AI in Accounting Portugal (2026): The Complete Guide to Skills, Salaries, and Tools
Posted at 05/11/2025
The rise of Artificial Intelligence has definitively transformed Portuguese accounting in 2026. With 74% of European companies already using AI in accounting processes and Portugal facing the 3rd highest talent shortage in the world (84% of companies struggling to recruit), the market has split: professionals who master tools like Power BI, Sage AI, and Cegid earn 15–20% more than colleagues without these skills. This guide presents concrete data on the new profile of the Portuguese accountant, available tools in the national market (with real ROI analysis), recruitment strategies in the face of the talent war, and free training available until the end of 2025. This isn't theory—these are verifiable facts about the present of the profession.
Reading Time: 12 minutes | Updated: November 2025
Frankly? If you still think Artificial Intelligence in accounting is a thing of the future, you are about two years late. In 2026, AI is no longer a novelty—it is an integrated reality in the routine of Portuguese companies. And the numbers don't lie.
According to Sage Portugal, digital transformation has accelerated so much that AI in accounting allows for analyzing large volumes of data accurately, detecting risks, and forecasting financial trends, changes that are already present in various areas of the sector. But here is what no one tells you: while 74% of European companies have already adopted AI in their accounting processes, many Portuguese companies still hesitate, losing competitive advantage daily.
The Portuguese market faces an interesting paradox: on the one hand, 84% of companies report extreme difficulty in recruiting qualified talent (we are the 3rd country in the world with the highest shortage, according to ManpowerGroup 2025). On the other hand, the demand for professionals who master AI tools grew by more than 20% by 2026, creating a gap between supply and demand that is redefining the entire profession.
What you will discover in this guide:
How AI has transformed routine tasks into strategic insights.
The new profile of the Portuguese accountant in 2026 (and why salaries have increased by 15–20%).
Practical tools: Sage AI, Cegid, Primavera, PHC.
Concrete recruitment strategies in the face of the talent shortage.
Real ROI of AI implementation (with verifiable data).
Be prepared for concrete data, without embellishment. This is not just another generic article about "the future of accounting"—it is a practical map of the present that is already happening.
What Changed with AI in Portuguese Accounting (2023–2026)
Where to start when talking about the fastest technological revolution Portuguese accounting has ever known? Perhaps with the numbers: between 2023 and 2026, the sector went from an AI adoption rate of less than 30% to over 74>#/b### in European companies. But the numbers, by themselves, don't tell the whole story—they don't reveal the initial hesitations, the natural resistance, or the precise moment when sceptics realized that being left behind was no longer an option.
This section delves into the concrete changes that have transformed Portuguese accounting in the last three years: from the tools that have become indispensable to the tasks that have been automated, as well as the consolidation of the national technological market. Be prepared for real data, not futuristic promises.
The Accelerated Evolution: From Skepticism to Massive Adoption
Do you remember 2023 when we discussed if AI would transform accounting? Well, in 2026, the conversation has completely shifted to how to make the most of that transformation.
The Order of Certified Accountants (OCC), through the European Federation of Accountants and Auditors for SME's (EFAA), launched the first official guide on AI in accounting, a clear sign that the profession recognizes this change as irreversible. Paula Franco, President of the OCC, classified it as "an essential guide for accounting professionals to adopt AI as a strategic tool."
But what truly changed on the ground?
Before (2023): Accountants spent 60–70% of their time on transactional tasks—manual entries, bank reconciliations, expense classification, basic report preparation.
Now (2026): With Robotic Process Automation (RPA) integrated into the main Portuguese software, that time has dropped to 20–30%, freeing up professionals for strategic consulting. An IDC Portugal study revealed that the adoption of certified software led to an average reduction of 20% in accounting errors and a 25% increase in the efficiency of financial processes.
Tools Dominating the Portuguese Market
The Portuguese technological ecosystem has consolidated around a few main players, all with integrated AI functionalities:
Cegid (ex-Primavera BSS) After acquiring Primavera BSS in 2022 and more recently PHC Software in January 2025, Cegid has become the absolute leader in the Portuguese market. The company serves over 37,000 companies in the Iberian region with 170,000 users. Its cloud platform integrates:
Automation of accounting entries via machine learning.
Automatic detection of fraud and anomalies.
Multi-entity consolidation with predictive AI.
AI Centre of Excellence located in Braga.
Sage Portugal Recognized for its intuitive interface, Sage has invested heavily in generative AI. Its Sage 50cloud solution allows for:
Automatic movement categorization.
Financial forecasts based on historical patterns.
Intelligent alerts for tax compliance.
Native integration with Power BI for advanced analysis.
