If advisory has been the “future” for nearly a century, why haven’t we unlocked its full potential?
For nearly 100 years, advisory services have been heralded as the next big thing for accountants. As early as the 1930s, thought leaders and industry pioneers recognized the value of moving beyond compliance to providing strategic insights and solutions for clients. Fast forward to 2025, and advisory is still being celebrated as “the future” of accounting.
A Look Back at the 1930s
The accounting profession saw significant transformations during the 1930s. Following the Great Depression, businesses required more than just accurate financial records; they also required help on handling economic instability. Accountants began to take on tasks beyond ledger management, providing insights into cost-cutting methods, financial planning, and corporate strategy.
While compliance remained the profession’s foundation, these “advisory” services were a critical value-add for customers seeking security and progress in uncertain times.
The Persistent Promise of Advisory
Despite nearly a century of expectation, many firms are still struggling to integrate advising into their business models. Compliance work continues to be the primary source of revenue, with advising services being supplied informally or at a low cost.
Why Advisory Is More Relevant Than Ever in 2025
While the industry’s progress toward prioritizing advisory has been slow, its relevance and value have only grown. In 2025, clients face increasingly complicated challenges:
- Digital Transformation: Businesses are adopting new technologies but require guidance on how to integrate them successfully.
- Economic Uncertainty: From inflation to global market movements, clients need strategic insights to stay competitive.
- Sustainability Goals: Businesses are under pressure to satisfy environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements and require assistance with compliance and long-term effect.
Advisory services handle these issues directly. When firms embrace their role as strategic partners, they equip clients with the skills they need to adapt, grow, and succeed. And that is why advising is the future—not just in principle, but also in practice.
The Time Is Now
Advisory has been “the future” for nearly a century, but the truth is, it’s also the present. Clients continue to need guidance that goes beyond the numbers—they want trusted advisors who can help them achieve their ambitions. Firms that embrace this transformation will not only remain relevant but also thrive in a rapidly changing business market.
