Where is industry currently with regard to digital technology? We asked, and the accountants responded, by examining everything, of the creation of digital tax (MTD) to the way they use new solutions.

The survey took place during our webinar to update iris elements, where 1,300 accountants and accountants joined us.

The answers we have received painted an image that is sometimes surprised at the way the profession manages change.

We have discovered a story of challenge and opportunity. On the one hand, there is anxiety about new conformity regulations. On the other hand, there is real optimism that accountants can use technology to obtain this compliance work on the line. We have also seen that people are at the front and at the center of their cloud strategy.

Without further ado, look at our results, starting with what is currently one of the industry newspapers: MTD.

MTD ITSA reality verification: a moment of imperfect progress for industry

We started by asking the accountants how ready their customers were ready for MTD ITSA.

The results were a bit mixed.

In total, 3% said that their clientele was fully prepared and 9% said the bases are almost finished. 43% said 51 to 75% of customers are ready.

However, almost a third (29%) indicate that 25% or less of their customers are set up.

This confirms what many in the industry suspected: significant progress has been made, but there is still a lot to do.

How it aligns with other industry statistics

What we see here align with the broader feeling of industry. It is always a mixed perspective. Customers have different expectations and accountants must juggle deadlines, whatever happens.

For example, HMRC has said that medium -sized practices often feel the pressure between two customers’ sets. On the one hand, they have early “digital” customers. On the other, they have traditional customers who hesitate to change.

The daily life of a practice, it seems, is never simple.

The fatigue of conformity is real, but MTD is a top of mind

The most notable conclusion is perhaps that the accountants have confirmed that MTD ITSA is their first conformity challenge. Overall, 78.8% said it was. It is almost four times more than any other regulatory problem. This reflects the collective concern of the profession concerning the link between complex regulations and customers who often do not understand implications.

The answers have other compliance problems. For example, some accounts have agreed that the law on economic crime and the transparency of companies and LMA were problems for them.

Why MTD is different

However, MTD’s domination reflects a very specific burden. With MTD, the accountants are simultaneously compliance educators, technical performers, And Relationship managers. It is a lot to manage and reminds us of other recent studies. These show increased stress among accounting professionals, in particular those of practices at the service of SMEs. There is a strong correlation between the two results sets.

Regulation pressure

What are the most precious software investment accountants they will do in the next 12 months? Our survey shows that 72% of companies say that it is in tax automation and compliance.

This investment expected in automation considerably exceeds customer experience (15%) and the efficiency of the practice (9%).

When we look at all our results together, it is clear that compliance is absolute priority due to regulatory pressures.

The cloud revolution puts people first

Then we asked the accountants what they think is the most important advantage of cloud technology.

The clear winner? Greater flexibility in the work provisions, as indicated by 51% of the responses.

The reduction in infrastructure costs (13% of responses) and improved security (14% of responses) were one of those far behind the upper choice centered on humans.

This observation captures the fundamental change in the accounting profession after the pandemic. The workplace has changed. The hybrid work and well-being of employees are King. Cloud technology is the key to keeping talents and obtaining a balance between professional and private life.

The way accountants check the identification move

There is more evidence of transition from industry when we examine how accountants address the verification of identifiers for companies.

For example, accountants are divided between the use of automated identification verification tools (53%) and manual processes (47%).

There is something else that is particularly interesting. Among those who use automated tools, 75% prefer a customer client approach. This suggests that accountants want control and flexibility even when implementing new technologies. They do not rush into a complete automation; Instead, they choose carefully when and how to use it.

The future of technology first

What will stimulate the most growth over the next three years for accountants? 65% of respondents say that it will be efficiency through technology. Instead of expanding through traditional methods such as new service lines or acquisitions, they want technology to increase capacities.

The good news is that if they get there, prices based on value and higher level advice is possible. By automating routine compliance tasks, accountants are positioned to focus on the strategic advice that customers are increasingly needing.

