{"id":23979,"date":"2025-08-13T09:31:24","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T08:31:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=23979"},"modified":"2026-03-10T13:12:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T13:12:04","slug":"authentic-intelligence-in-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/authentic-intelligence-in-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Authentic intelligence in action: How agentic AI will shape the future of accounting"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/technology-innovation\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Technology &amp; Innovation<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAuthentic intelligence in action: How agentic AI will shape the future of accounting\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIn this second article of our agentic AI series, we explore how autonomous, purpose-driven AI changes the accountant\u2019s day-to-day role \u2013 from enabling reactive reporting to encouraging proactive leadership.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-08-13T09:31:24+01:00\">13 August, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Authentic intelligence in action: How agentic AI will shape the future of accounting\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/authentic-intelligence-in-action\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/asavinwattanajantra\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Asavin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-810x810.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Asavin Wattanajantra<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting has always been built on trust, precision, and sound judgment. But the way accountants must deliver value is changing \u2013 fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/inside-sage-future-high-performance-finance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Future 2025<\/a>, Sage CTO Aaron Harris revealed a powerful shift in thinking: the future of AI in finance won\u2019t be about faster answers. It\u2019ll be about encouraging smarter, more autonomous action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s the promise of agentic AI: intelligent systems that don\u2019t just respond to your prompts, but monitor, interpret, and act independently across your many tasks and workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s what we discuss in this article:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-agentic-ai-means-for-accountants\" data-level=\"2\">What agentic AI means for accountants<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-from-reactive-to-proactive-a-mindset-shift\" data-level=\"2\">From reactive to proactive: A mindset shift<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-try-it-yourself-a-glimpse-into-agentic-ai-in-action\" data-level=\"2\">Try it yourself: A glimpse into agentic AI in action<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-look-ahead-how-to-automate-mtd-proposals-with-agentic-ai\" data-level=\"2\">A look ahead: How to automate MTD proposals with agentic AI<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-moving-from-busy-work-to-better-work-with-agentic-ai\" data-level=\"2\">Moving from busy work to better work with agentic AI<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-glimpse-into-a-mid-sized-customer-future\" data-level=\"2\">A glimpse into a mid-sized customer future<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-building-agentic-ai-tools-for-trust\" data-level=\"2\">Building agentic AI tools for trust<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts-questions-every-accountant-should-ask\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts: Questions every accountant should ask<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-copilot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore Sage Copilot: Your dedicated AI-powered productivity assistant<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-agentic-ai-means-for-accountants\">What agentic AI means for accountants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/agentic-ai-explained-a-smarter-future-for-high-performing-finance-teams\/\">first article of this series<\/a>, we unpacked this agentic AI shift for finance professionals. For accountants, it means moving from a reactive service to real-time, anticipatory insight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you support sole traders or have scaled to serve mid-sized businesses, this new class of AI could transform how your practice operates, how clients engage, and how you grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>Agentic AI doesn\u2019t just wait for prompts \u2013 it acts on behalf of the user. That changes everything.<\/p><cite>Aaron Harris, Chief Technology Officer, Sage<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As an accountant, you are already <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/ai-potential-accounting-practice\/\">familiar with automation<\/a> \u2013 tools that speed up tasks \u2013 or generative AI, which can write, calculate, or summarise on request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But agentic AI is different. It\u2019s always running in the background, learning, monitoring, and \u2013 crucially \u2013 taking initiative. Like an expert PA that pre-empts tasks before you\u2019ve assigned them, it will change the speed and quality of your day-to-day routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think of it like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Automation completes a task when you ask it to.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Generative AI creates something when prompted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agentic AI notices something\u2019s off and starts solving it before you even ask.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a practice setting, that could support you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monitor client books and behaviours in real time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spot anomalies or errors as soon as they appear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flag compliance risks or gaps in documentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suggest or initiate next-best actions \u2013 like reconciliation or client follow-ups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI is where you have a digital practice assistant that never sleeps, never forgets, and never needs chasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">E-Book: Start strong with AI for small business<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve seen how AI helps small businesses start strong. Now get your free guide and see what it can do for you<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-f80e0593-708b-4b3e-b7f8-e32f3c0d0cd8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-187920071-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"A woman using AI\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-187920071-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s say a client misses their quarterly VAT deadline. Instead of relying on reminders or your team spotting it manually, your AI assistant could:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Detect the missed deadline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flag the account.