The transformation from manual processes to date-driven methodologies, within professional services firms, isn’t just changing how work gets done - it’s redefining what professional expertise looks like in the 21st century.

Matt Rawlins, Director of Growth at Kaplan, recently sat down with James Berridge, Audit Partner at Saffery, to discuss how technology is reshaping audit and how professionals can prepare.

Data and Technology: From side project to core function

Matt opened by asking James how he had seen the role of data and technology evolve in his career. James explained:

“When I started, certainly in the mid-market firms, there weren’t typically people in a data or technology role. Everyone was running projects, sometimes without IT support. Software wasn’t moving that quickly at the time, so a little bit of effort was enough to keep up.”

But this changed rapidly:

“Fast forward five years, and firms started taking people away from audit work to run technology full-time. Now, most of the top 20 firms, and many beyond, have dedicated people focused on audit technology or wider firm technology. The pace of change is huge, especially since the AI buzz.”

Challenges of modern audit data

Matt asked about today’s biggest data challenges. James was quick to respond:

“In order to develop analysis tools efficiently, you have to assume the data coming in looks the same every time, but there are hundreds of different accounting packages, and even the same software comes in multiple versions. That standardisation challenge is huge.”

He also noted that while tools exist to solve this, they can be costly, and often it’s more efficient to upskill team members to manage and analyse data themselves.

Another challenge is regulatory change. James pointed out:

“There’s an increasing feeling regulators will remove sample caps, which means statistical sampling and bigger sample sizes. Data analytics lets you approach this differently, even covering entire populations – but that means auditors need the skills to use those tools effectively.”

Microsoft Excel: Still powerful, still misunderstood

The conversation turned to Microsoft Excel, which James described as both the “most overused and underutilised” tool:

“Power Query and Power Pivot massively expand Microsoft Excel’s capabilities. With Python integration, Excel can now handle advanced analytics previously reserved for dedicated data tools. But too often, people don’t know how to use these features effectively.”

This reinforces the need for training at all levels – especially for junior staff, who increasingly request Microsoft Excel training as many have had limited exposure during school or university.

Matt also highlighted Kaplan’s approach to this skills gap:

“We’ve developed an ACCA Finance Analyst course focusing on data literacy and Microsoft Excel, plus the first three ACCA modules. It’s proving popular because it fixes the data skills gap while still covering core accounting skills.”

Empowering data champions across teams

James explained how his firm created a “data wranglers” group:

“It’s effectively a Microsoft Excel super user group with advanced Power Query skills. Initially, they focused on converting general ledgers into a standardised format. But now they’re innovating independently, automating processes, optimising workflows, and even automating sample selection.”

This kind of innovation shows what happens when employees are empowered with the right skills and mindset.

AI in audit: Opportunity, not a threat

Matt asked whether AI might reduce staffing needs. James said:

“AI has been around in audit for years. Tools like OCR and invoice-matching software enable us to quickly check much larger samples. But we still need humans in the loop. The role of junior auditors is evolving from manually reviewing paper files to analysing outputs from AI tools. That changes the skillset required, but doesn’t remove the need for people.”

James also highlighted that AI is already helping at the planning stage:

“You can get background information and common industry risks quickly, but we still need humans to sense-check everything. AI gives us speed and insight, not a substitute for professional judgement.”

Data literacy: A must-have for new joiners

Matt raised the issue of new recruits’ digital readiness. James observed:

“Some joiners expect to know Excel but often don’t, so they ask for training. Audit firms are also seeing larger and more complex clients, so we need people who can handle bigger datasets and think differently about data.”

He summarised:

“Accountants have always been data analysts. We just called it auditing. But now, we need to formalise those data skills and give people tools like Python or Power Query earlier in their careers.”

Advice for the next generation

Finally, Matt asked James what advice he would give to someone entering audit today. James said:

“Embrace technology. Change is constant now, so don’t develop habits you’ll need to unlearn later. Get involved with data and technology early, and you’ll be the one suggesting innovations rather than just adapting to them.”

He added a personal reflection:

“I’d love to have done Python training earlier, it gives you options and helps you speak to IT teams more effectively. The earlier you learn, the easier it is to build the right habits.”

This conversation underlines why data literacy and technology skills are no longer optional in professional services. Firms that invest in upskilling their teams will not only improve efficiency and audit quality but also empower their people to innovate and add value.

As James put it:

“Don’t develop habits - embrace change.”

Transform your workforce

At Kaplan, we’re committed to helping firms and individuals bridge the data and technology skills gap. From data literacy courses like the ACCA Finance Analyst programme to in-house bespoke training designed for professional services, we equip teams with the tools to thrive in a data-driven world.

If you’re looking to upskill your team, get in touch with our team at Kaplan, who can assist you throughout the whole process. And if you’re still unsure, read more about how apprenticeships can benefit your business.