Accounting
Future-Proofing Your Accounting Tool: What to Ask Vendors in 2025
Choosing an accounting tool isn’t just about what works today—it’s about ensuring the platform will continue to support your business as technology and regulations evolve. With AI, globalization, and automation shaping the future of finance, 2025 is the year to ask sharper questions when evaluating software vendors. Here’s a guide to future-proofing your accounting stack by pressing vendors on their roadmaps and readiness.
AI Roadmap and Co-Pilot Readiness
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a core feature in accounting platforms. From automated categorization to predictive cash flow, AI can significantly reduce manual workload. But not all vendors are equally invested in AI innovation.
- Key questions to ask:
- What AI-driven features are currently available, and what’s planned for the next 2–3 years?
- Does the system include or integrate with an AI co-pilot for real-time query support?
- How does the vendor ensure accuracy, transparency, and explainability of AI outputs?
M&A and Growth Support
If your business anticipates mergers, acquisitions, or rapid scaling, your accounting platform must adapt. Vendors should provide functionality to handle complex consolidations without endless manual adjustments.
- Key questions to ask:
- How does the system handle consolidations across acquired entities?
- Does it support scenario modeling for pre- and post-acquisition financials?
- What migration tools are available for onboarding acquired businesses’ ledgers?
Multi-Entity and Multi-Currency Capabilities
Global operations are increasingly the norm, even for mid-sized businesses. Accounting software must manage multiple subsidiaries, currencies, and compliance requirements seamlessly.
- Key questions to ask:
- Can the platform consolidate reports across multiple entities automatically?
- Does it support real-time currency conversion and revaluation?
- Are regional tax and compliance rules built in or handled through integrations?
Low-Code and Integration Flexibility
No software operates in isolation. Finance teams increasingly rely on integrations with CRM, ERP, HR, and banking systems. Low-code tools allow customization without deep IT involvement, making future integrations more sustainable.
- Key questions to ask:
- Does the vendor provide APIs and low-code/no-code tools for integration?
- How easily can workflows be customized to fit unique business needs?
- Are there prebuilt connectors for major platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Shopify?
Mobile Experience and Usability
With more finance teams working remotely or on the go, mobile usability is no longer optional. A clunky mobile interface can hinder efficiency, particularly for approvals and quick reconciliations.
- Key questions to ask:
- Does the mobile app replicate full desktop functionality or just provide limited features?
- How intuitive is the mobile UX for tasks like approving expenses, reconciling bank feeds, or viewing dashboards?
- Is the app optimized for both iOS and Android, and how often is it updated?
Compliance and Security in a Changing Landscape
Regulatory requirements are evolving quickly, from ESG reporting to stricter data privacy laws. Vendors must demonstrate an ability to adapt compliance features proactively.
- Key questions to ask:
- What compliance frameworks (SOX, GAAP, IFRS, ESG) are supported out of the box?
- How does the system adapt to new compliance mandates without requiring a major upgrade?
- What certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001) does the vendor maintain?
The Bottom Line
In 2025, future-proofing your accounting software is about more than checking boxes for current features—it’s about evaluating vendor strategy. By asking the right questions about AI roadmaps, M&A readiness, multi-entity and currency support, low-code integration, mobile UX, and compliance, you can ensure your platform will evolve with your business. Don’t just buy for today—buy for the finance department you’ll need tomorrow.
- Top Expert
Nathan Rowan
Program Research, Editor, Expert in ERP, Cloud, Financial Automation