PHC Software (now Cegid PHC) With 262 employees and a turnover of 17.6 million euros in 2023, PHC stood out for technological innovation before the acquisition. The PHC CS and PHC GO solutions continue to offer:
Automatic generation of personalized reports.
Document digitization via QR code with intelligent OCR.
Document management with automatic classification.
Automated Tasks vs. Human Value
The big question that worries accountants: "Will AI replace me?" Let's be clear—no, but it will replace those who do not adapt. Here is the current division in 2026:
What AI Does Better Than Humans | What Humans Still Do Better |
Routine accounting entries (98.7% accuracy) | Interpretation of complex business contexts |
Automatic bank reconciliations | Strategic advice on financial decisions |
Expense classification by category | Negotiation with the Tax Authority in audits |
Detection of duplications and anomalies | Personalized customer relationship |
Tax calculation and automatic declaration filling | Feasibility analysis of investment projects |
Electronic invoice processing (mandatory in Portugal since 2023) | Team management and talent development |
Fed Finance Portugal Data: In our recruitment processes in 2024–2025, we analyzed over 800 accountant profiles. We found that professionals with mixed skills (accounting + AI + consultative soft skills) earn, on average, 15–20% more than colleagues with a purely traditional technical profile.
The New Profile of the Portuguese Accountant in 2026
If someone told you five years ago that the highest-paid accountants in 2026 would be those who master Power BI and Python, you probably would have doubted it. And you would have been right to doubt—at the time, the profession was still structured around purely technical skills: accounting entries, reconciliations, tax declarations. But 2026 completely rewrote the rules of the game.
The modern accountant is no longer a number guardian who executes repetitive tasks. They have transformed into a financial strategist who interprets trends, anticipates risks, and advises on business decisions. This metamorphosis did not happen by chance—it was driven by the automation of transactional tasks and the growing demand for predictive analysis by companies.
In this section, we will dissect the DNA of the new Portuguese accountant: what technical skills they master, how much they earn compared to the traditional profile, what training they should seek, and—why hide the reality—how Fed Finance observes these changes on the ground through the thousands of candidates who pass through our processes.
From Execution to Strategic Consulting
Marta Soares, president of the OCC, summarizes the transformation well: "The accountant is no longer just someone who organizes documents and submits declarations. Today, they are a strategic partner, with a fundamental role in financial advice and the sustainability of companies."
This is not just nice rhetoric—it is reflected in concrete changes in the job market.
Essential AI Skills in 2026
If you are an accountant and want to remain relevant, these are the technical skills the market demands:
Basic Level (mandatory for all):
Advanced Excel mastery with Power Query (process automation).
Use of dashboards in Power BI or Tableau.
Interpretation of AI-generated reports.
Functional knowledge of the ERP used by the company (Sage, Cegid, SAP).
Intermediate Level (competitive differential):
Configuration of automated workflows (basic RPA).
Predictive Analysis: interpreting cash-flow forecasts and trends.
Detection and correction of anomalies reported by intelligent systems.
Use of generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini) for report drafts.
Advanced Level (rare, highly valued profiles):
Parameterization of machine learning models in accounting software.
Development of Python/R scripts for financial data analysis.
Integration of APIs between accounting systems and other platforms.
Consulting on digital transformation projects.
Verifiable Salary Impact
Randstad Portugal confirms: the finance and accounting sector faces a talent shortage as the demand for specialized skills increases. This shortage translates into upward salary pressure.
Based on data from our recruitment network Fed Finance Portugal (2024–2025), here are the actual salary ranges:
Profile | Without AI Skills | With AI Skills | Difference |
Junior Accountant (0–2 years) | €18,000–€24,000 | €21,000–€28,000 | +15>#/p### |
Senior Accountant (3–7 years | €28,000–€38,000 | €33,000–€45,000 | +18>#/p### |
Certified Accountant (TOC) | €35,000–€50,000 | €42,000–€60,000 | +20>#/b### |
Financial Controller | €45,000–€65,000 | €55,000–€80,000 | +22>#/p### |
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | €60,000–€90,000 | €75,000–€120,000 | +25>#/p### |
These values refer to the Lisbon region. In Porto, values are generally 8–12% lower, and in the rest of the country, 15–20% lower.
Training and Certifications Available in Portugal
The good news? Portugal has accessible training programs, some even free through the Cheque-formação + Digital measure, which has been extended until the end of 2025 (applicable to workers in mainland Portugal without debts to Social Security or AT).