The effect of IRIS elements on accounting / customer relationships

How did Iris elements made a difference in the life of the accountants? The biggest change in accounting has seen was to be able to access the data in real time. This, in turn, allows more significant and frequent interactions. These accountants move away from occasional journalists to become continuous advisers.

This transition to continuous commitment is perhaps the most important change in the accounting-client relationship for decades.

A profession transforming pressure into people centered on people

These survey results reflect the state of mind of a profession in charge.

The accountants shape the future of the industry rather than simply shaking by external pressures. Yes, there is anxiety as to the time for compliance and the challenges of technological implementation, but there is also a strategic thought.

The accountants consider how to transform pressures into catalysts for a positive change. Internally, they use it to improve the processes and professional life of their staff. Outside, they adopt digital transformation to better serve their customers.

You are not alone in feeling pressure, but collectively, you discover opportunities. The profession is evolving towards a more efficient, flexible and customer future.

So how are you going to take the technology and use it to improve the life of your staff and your customers?

Discover the possibilities here

In the rapidly evolving commercial landscape today, does your HR system still work with the effectiveness of a pen pen in the digital age?

Many small to medium companies (SMEs) are overwhelmed by obsolete manual HR processes, without knowing their potential. It is not just a question of embarrassing paperwork; It is a fundamental obstacle to growth, agility and satisfaction of modern demands. Taking the “Stone Age” of HR is not only ineffective, it actively erodes your competitive advantage and endangers long -term survival.

The moment for a strategic overhaul is now. Let’s make HR a powerful engine of innovation and success in your business.

Time and productivity drains: lost hours and opportunity costs

HR manual processes are more than a simple minor problem; They quietly drain the time and energy of your team, preventing your business from focusing on what really motivates growth

Every minute wasted on a manual process that could be automated, is a minute that could be spent for something that would develop your business. In fact, according to our latest research, Work that works More than half of SMEs spend A whole day per week On employment / HR / salary administrative tasks. This means that 20% of the time is lost in these tasks, leaving only four days for strategy, deep work and business growth. But the report does not simply highlight the problems of the face of the SME, it plunges into the cost of lost time and discovers the main opportunities that SMEs can exploit by adopting smarter workflows.

Imagine the strategic work that your team could do if they recovered only 30 minutes a day, or 2.5 hours overtime per week, or a full and a half day each month, released from privileged administration tasks. These are not only the HR teams; It’s about all Your precious employees have buried in the administrative rapid sand. Here’s how a manual HR system can hinder your progress and have an impact on your results.

Input and fragmentation of manual data

Process: Calculation sheets and paper shapes.

Draft: It doesn’t slow you down; They actively undermine your operational efficiency and your growth. The fragmented data lead to a constant exchange of errors, moving HR and business owners from critical initiatives.

The cost of what you do not do: Less time for coaching, career development and real commercial innovation. Manual HR transform your HR professionals into bottlenecks, not catalysts.

Integrated manual and impressions

Process: New employee integration processes, based on physical documents and signatures in person.

Draft: This creates a slow and tedious experience for new hires, often leading to poor impression and productivity delays. For HR teams and business owners, this means endless impression, the filing and pursuit of missing documents, diverting precious time from more impactful work.

The cost of what you do not do: The slower productivity time for new employees, the increased risk of human error and a missed opportunity to create an experience of engaging and effective integration that sets the tone for a positive job journey. Instead of welcoming and empowering new team members, you are buried in the administrator.

Manual leave requests

Process: Manage leave requests, workload planning.

Draft: Requests for leave on paper or by e-mail lead to disorganized follow-up, the poor communication potential and the difficulties in accurately planning the capacity of the team. This can lead to staff shortages, project delays and frustration for employees and managers.

The cost of what you do not do: The allocation of ineffective resources, the increase in the administrative burden for managers and HR and the lack of visibility in real time in the availability of the team, which makes strategic planning of the workforce. Your precious time is devoted to the continuation of approvals and the manual update of calendars instead of focusing on business growth.

