Artificial intelligence accelerates digital transformation in accounting

Results of the study "Digitization in Accounting 2025/2026" by KPMG in Germany:

• 53 percent of companies already use AI in accounting or are preparing to introduce it
  
• 61 percent see AI as a decisive success factor in finance today or in the future
• 65 percent cite data protection and data security as the biggest challenge
• Cloud systems are in use at 59 percent, 32 percent use robotic process automation (RPA), and 28 percent have firmly integrated machine learning into their processes

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a key driver in accounting and is noticeably changing processes. More than half of companies (53 percent) already use AI in this area or are in the process of implementing it. This is shown by the new study "Digitalization in Accounting 2025/2026" by KPMG in Germany. At the same time, awareness of the strategic importance of the technology is growing: 61 percent of respondents see AI as a key success factor in finance today or in the future.

The majority of companies that use AI in accounting report improvements – especially in transactional processes such as payment processing. More than a third (37 percent) of respondents observe significant time savings immediately after implementation, and around 70 percent report higher process quality in the short or medium term. Cost effects are also becoming apparent: 15 percent achieve immediate savings, and another 54 percent report positive results over time. 

Two-thirds (66 percent) of companies say that their expectations of AI-based solutions in accounting have been met. In contrast, 17 percent report that their expectations have not yet been met. Compared to the previous year, the assessment is thus more sober – a sign of increasing practical experience and more realistic expectations of current technological capabilities.

At the same time, the study shows that progress is not without its hurdles. Data protection and data security are considered the biggest challenges by 65 percent, followed by the traceability and transparency of AI algorithms (59 percent). The lack of standardization (46 percent) and the legal classification of AI systems (40 percent) are also considered significant obstacles.

"Many companies are faced with the challenge of reconciling technological innovation and regulatory requirements," says Axel Bachmann, Partner for Regulatory Advisory and Head of Digital Process Compliance at KPMG. "A clear framework for data protection and AI governance is essential, especially when dealing with sensitive financial and personal data."

In addition to AI, companies are also consistently pushing ahead with the general digitization of their accounting systems. Nearly all organizations have significantly expanded their digital infrastructure in recent years. The focus is on paperless accounting and the standardization of workflows: 26 percent of companies already operate completely paperless, with another 46 percent doing so at least in some areas. The standardization of workflows is also progressing – 13 percent have completed it, while 45 percent are in the process of implementing it.

At the same time, new technologies are becoming increasingly important: 28 percent of respondents have firmly integrated machine learning into their processes – almost twice as many as in 2023. Cloud systems are in use at 59 percent, robotic process automation (RPA) at 32 percent.

KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Lisa Meier

T +49 89 9282 6632
lisameier@kpmg.com

Hier haben Sie die Möglichkeit, sich für unsere(n) Presseverteiler eintragen zu lassen.

Wählen Sie bitte die für Sie relevanten Themen aus und registrieren Sie sich mit Ihren persönlichen Daten.