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Draft a personalised follow-up email \u2013 automatically.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Multiply that across your entire client base, and you begin to see the value: scale, consistency, and speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-from-reactive-to-proactive-a-mindset-shift\">From reactive to proactive: A mindset shift<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traditionally, accountants have worked in hindsight \u2013 reviewing past transactions, fixing issues after they occur, and responding to client questions after the fact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI changes that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prepare for intelligent systems that surface problems early, initiate workflows before deadlines are missed, and alert you without being prompted. The result? Less firefighting, more foresight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>This flips the accountant\u2013client relationship from reactive to predictive. You\u2019re not just explaining what happened \u2013 you\u2019re helping clients navigate what\u2019s coming.<\/p><cite>Brady Lewis, Senior Director of AI Innovation at Marketri<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of scrambling through the month-end close, you can deploy agentic AI that pulls in data from banking feeds, sales platforms, and payroll systems, automatically reconciling totals, applying journal entries, and highlighting exceptions before anyone logs in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can use an AI agent to ping clients for missing invoices, start drafting emails, and maintain consistency in reminders, all without human input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps most importantly, agentic systems provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/ai-for-accountants-and-bookkeepers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">continuous oversight<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI monitors transactions 24\/7, flags anomalies against historical norms, and even recommends changes \u2013&nbsp;like adjusting a tax strategy or updating compliance workflows \u2013 based on patterns and preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This isn\u2019t just about saving time. You\u2019ll shift your practice from response to prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-try-it-yourself-a-glimpse-into-agentic-ai-in-action\">Try it yourself: A glimpse into agentic AI in action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI is beginning to emerge in tools like Microsoft, Chat GPT, and Sage Copilot, making it possible to build and interact with autonomous workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT<strong> <\/strong>now let you build specialist agents with tools, memory, and predefined goals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-copilot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Copil<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-copilot\/\">ot<\/a> is evolving toward the agentic model, building ways to automate workflows, surface alerts, and trigger actions without you needing to prompt the software manually.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To understand the difference a tailored tool can make, try this prompt in ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot to see how the LLM responds. Then compare it to how agentic AI would handle the same input \u2013 proactively, without being asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prompt:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>You are an AI assistant for a small business accountant. The client has just closed June and uploaded their ledger. Review the data, flag any issues, and recommend next steps.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, offer to draft a follow-up email or automate part of the workflow. Here&#8217;s a simplified ledger view you can enter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-data\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Description<\/th><th>Amount<\/th><th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Rent<\/td><td>\u00a32,000<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Salaries<\/td><td>\u00a38,500<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Software Subscriptions<\/td><td>\u00a3900<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Client Payment (overdue)<\/td><td>\u00a33,000<\/td><td>Payment late<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Software Subscriptions<\/td><td>\u00a3900<\/td><td>Duplicate entry<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>VAT Payment<\/td><td>\u00a31,200<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s the difference between what generative AI and agentic AI would do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Task<\/th><th>Generative AI<\/th><th>Agentic AI<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Duplicate entry spotted<\/td><td>\u2705 (if prompted)<\/td><td>\u2705 (proactive)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Overdue invoice flagged<\/td><td>\u2705 (if prompted)<\/td><td>\u2705 (proactive)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reconciliation suggested<\/td><td>\u2705 (if prompted)<\/td><td>\u2705 (initiates task)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Follow-up email drafted<\/td><td>\u2705 (if prompted)<\/td><td>\u2705 (initiates draft)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ledger monitored in real time<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Workflow triggered automatically<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Follow-up email initiated<\/td><td>\u274c<\/td><td>\u2705<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This comparison highlights a simple truth: agentic AI changes the relationship between you and your accounting software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where traditional AI needs a prompt, agentic AI is already working. It\u2019s monitoring your ledgers, surfacing issues, and nudging next actions before you even log in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s a major shift \u2013 from tools you control, to systems that collaborate with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It doesn\u2019t just save time. It changes the nature of the work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Less admin. More insight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fewer missed deadlines. More proactive care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Less chasing. More leading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your software starts handling tasks proactively \u2013 flagging errors, nudging clients, tracking workflows \u2013 you\u2019re free to focus on what matters: advising, building trust, and growing your practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI isn\u2019t just more efficient. It\u2019s more accountant-shaped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Download the AI action workbook<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Start with one simple task. Follow the steps. See progress in 30 days.