The quarterly rhythm of compliance for SMEs is familiar. A reminder arrives, a list of transactions needs to be reconciled, and details that made sense weeks ago are wrenched out of brains and reconstructed under time pressure.
It is this kind of work – repetitive, time consuming and unavoidable – that is quietly driving the adoption of artificial intelligence across small and medium businesses.
AI is reducing admin workload and reshaping how small businesses operate. iStock
Across Australia, millions of businesses complete regular reporting tasks such as business activity statements (BAS), payroll obligations and financial reconciliation. While software has digitised much of this work, it has not completely eliminated the effort involved. For many business owners, compliance admin remains a source of friction.
“Small business owners are experts in their own fields, but not necessarily on the administrative or compliance requirements,” says Paul Robson, chief executive of MYOB. “It can be inefficient and frustrating, and many small business owners don’t have the time, expertise or inclination to explore additional AI tools or software to help reduce their admin load.”
