with team members to ensure they're integrating automation into their day-to-day tasks. Build routines that reinforce its use, and reward milestones.
Don’t Just Automate—Integrate
One of the most overlooked aspects of accounting automation is integration. Automation works best when it connects seamlessly with your existing tech stack—general ledger systems, payroll, CRM, and reporting tools.
Look for automation platforms that offer open APIs or native integrations with your core tools. If you automate isolated parts of your process without connecting them, you'll still be dealing with manual gaps—and all the risk that comes with them.
Seamless integration also means cleaner data, faster closes, and better visibility across your firm. That’s where the real value of automation shines.
The Long-Term Benefits of Accounting Automation
Yes, there are short-term hurdles to implementing automation. You’ll need to plan, communicate, and manage change. But the long-term payoffs are undeniable.
When done right, accounting automation:
- Frees up time for high-impact, revenue-driving work
- Reduces costly errors and delays
- Positions your firm to scale without constantly increasing headcount
- Enables deeper client relationships through advisory services
Whether you’re just getting started or refining your current automation tools, avoiding these pitfalls can help you transform your firm from reactive to strategic.
Ready to future-proof your firm? Let’s talk. We’re here to help you get it right.