Survey Reveals Gap in AI Adoption Among SMBs
A new survey from Accounting Seed has found a significant gap between the hype surrounding AI and its actual implementation within the small and medium-sized business market. The report, which surveyed over 100 SMB finance leaders, uncovered key barriers to adoption and implementation challenges, while also identifying the accounting processes most likely to be transformed by the technology.
- Key barriers preventing SMBs from adopting AI include limited budgets, a shortage of specialized talent, and issues with data management. Specifically, 60% of small companies report struggling with a skills gap in data science and machine learning, and 42% face challenges with inadequate infrastructure. - Despite challenges, AI adoption is surging among small businesses, with one 2025 survey showing 75% are investing in the technology. Growing SMBs are nearly twice as likely to invest in AI compared to those that are struggling. - In the accounting sector, AI is primarily used to automate repetitive tasks like data entry, transaction categorization, and invoice creation, which can significantly reduce manual errors. This automation allows finance teams to focus on more strategic activities. - For accounts receivable, AI can predict late payments and prioritize customer follow-ups to improve cash flow. In accounts payable, the technology helps by flagging duplicate invoices and suggesting optimal payment times to capture early-pay discounts. - Data readiness is a critical factor for successful AI implementation, as AI outputs are only as good as the data inputs. Many AI projects fail because financial data is messy or spread across disconnected systems. - Looking ahead, the rise of "agentic AI" is a significant trend for 2026; these are autonomous systems that can make decisions and adapt workflows without constant human supervision. - While many SMBs are enthusiastic about AI, a "trust gap" exists, with 45% of employees worried that using too much AI could harm the company's reputation. Furthermore, 82% of the smallest businesses believe AI is not applicable to their operations. - The return on investment for AI is a key driver for adoption, with 91% of SMBs using AI reporting that it has boosted their revenue. On average, SMBs see a return of $3.70 for every dollar invested in AI.