Recommended Training:
Code for All_ — Artificial Intelligence in Accounting
Duration: 40 hours (synchronous online format)
Audience: Accountants, auditors, statutory auditors
Content: AI applied to accounting, process automation, data analysis
Cost: FREE (through Cheque-formação + Digital, full reimbursement)
Certification: Yes, recognized
Cegid Academy / Primavera Academy
Specific courses on Cegid/Primavera tools
Training in integrated AI modules (forecasting, automation)
In-person and online model available
Sage Portugal — Sage 50cloud Certification
Official training on Sage AI functionalities
Focus on accounting automation and intelligent reporting
Cost: €300–€800 (depending on level)
Microsoft — Power BI Data Analyst Associate
Recognized international certification
Essential for financial data analysis
Online exam, approximate cost: €165
IPAI (Portuguese Institute of Administration and Informatics)
Postgraduate courses in Digital Transformation
Specific courses on data analysis applied to finance
Recruiting AI Talent for Finance: The Corporate Challenge
Here is the cruel irony of the Portuguese market in 2026: Companies have never needed qualified accountants so much, but it has never been so difficult to find them. Portugal has become the third country in the world with the highest talent shortage—84>#/b### of companies report extreme difficulty in recruiting. In the finance sector specifically, that number rises to 72%.
But here is the real problem: it is not just a lack of people. It is a lack of people with the right profile. The market seeks a rare hybrid—someone who masters traditional accounting, AI tools, and possesses consultative soft skills. This profile practically does not exist in sufficient volume, creating a silent talent war where the best candidates receive multiple offers simultaneously.
As a specialized consultancy that experiences this reality every day, Fed Finance Portugal has a privileged view of this battle. We will share real data on recruitment times, offer rejection rates, strategies that work (and those that failed), and when it makes sense to train internally vs. recruit externally. This section has no embellishment—just the naked truth about recruiting in 2026.
The Critical Talent Shortage in Numbers
Portugal is in a worrying situation. According to the ManpowerGroup Talent Shortage 2025 study, 84% of employers in Portugal report difficulty in attracting qualified talent—the third-highest value in the world, only behind Germany (86%) and Israel (85%), and well above the global average of 74%.
In the specific sector of Finance and Real Estate, the situation is even more serious: 72% of employers anticipate difficulties in recruiting in 2025, according to Experis Portugal. And it is not just a matter of quantity—there is a lack of profiles with the right skills.
Robert Walters observes that around 70% of companies reported difficulty filling vacancies for positions in IT, engineering, and finance, highlighting that automation and the use of AI have completely changed how the job market operates.
The Ideal Profile: Accountant + AI + Soft Skills
The companies that recruit with us at Fed Finance Portugal are increasingly asking for a difficult-to-find "hybrid" profile. Here is the portrait-robot of the ideal candidate in 2026:
Hard Skills (Technical) | Soft Skills (Behavioral) |
Higher education in Accounting, Management, or Economics | Analytical capacity and critical thinking |
OCC registration as TOC (preferred but not always mandatory) | Clear communication (explaining numbers to non-financials) |
Advanced mastery of Portuguese ERP (Cegid/Primavera/PHC/Sage) | Proactivity in identifying process improvements |
Proven experience in closing accounts and reporting | Adaptability to rapid technological changes |
Knowledge of updated Portuguese tax legislation | Strategic business vision (not just compliance) |
NEW: Certification in Power BI, advanced Excel, or basic Python | |
NEW: Practical experience with process automation (even basic) |
Fed Finance Portugal Data 2024–2025:
Average time to recruit traditional accountant: 28 days
Average time to recruit accountant with AI skills: 53 days
Offer rejection rate by qualified candidates: 31>#/b### (often because they receive counter-offers)
Strategies: Internal Upskilling vs. External Recruitment
Companies face a strategic choice: train current employees or recruit new, already skilled talent? In practice, the best solution is usually mixed.
Option 1: Upskilling the Current Team
Advantages: Deep knowledge of the company and processes already installed; higher retention (investment in training generates loyalty); generally lower cost than external recruitment.
Disadvantages: Time required for training (6–12 months until proficiency); resistance to change from some senior employees; risk of losing the employee after training (to competition).
When to choose: Stable team with good performance; limited budget for higher salaries; time available for gradual transition.
Option 2: External Recruitment of AI Profiles
Advantages: Immediate skills available (faster time-to-value); fresh ideas entering the organization; transfer of best practices from other companies.
Disadvantages: Salaries 15–25% above the market average; adaptation period to company culture and processes; shortage of qualified candidates (long recruitment time).
When to choose: Urgent need for digital transformation; rapid company growth (team expansion); critical skill gaps in the current team; budget available for competitive salaries.
Option 3: Hybrid Model (Recommended)
Our experience at Fed Finance shows that 63% of successful companies adopt a mixed approach:
Recruit externally 1–2 senior profiles with AI skills (to lead the transformation).
