Intuit 2020 Report Depicts Future of the Accounting Profession

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – The next decade will be a period of rapid change
and continuous transformation for the accounting profession that will lend itself
to greater opportunities for growth and productivity.

That’s just one of the findings in the latest edition of the Intuit 2020 report,
which focuses on the demographic, social, economic and technology shifts that
will shape the accounting profession over the next decade. The report is the
latest in a series of studies, prepared by Emergent Research in partnership
with Intuit Inc.(Nasdaq: INTU) that explore trends that will affect consumers
and small businesses, and those who serve them.

Agility and flexibility will be paramount to the future of the accounting
profession, as technology and demographic shifts transform the way people work
and live, the report found. In 2020, accounting practitioners will not only
have changed the way they work, but also the work that they do, as consumers
and businesses turn to accounting and tax professionals for competitive strategies
to navigate the global marketplace.

The Future of Accounting reportbuilds on the Intuit 2020 Report and harnesses
the collective expertise of the accounting professional community. Intuit’s
Accounting Professionals Division and Emergent Research conducted a series of
forecast workshops, exercises, and interviews with accounting professionals,
academics, industry analysts and the media. These sessions identified the important
trends and implications that will affect the accounting industry.

Four Key Trends Shape the Profession’s Future
Driven by demographic, technological, social and economic shifts, accounting
and tax professionals will find themselves moving beyond preparing financial
reports and tax returns to embracing more consultative roles and navigating
the global marketplace for their clients. The report examines four trends and
their influence on the accounting profession.

Shifting Business Environment Creates New Opportunities –
Specialization and collaboration will lead to increased opportunities for
accounting and tax professionals, who will work across global borders to meet
their client needs, made possible by advances in technology.
Demographic Shifts Change the Face of Professionals and Clients
– Demographic shifts and a growing U.S.-based minority population will
have broad implications for firms and their clients, influencing how, when
and with whom they do business.
From Data to Decision Making, Technology Changes the Accounting
Profession – As technology expands and the automation of data
collection rises, the focus of accounting will shift from computation to consulting
as clients increasingly rely on their accounting professionals to analyze
business information, support decisions and provide strategic advice.
High-Tech Enhances High-Touch Client Outreach, Relationships and
Service – Social media and ubiquitous mobile technologies will
become even more pervasive, changing the way accounting and tax professionals
conduct business and attract new clients. It will be imperative for practitioners
to manage their Web and mobile presences to establish firm reputation and
brand.

“We’re excited about what the future holds for the accounting
profession,” said Jill Ward, senior vice president and general manager
of Intuit’s Accounting Professionals Division. “As accounting and tax
professionals play an increasingly strategic role in the livelihood of individuals
and small businesses, Intuit will continue to work as a trusted ally, providing
the resources needed to help those in the accounting industry evolve and thrive
in a connected world.”
The Intuit 2020 report, released in October 2010, identified 20 emerging trends
and shifts that will shape business and society over the next decade. This Future
of Accounting report is part of the Intuit 2020 Report series. Subsequent research
will explore the affect of these trends on specific markets or industries, and
the way people live and work. More information can be found at www.intuit.com/2020.

About Emergent Research
Emergent Research is a research and consulting firm focused on identifying,
analyzing and forecasting the key demographic, social, technology and economic
trends and shifts impacting business and society. Emergent Research partners,
Steve King and Carolyn Ockels, are co-authors of the Intuit 2020 Report and
the Intuit Future of Small Business Report Series.

About Intuit Inc.
Intuit Inc. is a leading provider of business and financial management solutions
for small and mid-sized businesses; financial institutions, including banks
and credit unions; consumers and accounting professionals. Its flagship products
and services, including QuickBooks®, Quicken® and TurboTax®, simplify
small business management and payroll processing, personal finance, and tax
preparation and filing. ProSeries® and Lacerte® are Intuit’s leading
tax preparation offerings for professional accountants. Intuit Financial Services
helps banks and credit unions grow by providing on-demand solutions and services
that make it easier for consumers and businesses to manage their money.

Founded in 1983, Intuit had annual revenue of $3.5 billion in its fiscal year
2010. The company has approximately 7,700 employees with major offices in the
United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India and other locations.

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