Wolters Kluwer Tax and Accounting has released the second edition of its global report, “Future Ready Accountant,” providing a data-driven analysis of how the worldwide tax and accounting profession is evolving through accelerated AI adoption, advisory-first engagement, and cloud integration.
The report, which draws on insights from over 2,700 professionals globally, highlights that these advancements are redefining firm purpose, talent strategy, and client service. Jason Marx, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, commented that the report “reveals a profession in strategic transformation. Firms are moving beyond tactical fixes to embrace long-term strategies centered on advisory services, talent development, and technology integration. AI is no longer a future consideration—it’s a present-day imperative that firms need to embrace not just to survive but to thrive and grow.”
Compared to 2024, the 2025 “Future Ready Accountant” report marks a significant evolution in the global accounting landscape. AI adoption has notably surged from 9% in 2024 to 41% in 2025, indicating a shift from cautious experimentation to confident integration across firm operations. The findings show that 77% of firms plan to increase AI investment, with 35% already using it daily. Marx added that “AI is redefining how professionals access and apply authoritative knowledge,” emphasizing its role in delivering transparent, source-linked insights while safeguarding user data.
Advisory services have also become nearly universal, with 93% of firms offering them, an increase from 83% in 2024. The focus has moved to using AI and data to personalize and scale client advisory. Furthermore, talent strategies have matured; while attracting and retaining skilled professionals was a priority last year, 31% of firms now cite advanced technical skill development as a top staffing challenge.
Cloud adoption and technology integration continue to drive growth. In 2024, 62% of firms utilized cloud technology, with those demonstrating high integration reporting 78% revenue growth. In 2025, 52% of firms expanded cloud-based solutions, and 87% of those with highly integrated systems reported revenue growth. This digital maturity is viewed as an enabler of innovation, resilience, and long-term success.
Key global findings for 2025 indicate significant growth and profitability, with 83% of firms globally reporting increased revenue (up from 72% in 2024) and 79% seeing improved profitability (up from 74% last year). Routine AI usage has increased, with 72% of firms using AI at least weekly, and 73% of regular AI users reporting better-than-expected results in client service, financial insights, and efficiency. Advisory services are in high demand, with 35% of clients requesting strategic business advice, and 87% of firms leveraging client data for tailored advisory opportunities. Additionally, the report notes M&A trends over the last three years, revealing that 26% of firms merged, 32% received private equity investment, and 27% acquired another firm.
Wolters Kluwer, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, is a global leader in information, software solutions, and services for professionals across healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; and corporate performance and ESG. The company reported 2024 annual revenues of €5.9 billion, serving customers in over 180 countries and employing approximately 21,600 people worldwide. The “Future Ready Accountant” report is available for access on the Wolters Kluwer website.