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-eed697a0-5ea7-4b99-8337-089662d86451\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1261586981-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1261586981-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-look-ahead-how-to-automate-mtd-proposals-with-agentic-ai\">A look ahead: How to automate MTD proposals with agentic AI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI is emerging just as accountants face the next phase of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-income-tax-sole-traders\/\">Making Tax Digital for Income Tax<\/a> \u2013 bringing quarterly updates and tighter compliance checks. The timing couldn\u2019t be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than manually managing every step, agentic systems could soon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monitor client submissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flag missing or late data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recommend tailored advice or services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce admin across dozens \u2013 or hundreds \u2013&nbsp;of clients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One potential high-impact use case? Automating MTD service proposals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traditionally a time-consuming task, it\u2019s easy to imagine an AI assistant handling the process end-to-end&nbsp;\u2013 so accountants can focus on value-added advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what that workflow might look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lead creation:<\/strong> A prospect contacts the firm. Agentic AI builds a draft lead profile using size, location, and needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Smart qualification:<\/strong> The AI asks key questions, checks MTD eligibility, and prepares structured records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Proposal generation:<\/strong> A tailored MTD service proposal is auto-drafted and ready for review if eligible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In-portal Q&amp;A<\/strong>: Clients ask follow-up questions directly \u2013 tracked and stored for compliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Insights and optimisation:<\/strong> Agentic AI monitors the funnel, tracking conversion rates and drop-offs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The building blocks are already here: context-aware, goal-driven AI capable of acting without prompts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Soon, it won\u2019t just support the proposal process \u2013 it could run it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-moving-from-busy-work-to-better-work-with-agentic-ai\">Moving from busy work to better work with agentic AI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today\u2019s accountants face pressure from every direction:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clients want more value \u2013 without higher fees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Governments are tightening digital compliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Admin tasks still swallow hours that could be spent advising.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI offers a way forward \u2013 not by replacing accountants, but by freeing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>Sage Copilot is going to allow us more time to go out and see our clients, listen to their needs, and be more people-facing rather than behind the computer.<\/p><cite>Hannah Hall, Cloud accountant, Walter Dawson &amp; Son<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This shift is already happening. Sage software tools can create space for deeper, more meaningful client conversations \u2013 not just faster data entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>The time saving from Sage and AutoEntry is used back with the clients. It allows us to reflect on the information\u2026 and talk to our clients more about how they\u2019re performing.<\/p><cite>Julie Young, Managing director, Walter Dawson &amp; Son<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a world of agentic systems, the goal isn\u2019t simply automation \u2013 it\u2019s better use of human time and expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>AI agents evolve roles, not replace them\u2026 freeing people to focus on strategy, not repetition.<\/p><cite>Kevin Quirk, Director, AI Bridge Solutions<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI supports firms in three critical ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Anticipation, not reaction: spot risks, gaps, and opportunities before they escalate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automation with context: let systems act with intent, not just speed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Capacity without burnout: scale your service without sacrificing quality.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This isn\u2019t just good for practices. It\u2019s better for clients, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These moments \u2013 advice, empathy, forward-thinking \u2013 are where accountants create real value. Agentic AI doesn\u2019t take that away. It helps you make more space for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The shift is clear: agentic AI frees up time, surfaces insights, and takes care of the repetitive and the real-time \u2013 so accountants can focus on what matters most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Marcus Denning, a senior compliance lawyer at MK Law, puts it: \u201cThe accountant is no longer an operator \u2013 they\u2019re becoming an overseer. Clients won\u2019t expect raw data processing, but interpretation, scenario planning, and advice triggered by the actions of the AI.