# Xero survey finds AI boosts accounting firms’ output without hiring

Digest AI · Marketing & Small Business · published 2026-10-16T15:11:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/xero-survey-finds-ai-boosts-accounting-firms-output-without-hiring

## Summary

Xero’s research of over 500 senior accountants and bookkeepers shows 35% of firms can maintain or grow output without adding staff due to AI. The survey, part of Xero’s *Modern Practice Playbook*, reveals 88% expect AI will not reduce team sizes over the next year, with 38% planning role reorganizations to leverage AI tools.

Top-performing firms using AI save an average of 11 hours per week—double the 8 hours saved by all firms—freeing time for advisory services. Xero’s EGM Charlie Sheppeard notes strategic AI adoption drives growth, while Digit founder Andrew Erkins emphasizes cultural adaptation as key.

## Key points

- 35% of accounting firms expand output without hiring, per Xero’s survey of 500+ senior professionals
- Top firms save 11 hours weekly with AI, redirecting time to advisory services and value-based pricing

## Why it matters

AI adoption in accounting shifts focus from routine tasks to advisory work, enabling firms to charge premiums and grow without expanding teams.

## Sources

1. [AI Helps Accounting Practices Boost Productivity Without Cutting Jobs](https://smallbiztrends.com/ai-helps-accounting-practices-boost-productivity-without-cutting-jobs) (Small Business Trends, 2026-10-16)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Xero survey finds AI boosts accounting firms’ output without hiring", 16 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/xero-survey-finds-ai-boosts-accounting-firms-output-without-hiring

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