As audit practices across Australia and New Zealand push deeper into 2025, a clear pattern is emerging: regulatory expectations are climbing, resources are tightening, and the demand for smarter, tech-enabled workflows is growing rapidly. These forces aren’t just shaping how audits are delivered—they’re redefining what it means to be audit-ready. 

From Canberra to Auckland, auditors are navigating a period of intense change. And amid this flux, one trend is becoming increasingly evident: the need for systems that don’t just support audit delivery—but power it. 

Heightened scrutiny: A new era of independence 

The audit profession is under sharper scrutiny than ever. In Australia, ASIC has signalled its focus on audit independence, transparency, and improved quality. Recent recommendations from the Parliamentary Joint Committee push for increased disclosure of non-audit services and mandatory audit tendering to mitigate perceived conflicts of interest. 

Across the Tasman, New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has overhauled its oversight framework, now requiring annual inspections of licensed audit firms—raising the bar for consistency and ongoing readiness. 

Workforce pressure and structural reforms 

A shrinking talent pool continues to strain audit practices. As noted by Chartered Accountants ANZ, the inclusion of auditors and accountants on Australia’s skilled migration list underscores the severity of the talent shortage facing the profession. 

Simultaneously, the government is exploring reforms to consolidate the AASB, AUASB, and FRC into a single regulatory body—raising questions about how these structural changes will affect audit policy, standard-setting, and oversight. 

Climate disclosures and technology adoption 

The introduction of mandatory climate-related financial disclosures in Australia from 1 January 2025, starting with large listed and financial institutions, marks a significant shift. These disclosures are not just regulatory tick-boxes—they demand detailed understanding of ESG risks and the capacity to incorporate new data streams into financial assessments. 

In this environment, embracing intelligent technology is not optional—it’s essential. From artificial intelligence to automated risk assessment, firms are turning to tools that can reduce manual tasks, support compliance, and deliver deeper insights. 

What auditors are really saying 

A recent blog from Validis captures a candid picture of Australia’s audit tech landscape. It notes: “If you want to understand the Australian audit tech ecosystem, start with Caseware.” 

That sentiment is echoed across the industry. As the author observed, “in nearly every meeting, the moment Caseware was mentioned, I watched partners perk up with immediate interest.” One Big 4 technology lead put it plainly: “That’s not a ‘nice-to-have’ integration—that’s table stakes for the Australian market.” 

The firms finding the most success are those integrating high-quality, standardised data into their Caseware workflows. The strength of the ecosystem doesn’t just lie in its popularity—it lies in how well it connects across systems, creating a cohesive audit process from planning through to final sign-off. 

Looking Forward 

The message for 2025 is clear: complexity is here to stay. The firms that thrive will be those that build adaptable, integrated ecosystems—supported by tools designed for the unique pressures of the ANZ market. 

Audit workflows need to be intelligent, connected, and resilient—ready to respond to regulatory change, workforce limitations, and evolving client expectations. 

Take the Next Step 

Is your firm ready to integrate smarter audit solutions into your existing ecosystem? 

Download Caseware’s AI Guide for Accounting Firms and explore how the right tools can help you navigate 2025 and beyond. 

Generative AI (Gen AI) is reshaping audit and accounting. By automating routine tasks like summarizing lengthy documents, providing context-aware responses to accounting-specific questions and extracting key information from files, firms can free up their staff to focus on higher-value activities. 

However, leveraging AI effectively requires a balance between innovation and oversight. Firms must prioritize security, compliance and ethical considerations, ensuring Gen AI tools align with industry standards and protect sensitive client data. Purpose-built AI solutions, designed specifically for audit and accounting, deliver the most value, enhancing decision-making while respecting the critical role of human judgment. 

With 64% of companies already considering AI usage in their auditor selection process, the profession is rapidly evolving. Gen AI can elevate audit teams, refine engagement planning and even assist in financial forecasting. But human expertise remains essential. AI is a powerful assistant, not a replacement. 

This guide explores how firms can integrate AI responsibly, maximize its benefits and prepare for a future where technology and professional insight work together to improve audit efficiency and quality.  

