AI changes accounting firm hiring, with more focus on soft skills

Multimedia Business Reporter·NZ Herald·11 Oct, 2026 04:00 PM3 mins to read‌Accountancy and bookkeeping firms are adapting to artificial intelligence in their work, but few expect to reduce jobs as a result over the next year. Photo / 123rfAccountancy and bookkeeping firms are adapting to artificial intelligence in their work, but few expect to reduce jobs as a result over the next year, according to new research commissioned by Xero. The research, titled the Modern Practice Playbook, surveyed 526 senior accounting and bookkeeping professionals across New Zealand and