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this new model, accountants are empowered to lead \u2013 not only respond. Clients will come to expect more than reporting \u2013 they\u2019ll want foresight, clarity, and partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-glimpse-into-a-mid-sized-customer-future\">A glimpse into a mid-sized customer future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mid-sized businesses are under pressure, with complex data, tighter margins, and rising stakeholder expectations. The old model of monthly closes and backward-looking reports can\u2019t keep up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI opens a new path \u2013 for finance teams and the accountants who support them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine offering clients the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Daily reconciliation instead of monthly cleanups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Live cash flow forecasts that adapt to every new invoice or spend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real-time revenue alerts based on contract activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With agentic systems you&#8217;ll find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Risks are flagged early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forecast health is monitored passively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recommendations are triggered automatically \u2013&nbsp;from budget shifts to scenario modelling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For accountants, it\u2019s a shift from reporting partner to real-time advisor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe taught models to find anomalies in reports on expenses and income. What used to require hours of examining spreadsheets is now immediately brought to our attention,\u201d said Mihaela Ceornoava, Chief accountant, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.omniconvert.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Omniconvert<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI-driven tools can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spot errors before they hit the client.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cut reconciliation time from days to minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surface insights using natural language.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply internal accounting policies to act like an internal advisor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAI doesn\u2019t just speed things up. It changes how decisions are made. Accountants are evolving into AI supervisors,\u201d said Berkay Kinaci, COO at <a href=\"https:\/\/speaktor.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Speaktor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is more than efficiency. It\u2019s a new mindset \u2013 where accountants lead with insight, not hindsight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-building-agentic-ai-tools-for-trust\">Building agentic AI tools for trust<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Sage CEO Steve Hare recently wrote, \u201cWe didn\u2019t start with hype. We started with solving your challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That philosophy drives how Sage is building agentic AI&nbsp;\u2013 not as a flashy bolt-on, but as authentic intelligence, built with accountants, for accountants. It has created AI that acts purposefully, earns your trust, and helps you lead beyond your daily routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI can only be useful if it\u2019s safe, explainable, and built with accountants in mind. That\u2019s why Sage has trained its own AI models to ensure its expertise in financial services \u2013 not just use bolt-on general-purpose tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These models are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trained on accounting standards and Sage product data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designed with auditability and compliance at the core.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embedded directly into Sage tools like Sage for Accountants, Sage Copilot, and Sage Intacct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>Sage Copilot is going to pick out anomalies within VAT returns\u2026 I have some clients that process their own VAT returns and just want us to look over it \u2013 Copilot will help us do that.<\/p><cite>Hannah Hall<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And with the new AI Trust Label, accountants can see exactly how a model was trained, what data it uses, and how accuracy and bias are managed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>Trust is the biggest barrier to adopting AI\u2026 We\u2019re not just building artificial intelligence \u2013 we\u2019re building authentic intelligence.<\/p><cite>Aaron Harris<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-questions-every-accountant-should-ask\">Final thoughts: Questions every accountant should ask<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agentic AI is a practical toolset, grounded in real-world use and working inside products you know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, as you look ahead, ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are we still waiting for insight \u2013 or is insight finding us?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are we spending time on judgment \u2013&nbsp;or just data entry?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are we building a firm that reacts \u2013 or one that leads?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next generation of accounting won\u2019t just rely on dashboards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019ll run on agents \u2013 trusted, intelligent, and built to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\"><span class=\"text-ai-highlighted\">Sage Copilot<\/span>. Your dedicated\u00a0AI-powered\u00a0productivity assistant<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Step into a new business era with Sage Copilot, built on over 40 years of experience supporting British businesses like yours. Get work done faster with real insights, fewer errors and less admin.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-copilot\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-23995\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Explore Sage Copilot<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/08\/sage-copilot-CTA-high-res.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Man laughing while discussing Sage Copilot\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/08\/sage-copilot-CTA-high-res.