Join us for an engaging session featuring Danielle Supkis Cheek, SVP AI, Analytics and Assurance, a renowned thought leader with extensive expertise in AI-driven audit solutions and data analytics. She will provide expert insights into the transformative opportunities and potential risks of AI-powered audit analytics.

What to Expect:

• ✅ Insights into the transformative impact of AI-powered data analytics on auditing.
• ✅ A demonstration of IDEA 13 and AiDA, showcasing real-world applications.
• ✅ Expert guidance on implementation strategies, including prompting and training requirements.

The webinar will also introduce the latest generation of the data analytics software IDEA 13, presenting short examples of AI driven audit analysis. Additionally, it will address the question of what is needed to implement the software, including prompting and training requirements. Secure your spot today and stay ahead in the world of AI-driven audit analytics.

Organisations across the globe are increasingly turning to AI to improve their financial processes and operations. Recent research from IDC found that 96 percent of organisations currently use, or plan to use, AI in their financial processes. There are several reasons why. Forty-eight percent of companies find AI helps them spend less time on menial tasks; 33 percent are investing in Gen AI assistants to improve employee productivity; 29 percent are relying on AI to handle manual processes that must be reconciled with technology systems; and 26 percent are turning to AI because they need help handling their workloads. 

This increasing use of AI in business has significant implications for firms. It will change how they conduct their audits and the technologies they use in the audit process. A paper from CPA Canada and the AICPA called “The Data-Driven Audit: How Automation and AI are Changing the Audit and the Role of the Auditor” identified several potential opportunities client use of AI tools creates for firms. These include: 

• Assurance reporting on a client’s AI tool 
• Assurance reporting on the client’s AI tool controls and process  
• Assurance reporting on the client’s appropriate use of AI 
• Assurance reporting on AI-enabled robotic process automation applications 

As clients increase the use of AI in their financial operations, firms will need to hire and train staff who understand how AI systems function, change their audit approach to account for AI-driven financial systems and invest in their own AI systems to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of their work. 

The need for AI skills in auditing processes 

With more clients deploying AI in their financial processes, accounting firms will need to understand how those AI systems work. This will include figuring out how AI algorithms function, where the AI is pulling data from, how the AI makes its decisions and how accurate the final output is, according to the CPA Canada/AICPA paper. 

Critical thinking, analytical skills, professional skepticism and sound judgement – the traditional core skills of all excellent auditors – will continue to be important in auditing AI systems.  

But audit teams examining AI systems and controls should also have a range of AI-specific knowledge, including: 

• Machine learning, a subset of AI that enables systems to learn patterns and make decisions without being explicitly programmed by analysing and adapting to data 
• Understanding how AI algorithms and the source underlying the system function 
• The risks presented by AI, such as inaccurate output, potential bias and compliance with privacy laws 

Firms have a few options to weave these skills into their audit teams. They can hire auditors who already possess some knowledge of AI. They can hire or collaborate with technology specialists to assist in auditing AI processes or invest in training their auditors in AI, machine learning and data science.  

A variety of organisations, including the Institute of Internal Auditors and ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance, offer courses in auditing AI. And professional bodies, like the AICPA, offer resources on better understanding AI and its capabilities, AI governance and AI risk management.  

Adapting audit approaches for AI systems 

As firms begin auditing AI systems, they should update their methodologies to account for new processes. Risk assessments may evolve to incorporate AI-specific risks, such as a lack of transparency and bias.  

AI audits will also need to ensure systems comply with existing and emerging AI regulations, such as the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act. Firms will also need to address jurisdictional differences in AI-related regulations for clients with operations across multiple countries. 

Enhancing audit efficiency with AI tools 

Firms that don’t invest in their own AI systems may find it difficult to attract business. BDO USA’s “2024 Audit Innovation Survey” polled 200 finance leaders about their use of advanced technologies in audit. They found that 64 percent said they look for a firm that uses AI before engaging with an auditor. By investing in AI skills and tools, firms can harness AI’s potential to meet evolving client demands and enhance their services while improving audit quality. 

