We’re no longer peering into the future—digital transformation and AI in accounting have arrived, shaking up our profession in the best possible way. At a recent lively panel I moderated, brilliant minds Lielette Calleja (BusinessDepot), Sabby Gill (Dext), and Aleesha Bailey (RSM Australia) unpacked precisely how we can harness this momentum.
Sabby Gill rightly highlighted the urgency of developing a digital mindset. “Bookkeeping is a process, not just a job,” Sabby says. “It’s about having the most up-to-date financial data at your fingertips so you can make dynamic, informed decisions.” The old ways—waiting 18 months for accurate records—simply won’t cut it. Sabby also emphasised that digital transformation is now the top priority for businesses due to intense competition and regulatory pressures. “If you don’t keep up, you’re not losing jobs to AI; you’re losing clients to those who are adapting quicker.”
Lielette Calleja, whose firm won the international ‘Firm of the Future’ award, stresses the importance of ongoing evolution. “The moment you stand still, you risk being left behind,” she notes. A practical tip from Lielette? “Always start by identifying what you’re trying to solve before throwing an app at it.” It’s about thoughtful adoption, not tech for tech’s sake. Lielette points out a common challenge: “Clients struggle with finding the right people to implement tech effectively. Our role isn’t just to identify solutions, but also to connect clients with the right specialists.”
Aleesha Bailey adds invaluable insight into staff training and digital adoption, suggesting we “simplify and standardise systems first, then train staff thoroughly.” A gold nugget from Aleesha: “Automate the mundane so your team can step into advisory roles.” She underscores the significance of clearly communicating the benefits of digital tools to staff, ensuring they understand their role is critical in client relationships and business success.
Training, according to Lielette, has transformed dramatically. “We now train our team from the end result backward. It’s crucial they understand their impact and responsibilities because errors are visible to clients in real-time,” she explains. Lielette also shares the intriguing difference in training dynamics: “Offshore teams tend to learn quickly through repetitive tasks but might struggle with unexpected scenarios. Local teams excel in thinking outside the box.”
Networking and continuous learning are critical, as Sabby rightly advises: “Use events and community connections to stay ahead. Be proactive—explore tools, engage with peers, and elevate your role to become indispensable advisors.” Aleesha further reinforces this by highlighting the rich learning opportunities available within professional communities. “Don’t hesitate to reach out and learn from your network; we grow collectively,” she encourages.
My own takeaway? Keep your eyes open, lean into the community, and don’t be afraid to delegate—know your strengths and when to bring in specialists. AI won’t replace your trusted advisor role, but it will supercharge it.
This was from a conversation we had at the Sydney Accounting and Business Expo 2025
The session was sponsored by Dext, an automation platform that allows users to capture receipts, invoices, and bank statements through various methods, including mobile apps, email, and direct integrations with accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage. Utilising advanced AI and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, Dext extracts key data with over 99% accuracy, reducing manual data entry and minimising errors.