Errors and risks

Process: Payroll errors and risk of conformity

Draft: Manual payroll treatment is a field of potential errors, incorrect calculations to missed retirement pension contributions. Each error does not only cost money; It includes the risk of serious legal penalties, fines and legal impact for your business. Staying manually in addition to the rewards and constantly evolving legislation is an impossible task, exposing you to significant risk of non-compliance.

The cost of what you do not do: Instead of investing in growth or strategic initiatives, you constantly divert resources to correct errors, manage audits and sail in the complex and long landscape of conformity. The stress and the financial drain of potential sanctions considerably harm your ability to focus on what really matters: management and growth of your business.

Does your HR system hold you? It’s time to audit

In the digital age, hanging on the Stone Age HR is not only exceeded, it is a dangerous bet with the future of your business. The transformation of digital HR offers tangible advantages: supercharged operational efficiency, improved compliance and solid experiences of employees that stimulate retention. If you do not know if your HR operations slow down your business, these checkpoints will help you discover so that you can act before it costs you no time, money and talent.

Technology should empower businesses and not retain them. This should help employees do their best, not to bog them with obsolete processes or clumsy systems.

THE Work that works The report also revealed something really important: when employees see their business actively investing in technology, they are 28% more likely to say that they are very productive and 20% less likely to feel that they waste time on ineffective tasks.

It is a powerful reminder that the right tools are not content to facilitate work, they make it more significant. When companies invest in smart and support technology, they also invest in the potential of their people.

Questions that each chief of the SME should ask

The best people to tell you if a process does not work are the members of your team. Start by asking these questions:

• Do we spend too much time on manual HR tasks that could be automated?
• Can we easily access precise HR data when we need it?
• Do our people acquire the HR experience without seam that they are waiting for?
• Do we know what our HR processes cost us in time, errors and loss of productivity?
• Can our current system evolve as we grow?

These questions do not concern the allocation of blame, they are a question of clarity. They help you see if your HR system helps your HR business test or if it holds you.

Key warning signs of obsolete HR operations

• Manual process load: HR forms, integration, leave requests and performance reviews always managed on paper or via spreadsheets?
• Data in silos: Is HR information distributed between emails, files and systems, which makes it difficult to obtain a clear view of your workforce?
• Approval that crawls: Do employees complain about slow leave approvals or delayed responses to HR requests?
• Fire fighting error: Does your HR team spend hours correcting data entry errors or reconciling reports every month?
• Headache report: Draws a simple effort or a rolling ratio from a task in several steps requiring manual work.

If you have hosted one of them, your HR system can be among the ineffective HR systems discreetly draining productivity.

Need help examine your process? Talk to our business specialists today.

It’s time to take your digital HR system

Plan in advance and take your digital HR system so that it grows with you, not against you. For SMEs knowing growth, the traditional HR model quickly becomes a bottleneck. Manual processes designed for a handful of employees are completed under the weight of new hires and expanding operations.

However, digital HR systems are designed for scalability. They respond effortlessly to increase the number of employees, new departments and the evolution of commercial needs without multiplying the general administrative costs. The integration of new team members becomes a rationalized automated process, rather than a mountain of paperwork. As your business develops in new locations or introduces new policies, the digital system can be easily configured and updated, guaranteeing consistency and compliance on your entire workforce. This inherent scalability releases SMEs from the administrative burden of growth, allowing them to focus on strategic expansion and innovation, rather than getting bogged down in HR complexities.

How can use help me go from pen and paper to an HR technological system?

The employment operating system of the employment hero is more than a simple platform – we have taken the traditional isolated aspects of employment and integrated them into a transparent, human and fueled solution by AI which allows employers, employees and job seekers. Find and hire the best talents with smartmatch, on board new hires transparently, automating the complex payroll, stimulates the commitment of employees and more.

Our all-in-one system puts HR, pays, hiring and more in the same place.

A system. All the job.