IDC’s research discovered there are several benefits audit firms identified in using AI tools. Forty-one percent of survey respondents said AI increased accuracy because it can identify anomalies and patterns that may be missed by manual review. Over one-third of respondents said AI improved business efficiencies by processing large volumes of data quickly. And more than one quarter said AI reduces overall costs by automating routine tasks.  

Here are a few examples of how a Gen AI tool purpose-built for auditors, like Caseware AiDA, an AI-powered digital assistant, can free up time for audit teams: 

• It can examine lengthy PDF files or other documents and quickly create accurate summaries with links and citations, saving auditors from having to read through hundreds of pages 
• AI tools trained on audit-specific information can provide context-aware answers to questions related to a document, such as lease agreements or inventory records 
• AI trained on audit standards can ensure a firm’s work meets the highest professional benchmarks 

Ensuring privacy and compliance in the use of AI tools 

Any AI systems accounting firms use should comply with professional standards and protect client privacy. General-purpose Gen AI tools don’t meet these requirements. They save the queries entered into them and use these queries to train the AI’s language models. This means that information can potentially be accessed by anyone using the same Gen AI tool because the tool retains every query and can include that information in its subsequent responses. 

Firms should instead rely on AI tools purpose-built for auditors and accountants. These tools should retain no user prompts and feed no information back into a large language model. This allows firms to maintain the highest standards of data security and client privacy.  

As AI continues to revolutionise financial processes, accounting firms must embrace the opportunities and challenges it presents. Firms can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape by equipping their teams with the necessary AI-specific skills, updating methodologies to account for AI-driven systems, and investing in cutting-edge AI tools. The integration of AI enhances efficiency and allows auditors to focus on high-value tasks, ultimately improving audit quality and client satisfaction. Firms that proactively adapt to the AI era will be well-positioned to deliver innovative and reliable assurance services, ensuring their relevance in an increasingly data-driven world. 

Request a demo today to learn more about how AI solutions like Caseware AiDA can streamline workflows, allowing your team to focus on the most critical areas of each engagement. 

Technology change is a constant in today’s fast-evolving audit and accounting landscape and navigating it successfully can be challenging. At a Caseware event, a panel of customers from leading accounting firms shared their experiences and insights on managing technological transformation within their firms.

The panelists included: Tricia Katebini, Partner, Audit and Assurance, GRF CPAs & Advisors; Matt Sutorius, Shareholder, Clark Nuber PS; and Mike Loritz, Shareholder, CBIZ.

The panelists shared how their firms managed all aspects of the transformation process, offering practical insights and recommendations from their experiences. Their discussion included targeting decision-makers, being sensitive to company culture and implementing training and support. Here’s what the panelists had to say.

Bringing change to decision-makers and across the firm

The panel discussed the necessity of bringing change not only to top decision-makers but to the entire firm. Loritz addressed the need for educating the whole practice about why a specific change is necessary. Rarely are all members of a practice on the same page. 

“You’ll have the full spectrum. You’ll have the individuals [who] embrace change. You don’t even have to tell them why. But you have individuals on the other end of that spectrum who say, ‘What’s the problem? Why do we need to do something?’”

Katebini echoed this sentiment and emphasised the crucial role of communication across the firm. Simply giving a mandatory directive can fail, as team members who need help understanding the reasoning behind the solution might not use it. They can see adopting a new solution as burdensome on top of their already hefty workloads. So, communicating the future benefits of the change is not just important; it’s critical. 

Sutorius said a solid strategy is to start with a small group of partners who are more receptive to the idea and work up from there. “Knowing when to bring that to the full group when you’ve done the work is important.”

Loritz’s organisation has a tech champ network – a group of individuals throughout the offices who act as the technology testing team. These individuals are early adopters of new technologies and are responsible for testing and providing feedback on new software or systems. The team also drives the technology and innovation culture within the firm through a boots-on-the-ground approach and being champions of change.

The importance of culture in driving change

The panel talked at length about how a practice’s culture can support or impede change. Practices driving change must be aware of its impact on culture. 

