The accounting industry is facing a wave of change, from evolving technology to shifting regulations and growing client demands. For Gus Malezis, Chairman of IRIS Software, and Mark Chambers, Managing Director of IRIS Accountancy, the challenge is how to help accountants navigate this complexity while keeping up with the daily demands of their work.
We spoke with Gus and Mark about how IRIS is addressing these changes, providing accountants with the tools they need to adapt and take on a more strategic role in their clients’ businesses.
An Industry at a Crossroads
Gus Malezis, with over 35 years of experience in technology, admits that he’s never come across a profession as demanding as accountancy.
“When you’re dealing with people’s money and taxes, the stakes are incredibly high,” he said. “One small mistake, and you can be dealing with serious consequences. So, the accuracy bar is incredibly high in this industry.”
However, Gus also noted that accountants don’t just need reliable technology — they need technology that helps them innovate faster.
“Accountants are asking for more from their tools. They want faster innovation to help them stay ahead of the curve. They’re increasingly asking for technology that allows them to deliver more services, faster,” he explained.
While the need for trust and reliability in accounting hasn’t changed, the need for speed and innovation has become increasingly urgent. And that’s a problem IRIS is tackling head-on.
The Changing Mindset of Accountants
Mark Chambers sees the shift happening in real time. Where once firms were simply trying to survive the turbulence of economic uncertainty, they are now looking ahead with a more strategic mindset.
“There’s a shift happening. Accountants are no longer just filling out tax returns — they’re becoming trusted advisors for their clients. They want to add more value and grow their practices,” Mark said.
The reality, however, is that growth requires more than just the right mindset — it requires resources, and right now, there aren’t enough accountants to go around. “There’s a skills shortage in the industry. Accountants are expected to deliver more, but there’s no one to do the work. This is where technology becomes critical,” Mark added.
This is where IRIS steps in. Both Gus and Mark pointed out that technology adoption is now seen as a key enabler for growth. With solutions that automate time-consuming tasks like year-end tax returns and MTD filing, firms can reclaim time to focus on higher-value services.
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“We want to help accountants scale their practices without burning out,” Gus said. “Whether it’s through automation or cloud-based tools, our goal is to give them the freedom to grow and evolve.”
Where Technology Adoption Often Falls Short
But while many firms feel confident in their use of technology, Gus and Mark both noted a common blind spot — the gap between what firms think they’re doing well and what they’re actually achieving. Accountants may be using software, but they often fail to leverage it to its full potential, particularly when it comes to scaling up operations or integrating new services.
“It’s not a lack of creativity — it’s a lack of resources,” Gus said. “Accountants are looking to provide more services, but they often don’t have the manpower to do it. They’re seeking solutions that help them do more without compromising quality.”
And this isn’t just about getting the right tools — it’s about using them in the right way. Both Gus and Mark pointed out that many firms are still struggling with the basics of tech management.
As Mark put it, “Accountants are not IT professionals. They shouldn’t be expected to manage their own servers or handle the tech –heavy– lifting. They need solutions that are easy to use and don’t require constant updates or monitoring.”
This is where cloud-based technology really shines. “Cloud technology gives firms the peace of mind that their systems are secure, up-to-date, and compliant,” Gus explained. “They don’t have to worry about managing infrastructure — it’s all taken care of for them.”
MTD and the Road Ahead
Of course, no conversation with accountants these days is complete without discussing Making Tax Digital (MTD). The transition to MTD has been a complicated process, and while accountants are generally aware of the changes, preparedness remains uneven across the industry.
“Some firms are ready for MTD; others are still scrambling to get there,” Mark shared. “The biggest challenge we see is how to help accountants manage the change without overwhelming them with extra work. Change management is just as important as the technology itself.”
At IRIS, Mark explained, the focus has been on education and communication. IRIS has partnered with HMRC to run webinars and roadshows to help firms understand the upcoming changes, while providing tools to ensure compliance. The goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible.
“Education is key,” Mark said. “We’re making sure our customers understand what’s coming down the pipeline and how they can prepare. The last thing we want is for accountants to feel unprepared when the next MTD deadline hits.”
A Future Focused on Time-Saving Innovation
Looking to the future, both Gus and Mark agree that time-saving technology will be at the heart of the industry’s evolution. With the pressure on accountants to do more, any technology that can automate routine tasks will be invaluable. But it’s not just about efficiency — it’s about allowing accountants to focus on the value-added services that clients are increasingly demanding.
“Our Elements solution already cuts the time it takes to complete year-end tax returns by nearly half compared to traditional on-premise solutions,” Mark explained. “The goal is to keep driving that number down — the less time spent on compliance, the more time accountants can invest in growing their businesses.”
But as technology advances, AI will also play a growing role in helping accountants streamline processes. However, Gus was quick to point out that while AI offers significant benefits, it needs to be integrated in a way that respects confidentiality and privacy. “Accountants are handling highly sensitive information. Any technology we deploy must ensure that this information is secure,” he said.
IRIS and Dext: A Powerful Partnership
The recent acquisition of Dext is another significant step for IRIS. Dext is a document management platform that helps accountants automatically capture and process receipts and tax documents. By integrating Dext into IRIS’s suite of solutions, Gus and Mark believe they’ve created a powerful, end-to-end solution for firms.
“This acquisition allows us to offer a complete workflow solution — from receipt capture to tax filing,” Gus explained. “It’s all about saving time and reducing errors. The more we can automate, the more accountants can focus on what matters: their clients.”
Looking to the Future
As both Gus and Mark look ahead to 2025 and beyond, the focus will remain on helping accountants navigate regulatory changes like MTD, while also providing innovative solutions that support growth and efficiency. Whether it’s through AI-powered automation, cloud technology, or strategic partnerships, IRIS aims to give accountants the tools they need to thrive in a fast-changing landscape.
“Accountants are the backbone of the economy,” Mark said. “Our job is to make sure they have the tools and support they need to continue evolving and offering more value to their clients.”