The Digital Accountancy Show 2025 marked a noticeable shift in the industry mood. Last year’s buzzword? AI. This year? Focus.
That’s not to say AI is off the table—far from it. But the hype has given way to something more grounded: How do we actually use technology to make work better? The conversations were more practical, more human, and more focused on what really matters—getting time back, building resilient firms, and delivering real value to clients.
Here are our five biggest takeaways from the event.
- Payments are still painfully manual—but not for long
- Business process outsourcing is gaining mid-market momentum
- Your marketing does 70% of the relationship work—before you even speak
- The Virtual FD isn’t a trend
- The AI conversation is evolving finally
1. Payments are still painfully manual—but not for long
Despite all the innovation in the industry, payments remain a surprising pain point. Accountants and bookkeepers still spend evenings making client payments, chasing approvals, or untangling reconciliation issues.
But the tide is turning. A recurring message throughout the show was this: Payments don’t have to be your burden.
Firms are starting to reassess how they manage client payments—not just to save time, but to build a better service. That means asking hard questions:
- How many payments are we manually processing each week?
- What time is this costing us — and when (Friday nights, anyone)?
- Could this be automated, delegated, or packaged as a service?
- Are automated payments worth the effort?
By reframing payment processes as a strategic offering, firms can free up valuable time and position themselves as trusted financial partners, not just processors.
2. Business process outsourcing is gaining mid-market momentum
A standout panel session tackled a big question: Why are so many mid-market clients still underserved?
The answer? They’re stuck between DIY finance and hiring in-house talent—and that’s where firms offering outsourced finance functions can shine.
From virtual FD services to interim finance teams, outsourcing is no longer just a stopgap. It’s a strategic, flexible solution. Panellists urged firms to take a holistic approach:
- Understand each client’s pain points and systems
- Tailor support that evolves as the client scales
- Act as a coordinator—not just a number cruncher
The firms that succeed here aren’t chasing short-term fixes. They’re building long-term, high-value relationships.
3. Your marketing does 70% of the relationship work—before you even speak
Accountants are often great at word-of-mouth. But DAS 2025 reminded us that digital experience matters—a lot.
One stat stuck with us: 75% of users judge your credibility based on your website design. And up to 70% of the emotional connection a prospect forms happens before they ever pick up the phone.
That means your digital presence should reflect the experience of working with you. The best firms aren’t hiding their expertise—they’re showcasing it through:
- Interactive calculators
- Free checklists and sample reports
- Video explainers
- A clear, documented brand voice
Small changes can have a big impact. Even reducing your page count can increase engagement. If your marketing feels like an afterthought, you could be missing out on the clients who need you most.
4. The Virtual FD isn’t a trend
Whether in outsourcing panels or payments roundtables, the same theme cropped up again and again: time saved is only powerful if you know what to do with it.
More firms are realising that by eliminating admin tasks—especially around payments—they can reinvest that time into higher-value work:
- Forecasting and scenario planning
- Strategic investment advice
- Helping clients scale with confidence
In short, less time on bank files and reconciliations means more time as a strategic advisor. That’s not just good for clients — it opens new revenue streams for firms. The rise of the Virtual FD model is a natural next step, and it’s already proving invaluable. Look around for the tech features that save time in the tasks that you don’t want to do.
5. The AI conversation is evolving finally
Last year, everyone was talking about AI. This year, they’re asking a more interesting question:
What work do we actually want to automate—and what work do we want to keep doing?
This isn’t just about tools. It’s about intention.
The most thoughtful conversations at DAS 2025 were about designing smarter workloads.
- Automating what drains time and focus
- Elevating the work that builds relationships and drives value
- Being deliberate about how tech fits into your processes—not just adding apps for the sake of it
- Replacing manual AP tasks with automated workflows
The firms that thrive won’t be the ones who “use AI”—they’ll be the ones who reshape their day-to-day work around what actually matters.
Final thoughts: Time is your most valuable asset
At DAS 2025, one thing became crystal clear—the firms that are pulling ahead aren’t necessarily the biggest or flashiest. They’re the ones ruthlessly focused on where their time goes.
Whether it’s streamlining payments, repositioning your role as a Virtual FD, or tightening up your marketing funnel—this year is all about doing more of what matters.
Want to find out how Modulr can help you reclaim time and unlock strategic services?