“We have to make sure that the changes we are implementing aren’t going to split apart the culture that we have created within the firm,” Katebini noted.

Sutorius noted the need for alignment with incentives. If firms tie bonuses to productivity and team members have to deal with a massive software change, there will be resistance. “Structuring their bonuses or their promotions around what we want them to do is important.”

Implementation of training and support

The panel discussed the methodology and philosophy behind training and implementation, emphasising a deliberate approach to training rollout. “Give yourselves a long runway,” Katebini said. “Be able to understand it’s not an overnight switch. It’s a long process, a long journey of understanding how the system works, what happens in the background and how to make the updates.”

Sutorius said it’s important to be deliberate about who gets trained when. Internal team members trained early on the technology, who can then train everyone else in the organisation, might work better than hiring an outside party to do everything. 

Loritz noted the importance of starting with early adopters who can offer firsthand accounts of their experience. “If they’ve bought in, now we take the benefits to our board or executive committee: here’s why the ROI is positive. That sells them.” 

Monitoring and feedback

How to assess an implementation’s success was also a topic of discussion. Aside from human feedback, there’s also great value in looking at the data.

Katebini said data can provide a significant amount of information. “We recently implemented a new technology, and we could easily take the engagements tied to that technology and calculate the time our firm saved. So, we can take some of that time saving in our budget and foster and develop that relationship with the client, which sparks additional revenue.”

Sutorius followed this point by emphasising the importance of authentic metrics, especially when selling value to clients. “You have to be genuine in those things.”

As for feedback and implementation, Sutorius discussed the importance of setting goals for the implementation of new software, to get it up and running. That can include making use of the new solution mandatory.

The insights shared by the panelists highlight the multifaceted approach required to successfully navigate technological change in the audit and accounting industry. By engaging decision-makers, fostering a supportive culture, implementing thorough training programs and continuously monitoring progress, firms can effectively manage transformation and drive future success. The experiences of the panelists underscored the importance of clear communication, strategic planning and leveraging data to demonstrate the value of new technologies. As firms continue to adapt, these strategies will be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge and achieving long-term growth.

Drive your technology change with Caseware

Caseware’s cloud-enabled audit, assurance and financial reporting solutions help firms transform their engagements and work smarter. The Caseware platform, for example, offers a consistent user interface across all audit products combining planning, analytics, documentation and reporting into a single solution. With seamless integration of third-party applications, it enables streamlined, automated workflows and real-time collaboration for enhanced efficiency.

The platform features top-tier security, extensive data ingestion capabilities, embedded AI and a developer toolkit for easy configuration and customisation. It also offers seamless connectivity to third-party applications and internal systems. The combination of the Caseware platform, Caseware’s robust technology stack and comprehensive methodologies results in industry-leading solutions that improve efficiency, enhance accuracy and deliver an exceptional client experience.

Learn how Caseware can transform your engagements by scheduling a demo today. 

Join Matthew Thomas for an exclusive walkthrough of the Caseware Cloud Connector, where he’ll demonstrate the powerful capabilities of this tool.

Join George Pinto for an engaging session to refresh and enhance your Caseware SQM skills. Stay ahead by exploring the latest features and updates, ensuring you’re making the most of this powerful tool.

Embracing the power of a digital assistant can help you to focus on what matters most. Watch this webinar to learn how Caseware AiDA transforms engagements with AI-powered efficiency and insight.

What you’ll learn:
✅ Harness the ‘Power of the Prompt’
✅ Automate document summaries and context-aware insights
✅ Understand industry and engagement-related considerations
✅ Get instant Caseware FAQ guidance
✅ Empower your team with a tool designed specifically for auditors and accountants
✅ Seamlessly integrate AiDA into your existing Caseware cloud products.

Enter your details below to access the video.

Before diving into AI and digital tools, it’s essential to master the fundamentals—especially data analytics. If you’re struggling how to integrate it effectively into your processes, join us to learn where to start and how to get it right.

What you’ll learn:
✅ Why data analytics is essential for auditors
✅ A comparison of IDEA and other tools to find the best fit for your organisation
✅ Strategies for balancing specialists vs generalists in your team
✅ Key skills every auditor needs to succeed in data analytics
✅ Tips for effective training and avoiding common pitfalls.