FAQ to take your digital HR system

In 2025, you are probably no stranger to the concept of artificial intelligence (AI), and how it advances each industry – employment is no exception. While HR platforms have been using Cloud technology for some time, AI technology supervised what HR and Payroll software can do. We all know that companies must adopt AI to move forward and stay competitive, but how Can this happen within HR and payroll?

Google Cloud’s HR head said, “There is a huge opportunity for AI to lift HR”, “ And it can also have real impacts in several ways. HR and Payroll software must become more advanced to stay in advance on the curve, and AI can help you.

We explore what the future of employment looks like – from hiring to the integration and the whole life cycle of employees (not only HR and payroll) – with cloud and AI technology, as well as the way it can help you stay on the right track with compliance.

The cloud and the IA infrastructure show

Before flying in content, we would like to let you know that we are witnessing this year Cloud and AI infrastructure show!

Join our experts on March 12 and 13 in Excel London, as part of the London technological program to know everything about the job operating system for heroes (EOS) and how we can overcome your HR capacities with Smartmatch and Hero AI.

Come find us …

Find us on the day of the CE065 stand or if you cannot arrive, go to our website to Book a demo from our HR software fed by AI today.

How does Cloud & Ai transform employment?

92% of companies plan to invest in a generative AI Over the next three years, but only 1% think that their investments have reached maturity. There is a lot of room to develop with regard to the technology of clouds and AI – some have said that it could be as transformative as the steam engine in the industrial revolution.

And use is no different.

The application of Cloud and IA technology is no longer a futuristic concept, but actively rejoice the way we work and manage talents. The use of AI in our daily life improves the way we work, creating faster, smarter and smoother processes.

The importance of compliance, AI and cloud technology

Cloud and AI are not only to adopt the technologies of the future; It is also a question of ensuring compliance. British companies are required to align their practices on compliance in the United Kingdom and labor lawBut not adopting cloud solutions could considerably undermine compliance efforts in areas such as:

• Data security and confidentiality
• Regulatory updates
• Reports and audit
• Data accessibility and retention
• Compliance from a distance from work

Without compliance, companies could undergo data loss, ineffectiveness and increased compliance failures. These failures can result in financial sanctions, an increase in legal costs, reputation damage, operational disruptions, risks of continuity of activities and internal impacts. Around 90% of British companies Admit already having made payments of payments monthly, costing them on average around £ 150,000 per year.

How can clouds and AI reduce the risk of compliance?

HR compliance is an essential element of commercial practice, and the cloud and AI can help reduce the risk of compliance.

• Safety and confidentiality of improved data – Cloud-based platforms provide a robust safety infrastructure, including encryption, access controls and regular security updates.
• Automate conformity tasks – Automate compliance tasks – AI can help automate tasks such as payroll processing, administration of benefits and registers, reducing human error and precision. Cloud -based systems can also allow automatic software updates to ensure that all compliance changes are quickly implemented.
• Improved report and audit – Generate detailed reports and real -time information on HR data to facilitate any audit of compliance. The AI ​​can also analyze a large amount of data to identify potential models and violations of compliance.

Since the announcement of British government’s first policy policyEncouraging companies to switch to cloud -based options, many took the opportunity to move forward with their business technology.

But does it have an HR system based on the simple cloud?

The hero of employment takes the dreams of AI and makes them reality

GThe UASA group has faced significant challenges in managing their HR and payroll processes. With disjointed systems and dependence on external accountants, ineffectiveness, errors and unnecessary stress were the norm.

But even harder, it was to keep the team engaged and guarantee smooth operations in an industry in turn like the hotel industry, which turned out to be a constant challenge. We spoke with Irua Dugarte, co -owner and responsible for human resources, the difference that the job hero has made since they adopted our platform.

Keeping the team engaged and reducing turnover has always been a challenge, especially in the hotel industry at the rapid rate, traditional recognition methods are not below the motivation staff.

The employment hero use system has introduced innovative tools such as hero points, Hero ai and the Eh work App, transforming how employees interact with HR. With easy access to payments of pay, Rotas and essential documents, employees felt more informed and appreciated. This increase in commitment and transparency has helped reduce turnover and create a more positive work culture.

