AI is no longer a futuristic concept for accountants – it’s here, and it’s transforming how we work. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the seven best AI tools that UK accountants should be using in 2025.
Why AI Matters for Accountants
Before diving into our recommendations, let’s address the elephant in the room: AI isn’t coming for your job. Instead, it’s here to handle the repetitive, time-consuming tasks that keep you from higher-value advisory work.
The accountants who embrace these tools are finding they can:
- Spend less time on data entry and more time advising clients
- Catch errors faster through intelligent automation
- Deliver faster turnarounds on routine work
- Compete more effectively with larger firms
Our Top 7 AI Tools for 2025
1. Xero – Best for Cloud Accounting
Xero tops our list for its exceptional AI-powered bank reconciliation and intelligent automation features. For UK accountants, its MTD compliance and excellent UK bank integrations make it the obvious choice.
Key AI Features:
- Smart bank reconciliation that learns from your patterns
- Intelligent transaction categorisation
- Automated invoice reminders
Best for: Practices managing multiple UK clients who want robust, reliable cloud accounting.
2. ChatGPT – Best for General Productivity
ChatGPT has become an indispensable tool for many accountants. From drafting client emails to creating Excel formulas, it’s remarkably versatile.
Key AI Features:
- Professional communication drafting
- Excel formula creation from plain English
- Research and explanation of complex topics
Best for: Daily productivity tasks and communication assistance.
3. Claude – Best for Complex Analysis
Claude excels where nuanced, thoughtful responses are needed. Its ability to handle long documents makes it particularly useful for reviewing contracts and regulations.
Key AI Features:
- Superior performance with long documents
- Nuanced, careful reasoning
- Strong at following complex instructions
Best for: Complex analysis and long-form content work.
4. QuickBooks – Best for Small Businesses
QuickBooks offers a user-friendly alternative to Xero, with solid AI features for smaller businesses and sole traders.
Key AI Features:
- Smart categorisation
- Receipt capture and processing
- Automated VAT calculations
Best for: Smaller practices and self-employed clients.
5. Dext – Best for Document Processing
Dext (formerly Receipt Bank) uses AI to automate the most tedious part of bookkeeping: data entry from receipts and invoices.
Key AI Features:
- High-accuracy OCR extraction
- Automatic categorisation
- Multi-platform document capture
Best for: High-volume practices needing to eliminate manual data entry.
6. Chaser – Best for Payment Collection
Chaser uses AI to predict payment behaviour and automate invoice chasing, helping practices improve cash flow.
Key AI Features:
- Payment prediction
- Intelligent reminder scheduling
- Personalised chase sequences
Best for: Practices with clients who struggle with timely payments.
7. Microsoft Copilot – Best for Microsoft Users
Microsoft Copilot brings AI directly into Excel, Word, and Outlook – making it ideal for practices embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Key AI Features:
- In-Excel data analysis
- Document drafting assistance
- Email summarisation and drafting
Best for: Practices heavily invested in Microsoft 365.
How to Choose the Right Tools
Every practice is different, so here’s our framework for deciding which tools to prioritise:
Start with Your Pain Points
Ask yourself: Where do you spend the most time on repetitive tasks? That’s where AI can have the biggest impact.
Consider Your Existing Stack
AI tools work best when they integrate with your existing software. Check compatibility before committing.
Start Small
You don’t need all seven tools. Pick one or two that address your biggest challenges and master them before adding more.
Factor in Training Time
AI tools require learning. Budget time for you and your team to develop proficiency.
Looking Ahead
The AI landscape is evolving rapidly. Tools that barely existed a year ago are now indispensable for many practices. Our advice: stay curious, experiment with new tools, and don’t be afraid to change your stack if something better comes along.
The accountants who will thrive in the coming years are those who see AI as a partner, not a threat – embracing these tools to deliver better service and reclaim time for the work that truly matters.
This guide is updated regularly. Last update: January 2025.
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure for details.