MYOB wins strategic partner award for bookkeeping AI

MYOB has been named Strategic Partner of the Year at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers' 2026 Luca Awards, with the award voted on by bookkeepers.

The recognition reflects MYOB's work with the bookkeeping profession on AI education, product changes and training to help bookkeepers adapt to changing client and workplace demands.

Over the past year, MYOB worked with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers to run practical AI workshops for bookkeepers across Australia. The sessions were designed to help practitioners understand and build confidence in using general-purpose AI tools in their day-to-day work.

This sat alongside MYOB's broader support for the institute through sponsorship, network meetings, product education and regular engagement with the profession. MYOB also worked with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and the National AI Centre on online AI training to give bookkeepers practical skills they could use with small business clients.

These programs were intended to help bookkeepers support small businesses adopting AI, improving processes and working more effectively. In Queensland, MYOB is also contributing to a micro-credential pathway led by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and funded by the state government to prepare workplace-ready bookkeepers.

Product changes

Alongside the training work, MYOB highlighted product updates introduced this year for bookkeeping and compliance work. These include AI BAS, intended to reduce manual work in BAS preparation; smarter reconciliation for transaction matching; and changes across MYOB Practise Compliance aimed at creating more connected workflows and reducing repetitive administration.

Dale Dixon, General Manager for Practise and Partner Advocacy at MYOB, said the award reflected the contribution of the wider bookkeeping community.

"Bookkeepers are trusted partners to small businesses across Australia. As the needs of those businesses change, bookkeepers' expertise, judgement and relationships become even more important.

"Our role is to support bookkeepers with great products, relevant education and practical guidance - not only on the tools they use, but on how to navigate changes like AI with confidence.

"We're incredibly proud to receive this award because it comes from the bookkeeping community itself. It tells us the work we're doing alongside bookkeepers is making a difference, but there's much more we want to do."

The award highlights how technology suppliers are positioning themselves within the bookkeeping sector as AI becomes a bigger part of administrative and advisory work. For software providers, the challenge now extends beyond product development to training, trust and the pace at which smaller firms can absorb change.

Bookkeepers have become a key audience in that shift because they work closely with small business clients and often influence decisions on accounting systems, compliance workflows and new digital tools. That makes partnerships with professional bodies and training organisations increasingly important for software groups seeking stronger ties with the sector.

Industry relationship

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers said its relationship with MYOB stretches back two decades. The Luca Awards, now in their third year, recognise individuals, bookkeeping practices, education providers and industry advocates across the profession.

Amanda Linton, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, said:

"The strongest industry partnerships are built through listening, collaboration and a shared commitment to practical outcomes. Over our 20-year partnership, MYOB has consistently worked with ICB and the bookkeeping community to understand what bookkeepers need, then supported them through relevant education, technology and opportunities to build new skills.

"This award reflects the trust MYOB has built within the community and the positive contribution it continues to make to the future of bookkeeping in Australia. It is very fitting that MYOB is the recipient in our 20th anniversary year."

Dixon also outlined how MYOB views the role of automation in bookkeeping work.

"When technology takes care of more repetitive administration, bookkeepers can spend more time applying their expertise, supporting better business decisions and building strong relationships with clients.

"AI will change parts of the work, but bookkeepers will be part of shaping that change. We want to work with the profession to develop useful technology, build skills and ensure innovation leads to better outcomes for small businesses."