“Hero AI helps us provide transparency to our employees. When I moved to the United Kingdom, I also worked in hospitality and I did not know my rights – I did not know that we had politicians, I did not know my vacation allowance and it was really difficult. The majority of our workers are in the same position, so I wanted to eliminate all the problems I have faced for them. »»

See how we helped Guasa Group here.

Changing employment needs. Sorted with a job hero

Cloud technology and AI moves HR software to a more intelligent, automated and data -based work way. Cloud platforms provide the infrastructure to store and access HR data and applications, anywhere at any time; While the supervision on AI overalls capacities such as recruitment automation, personalized learning, intelligent performance analysis and predictive information.

And Employment Hero is proud to show the way.

Presentation of the job operating system

We build the first operating system (OS) in the world, propelled by AI, to transform the way companies manage their employees. For what? Because AI is on the verge of the SaaS reshaping, and we want to open the way to the creation of an entirely integrated system which addresses the entire life cycle. It is not only a question of recruitment or compliance; This involves connecting all points – data, safety and smarter solutions – to help companies and employees prosper.

Recruitment has made smarter

Smartmatch is upheaval traditional recruitment. By integrating recruitment and HR, Smartmatch can identify when the roles must be fulfilled, offering a predictive approach that revolutionizes hiring. It reduces the job time from week to day by matching candidates only on skills and experience, by removing unnecessary steps such as writing work or CV descriptions. It is a faster and smarter way to hire and find your next job.

Automated integration

With our platform powered by AI, integration is rationalized and automated. All your integration documents – from policies to training documents – can be sent automatically. This allows HR teams for precious time and ensures compliance at all levels. In addition, by automating these processes, HR professionals can focus on what really matters: improving the growth and well-being of employees.

Triée compliance

Compliance can be a headache, but we have facilitated the task. With our automated compliance system, all the necessary documents are sent to employees for the signature, ensuring that everything is finished in time.

Employees also have access to Hero aiOur Chatbot powered by AI, which allows them to ask questions about business policies, such as holiday rights or maternity leave. Hero AI scans all internal documents and provides precise and instantaneous responses.

We are already investing in the future of your business with Hero IA – our personal HR assistant powered by AI supervised that is part of your pocket! Talk to our experts today On how hero IA can help transform HR of your business.

Integrated employment – The future of HR and payroll

Employment Hero has taken the traditional isolated aspects of employment and integrated them into a transparent, human solution and fueled by AI which allows employers, employees and job seekers.

We postpone the limit of what employment is like, establishing new standards and innovating the ways of working for companies and human resources professionals.

Why not see what our employment operating system powered by AI can do for your business today?

Dispersed processes not only waste time and energy, but also inflate costs and increase the risk of errors. For too long, businesses have had to juggle multiple platforms, face high expenses, and struggle to find the expertise needed to effectively manage their people.

But you deserve better. Whether you’re a HR or payroll manager struggling to get home in time for school, or you’re a new business owner who finds yourself chained to your desk on a Saturday, passing sifting through payroll errors and compliance issues. You should be able to reclaim your time.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce Employment Hero’s next-generation platform, the only end-to-end solution you need to bring simplicity, efficiency and, dare we say, a little excitement to job management. your workforce.

Imagine a world where all your employment needs (HR, recruitment, training, retention and payroll) are brought together on a single, transparent platform. Now, Employment Hero boldly unifies all aspects of human resources management into a single, intuitive system, powered by AI-driven automations and real-time insights.

No more switching between tools, no more data headaches, and no more double-thinking: everything you need to grow your business, centralized in one place. And we promise, it’s not only good, it’s a game changer.

