Are You An Innovator?
Are you an innovator? Let’s find out!
Innovation gets talked about a lot in the accounting world these days, but what does it really mean? At its core, an innovator is someone who doesn’t just keep doing things the same way because “that’s how it’s always been done.” They look for better, smarter, more efficient approaches—and they aren’t afraid to test new ideas to see if they improve results.
In accounting and bookkeeping, innovation often shows up in subtle but powerful ways. It might be automating repetitive tasks, embracing digital-first ways of working, or rethinking how you deliver value to clients. Innovators are the ones who lead firms into the future, rather than waiting for the industry to drag them along.
So, the big question is—are you one of them? We’ve put together a short quiz that will give you the answer.
The Innovator Quiz
Answer Yes or No to each of the following:
Do you actively seek out new technologies that could save you and your clients time?
When faced with a problem, do you often find yourself suggesting new ways of solving it rather than sticking with the traditional method?
Do you encourage your team (or yourself, if you’re a solo practitioner) to experiment with new tools, even if they’re not perfect yet?
Have you adopted at least one automation tool in your practice in the past year?
Do you regularly keep up with industry trends and changes, and think about how they might impact your firm?
Have you changed a workflow or process in the last six months to make it more efficient?
Do you see technology as an opportunity, rather than a threat, to your work?
When clients ask for solutions, do you often suggest approaches outside of the usual playbook?
Are you comfortable taking small risks if it means discovering better ways of working?
Do you believe that innovation is essential to the future of accounting and bookkeeping?
Your Results
8–10 points: Congratulations! You are an innovator. You’re leading the way, embracing change, and shaping the future of accounting.
5–7 points: You’re on the right track. You’re not quite an innovator yet, but with just a few shifts in mindset or tools, you’ll be there.
2–4 points: You’ve dipped your toes into innovation, but there’s more you could do to push boundaries. Think of this as your starting point.
0–1 points: At the moment, you’re not an innovator. But that’s not a bad thing—it simply means you’ve got plenty of room to grow.
How to Become an Innovator
Not everyone starts out as an innovator—but the good news is, innovation can be learned and developed. Here are some steps you can take to get there:
Stay curious. Set aside time each week to read about new technologies or industry updates. Curiosity fuels innovation.
Start small. You don’t have to overhaul your whole practice overnight. Pick one process to automate or simplify, and build from there.
Embrace technology. Whether it’s AI, automation, or new practice management software, experiment with tools that free up your time for higher-value work.
Learn from others. Join communities, attend webinars, or connect with fellow accountants who are already innovating. Inspiration is contagious.
Adopt a growth mindset. Don’t be afraid of mistakes—they’re part of the innovation journey.
Innovation isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being smart, efficient, and ready for the future. And in accounting, the future belongs to those willing to innovate.