As we progress through 2025, the field of audit is witnessing transformative advancements driven by technology, regulatory updates and evolving business requirements. This article delves into the key trends shaping the audit landscape and examines how they can provide value to auditors and their organisations in an ever-changing environment. 

Key predictions and trends for 2025 

AI and automation are redefining auditing workflows 

Technologies such as AI and automation are significantly improving the efficiency and precision of auditing processes. By enabling auditors to swiftly analyse vast datasets and detect anomalies, these innovations help firms allocate resources more effectively. Recent research shows that 72% of audit leaders believe AI enhances audit quality by minimising human errors and enabling a stronger focus on valuable insights. 

Real-time auditing becomes a priority 

Real-time audit facilitates continuous transaction monitoring and compliance, offering businesses instant insights into their operations. This approach allows leaders to proactively address risks, thereby strengthening governance and decision-making processes. Companies adopting real-time auditing have seen a reduction in compliance violations and faster identification of irregularities. 

ESG audit emerges as a priority 

As stakeholders increasingly demand accountability in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics, auditors are taking on a critical role in verifying these reports. With more than 80% of global companies incorporating sustainability metrics into their annual disclosures, ESG reporting has become a strategic focus. Auditors must adapt to evaluate these effectively and provide insights that support compliance and long-term value creation. 

Data security and compliance take centre stage 

As digital transformation accelerates, cybersecurity is a growing concern. Auditors must assess and bolster systems to safeguard against breaches. Firms that implement strong cybersecurity measures report a reduction in financial losses related to cyber incidents, underscoring the need for advanced security audits.  

Essential tools for auditors in 2025 

To stay aligned with these trends and maximise their impact, auditors should prioritise tools with the following features: 

Advanced AI and machine learning capabilities 

Sophisticated AI algorithms can analyse large, complex datasets, identify anomalies and predict risks. For decision-makers, this means faster identification of strategic opportunities and threats. For example, Caseware’s IDEA tool uses AI-powered analytics to provide real-time data processing and predictive insights.  Additionally, Caseware AiDA, an AI-powered digital assistant, automates document summaries and delivers context-aware insights, enabling accounting and audit professionals to focus on higher-value tasks more efficiently.

Seamless integration with enterprise systems 

The most effective tools integrate smoothly with existing ERP and financial systems, ensuring uninterrupted workflows and real-time data synchronisation. Tools with robust API capabilities are particularly beneficial. 

Strong data security and compliance features 

With cybersecurity being a top priority, tools should include encryption, role-based access controls and continuous compliance monitoring to minimise regulatory and financial risks. 

Customisable dashboards and reporting 

Customisable dashboards allow auditors to create tailored reports that address stakeholders’ specific needs. Clearer visualisations of financial and operational metrics enable better-informed strategies. 

Capabilities for ESG and sustainability metrics 

Tools should enable the measurement, monitoring and reporting of ESG factors, which are vital for meeting global sustainability standards and demonstrating accountability to investors. 

User-friendly interfaces with training support 

Intuitive designs and robust training resources ensure quick adoption, allowing teams to fully leverage tools without steep learning curves. 

Blockchain compatibility 

For organisations utilising blockchain, tools must support seamless transaction verification and smart contract audits, enhancing data integrity while saving time and reducing operational risks. 

Integrating advanced technologies will redefine the audit profession, making these features indispensable. Similarly, Gartner emphasises that real-time audit capabilities improve governance and reduce risk by up to 60%. 

In 2025, the audit profession stands out for its ability to embrace innovative technologies and proactively address emerging challenges. For executives, managers and decision-makers, adopting tools with the right capabilities ensures compliance and supports strategic growth. By increasing efficiency, enhancing transparency and addressing critical issues like ESG compliance and cybersecurity, auditors can position their organisations as industry leaders. 

By harnessing these tools and staying ahead of key trends, auditors can transform their roles from compliance specialists to strategic advisers, delivering significant value to their organisations and stakeholders.