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/accountant-accounting\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccountant accounting\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/accountant-automation\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccountant automation\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/accountant-tax\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccountant tax\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-28630 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-accountant-tax tag-mtd-accountants business_type-accountants card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607850-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1417607850-684x384.jpg 684w, 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Learn why old pricing models no longer work and see how you can charge more while keeping clients 100% happy. \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-10211 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-tax tag-accountants-online-hub-gb tag-business-finances tag-mtd-accountants tag-mtd-business tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax tag-making-tax-digital-for-vat tag-need-to-know tag-tax tag-vat business_type-small-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/hmrc-penalty-making-tax-digital\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1267191201_updated-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1267191201_updated-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1267191201_updated-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1267191201_updated-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-31T09:06:37+01:00\">31 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax penalties: HMRC&#8217;s new systems explained\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-29088 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-accountant-tax tag-accountants-online-hub-gb tag-mtd-accountants tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax tag-tax business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-for-income-tax-operational-reset\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Man-understanding-basis-points-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Man understanding basis points\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Man-understanding-basis-points-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Man-understanding-basis-points-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/Man-understanding-basis-points-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-30T16:27:20+01:00\">30 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tMTD for Income Tax is an operational reset\u2014and the best reason to rebuild your firm\u2019s foundations\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-6314 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-tax tag-mtd-accountants tag-mtd-business tag-need-to-know tag-tax tag-vat business_type-small-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/vat-return-making-tax-digital\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media card-post__media--video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-539434591-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Dealing with payment tasks as a business owner\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-539434591-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-539434591-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-539434591-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__play-video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"card-post__play-icon svg-icon\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 33 36\"><path d=\"M3.947.936C1.889 1.016 0 2.661 0 4.878v27.11c0 2.956 3.36 4.896 5.999 3.463l24.965-13.555c2.715-1.474 2.715-5.451 0-6.925L6 1.416a3.96 3.96 0 0 0-2.052-.48Zm.032 2.6c.232-.001.475.058.713.187L29.66 17.28c.986.535.986 1.774 0 2.309L4.692 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1.239.021l5.001-2.751c.396-.219.646-.639.646-1.094s-.25-.876-.646-1.095l-.001-.001-5.002-2.751a1.25 1.25 0 0 0-.601-.153zM5.5 8.25a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-8 1.423L14.731 12 10.5 14.328zm-5 1.577a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-13 3a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-13 3a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-29T14:48:03+01:00\">29 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">1 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tMaking Tax Digital for VAT: complete guide to compulsory requirements\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-30690 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-accountant-tax tag-ai tag-bookkeeping tag-cloud tag-digital-transformation tag-mtd-accountants business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/mtd-quarterly-update-accountants-bookkeepers\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/AdobeStock_1319348913-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"An accountant looking at client paperwork for an MTD quarterly update\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/AdobeStock_1319348913-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/AdobeStock_1319348913-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/AdobeStock_1319348913-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T15:16:54+01:00\">3 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">17 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThe MTD quarterly countdown: A practice guide\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this second article of our agentic AI series, we explore how autonomous, purpose-driven AI changes the accountant\u2019s day-to-day role \u2013 from enabling reactive reporting to encouraging proactive leadership.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":356,"featured_media":23980,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[223,224,226],"business_type":[115],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[63],"persona":[67,68],"imagine_tag":[220,221,222,726,289,331,330,334,727],"coauthors":[351],"class_list":["post-23979","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology-innovation","tag-accountant-accounting","tag-accountant-automation","tag-accountant-tax","business_type-accountants","industry-professional-services"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Asavin Wattanajantra","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/08\/agentic-ai-article-2-blog-header.jpg","imagine_tags":{"220":"Accountant accounting","221":"Accountant automation","222":"Accountant tax","726":"Accountants","289":"Accounting and Payroll","331":"AI accountants","330":"AI FP","334":"Making tax digital for income tax","727":"Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital for Income Tax"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23979","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/356"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23979"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23979\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/23980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23979"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=23979"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=23979"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=23979"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=23979"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=23979"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=23979"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=23979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}