Hi

As more of the technical accounting work is automated, something curious happens.

The businesses that win will not be the ones with the cleverest software. They’ll be the ones who are most human.

That sounds counter-intuitive. It isn’t.

Think about the last really big decision you made in your business. You probably didn’t want a spreadsheet. You wanted someone to:

• Help you frame the decision
• Challenge your assumptions
• Talk through scenarios
• Give you the confidence to act

Technology will not do that on its own.

The future of accounting will massively increase the importance of what we call “soft skills”:

• Listening
• Asking good questions
• Explaining clearly
• Handling difficult conversations
• Understanding different personalities and needs

Your accountant’s technical knowledge will still matter. But it will be assumed.

What will differentiate them is their ability to translate numbers into a story you understand and can act on.

Some practical tests:

• Do you leave meetings clearer, or more confused?
• Do they ask about your personal goals as well as the business?
• Do they adapt how they communicate to you, or force you into their template?
• When something goes wrong, do they hide behind email, or pick up the phone?

If your accountant never challenges you, that’s a red flag.

You don’t need a cheerleader. You need someone who can say, “I know you love this product, but it’s draining your cash. Let’s look at the data.”

For accountants, this is uncomfortable. It means:

• Less time hiding in spreadsheets
• More time in messy, emotional human conversations
• Proper investment in coaching, communication and leadership skills

But it’s also where the fun is. This is where you move from “preparing accounts” to shaping businesses and lives. The result will be the tools will get smarter. The question is: will the people who use them become better advisers as well?

As a business owner, favour the firms that are visibly investing in themselves, not just their tech.

Because in 2026, the premium is on one thing: a calm, thoughtful human sitting beside you when the stakes are high.

Noel Guilford

PS If you want an accountant who challenges your thinking as well as doing the numbers, get in touch and let’s see whether we’re a good fit.