Breaking the Mold: What Makes the Job Hero Different

While other platforms might promise to improve certain elements of your HR or payroll, the next generation of Employment Hero goes further, delivering a comprehensive, transformative solution that will redefine your business. Here’s what sets us apart:

True end-to-end management: Seamlessly manage every step of the employee journey, from hiring top talent to ensuring accurate payroll and building engagement, all within a single integrated platform. This all-in-one approach saves you time, reduces errors, and allows your team to focus on what really matters: growth.

Centralized Data and AI-Driven Automation: Say goodbye to the inefficiencies of dispersed systems. The new era of Employment Hero means you can leverage centralized data to power AI automations that reduce manual tasks, improve accuracy, and provide valuable insights that drive smarter decision-making.

Disruptive price points: Access premium, cutting-edge features without the high price tag. We are committed to delivering world-class technology at a price that suits businesses of all sizes, ensuring that innovation is not just for the big players.

The Job Hero Advantage

Unlock the full potential of your business with Employment Hero

Employment Hero’s evolution isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about leading the charge and setting new standards. No matter where you are in your growth journey, our platform is designed to propel you forward. Here’s how you can transform your operations and take the lead:

Consolidate: Let go of the chaos of multiple systems. With Employment Hero, you can now consolidate all your HR, payroll and recruiting processes into one unified platform. No more switching between apps or losing data in the transition—just streamlined efficiency that lets your team focus on what really matters.

Raise: It’s time to work smarter, not harder. Our intelligent automations handle heavy administrative tasks, allowing your team to focus on high-impact work that moves your business forward. Think less about paperwork and more time about strategy, innovation and making a real difference.

To optimise: Access new levels of productivity and efficiency. From significant cost savings to improved people management, Employment Hero optimizes every facet of your operations as your business scales, transforming everyday tasks into powerful growth opportunities. Don’t just manage, thrive.

The plan for the next generation of jobs

We developed Employment Hero around eight powerful value pillars, each designed to address the unique challenges businesses face in managing their people. Here’s how they work together to elevate your organization:

• Basic HR: Streamline every step of the employee journey, from onboarding to compliance. Free up time for your HR team and ensure your business remains compliant every step of the way.
• Time and presence: Simplify time tracking, rotation management and return to work processes while maintaining respect for the right to work. Say goodbye to manual errors and keep your staff running smoothly.
• Pay: Automate payroll calculations, manage flexible compensation options and streamline tax and pension contributions. Reduce manual intervention, improve accuracy, and ensure your team always gets paid on time.
• Hire talent: Find, hire, train and retain top talent faster with SmartMatch technology. Streamline your recruiting process, automate candidate selection, and create a strong talent pipeline that aligns with your business goals.
• Information and analysis: Access detailed payroll reports and valuable insights on workforce trends. Make data-driven decisions that will set your business up for success, knowing you have the right information when you need it.
• Employee engagement and experience: Boost morale with happiness surveys, perks, rewards, InstaPay, and learning opportunities. Create a magnetic company culture that attracts and retains top talent, helping you build a happier, more productive team.
• IT and security: Protect your data with advanced security features, including API access, single sign-on (SSO), and custom security settings. Manage your staff with confidence knowing your sensitive information is secure.
• Services and support: Get dedicated support from expert payroll specialists and HR advisors whenever you need it. Our UK-based team are here to help by providing guidance, advice and representation, ensuring you always have expert support at your side.

By consolidating these eight powerful pillars into a single platform, Employment Hero not only streamlines your HR and payroll, it revolutionizes how your entire organization works. Save time, reduce costs and finally focus on what matters most: growing your business and supporting your employees.

Why this is important to you

Employment Hero is not just another tool: it is a revolutionary tool for companies ready to consolidate, elevate and optimize their personnel management. With centralized job requirements, industry-leading automation, and disruptive pricing, we enable you to reclaim your time, increase your efficiency, and grow with confidence.

Ready to redefine the future of work?

Connect with us today to discover how the next generation of Employment Hero can transform your approach to HR, recruiting and payroll. Don’t settle: enter the next generation of employment management and let’s build the future of work together.

Learn more and speak to one of our specialists today.