Train the remaining employees internally (with mentorship from the newcomers).
Create a continuous upskilling program.
AI Tools for Accounting in Portugal (2026)
Theories aside, let's get down to business: what software to use, how much it costs, and what return to expect? The Portuguese market has consolidated around a few dominant players—Sage, Cegid (which absorbed Primavera and PHC), and some specialized emerging solutions. But choosing the right tool is not as simple as comparing prices on an Excel sheet.
The decision depends on the company's size, process complexity, the team's digital maturity level, and—let's be honest—the available budget. A micro-company with 5 employees has radically different needs than a medium-sized company with 200 people and multiple branches.
In this section, we will dissect the main solutions available in the Portuguese market, focusing on four practical dimensions: (1) concrete AI functionalities, (2) real use cases, (3) necessary investment (initial + recurring), and (4) ideal company profile. All based on real implementations we have observed through our network of clients and candidates. No marketing—just reality.
Sage Portugal: The Balancer Between Tradition and Innovation
Sage has consolidated itself as one of the preferred choices of Portuguese SMEs, especially for its intuitive interface and strong local support.
Highlighted AI Functionalities in 2026:
Sage 50cloud: Intelligent accounting automation, predictive cash-flow analysis (average accuracy of 82%), intelligent compliance alerts, native Power BI integration.
Practical Use Cases: Automation of bank reconciliations (saves 4–6h/month per employee), automatic detection of invoice duplications, intelligent expense classification by cost center.
Investment: Licenses from €40/month (basic) to €150/month (premium); Initial implementation €1,500–€3,000.
Ideal Company Profile: SME with 5–50 employees, turnover up to €10M, seeking a user-friendly solution without excessive complexity.
Cegid (Primavera + PHC): The Consolidation Giant
With the acquisition of Primavera BSS and more recently PHC Software (January 2025), Cegid has become the dominant player in the Portuguese market. It serves over 37,000 companies with 170,000 active users.
Highlighted AI Functionalities in 2026:
Cegid Primavera Cloud ERP: AI Centre of Excellence in Braga, Integrated Generative AI (complex reports via natural language commands), multi-entity consolidation with machine learning.
PHC Software (Cegid PHC): Intelligent digitization via QR code (OCR and AI classification), automatic document management, automatically generated reports.
Practical Use Cases: Consolidation of 5+ group companies (reduction of closing time from 15 to 6 days), processing of 500+ invoices/month without human intervention.
Investment: Cegid Primavera Cloud from €60/user/month; PHC CS/GO from €35/user/month; Implementation €3,000–€15,000.
Ideal Company Profile:
Primavera/Cegid: Medium-sized companies (50–500 employees), groups with multiple entities, need for consolidation.
PHC: SME and micro-companies (2–50 employees), focus on usability and competitive pricing.
Emerging Portuguese Software: Local Innovation
Beyond the major players, some 100% Portuguese solutions integrate AI:
Moloni: Cloud accounting for micro-companies (from €15/month).
InvoiceXpress: Popular for freelancers, with invoicing automation.
ROI Comparison by Company Size
Here is a realistic analysis of the return on investment in accounting AI solutions, based on real cases from our Fed Finance network:
Company Size | Annual Investment | Time Saved (h/month) | Savings (€/year) | ROI (years) |
Micro (1–10 employees) | €1,200–€2,500 | 15–25h | €3,000–€5,000 | 0.5–1 year |
Small (11–50 employees) | €3,000–€8,000 | 40–80h | €8,000–€16,000 | 0.5–1 year |
Medium (51–250 employees) | €12,000–€30,000 | 120–250h | €25,000–€50,000 | 0.6–1.2 years |
Large (250+ employees) | €50,000–€150,000 | 400–800h | €80,000–€200,000 | 0.8–1.5 years |
Methodological Note: Calculations assume an average cost/hour of an accounting employee of €20 (salary + charges). Savings include time reduction, decrease in errors and rework, and productivity gains.
FAQ: The 10 Most Frequent Questions About AI in Accounting
After thousands of conversations with accountants and financial managers, we realize the same doubts arise repeatedly.
1. Will Artificial Intelligence replace accountants in Portugal?
Direct Answer: No, but it will replace accountants who do not adapt to the new tools.
AI eliminates repetitive tasks but creates new needs in strategic consulting, predictive analysis, and business advice. According to Randstad Portugal, "the automation of routine accounting tasks allows time to be freed up for higher added-value tasks."
2. How much does it cost to implement AI in the accounting of a Portuguese SME?
Initial investment ranges from €1,500 (micro-company with basic Sage) to €25,000 (medium-sized company with complete Cegid). Recurring costs are €30–€150/user/month. The typical ROI is achieved in 6–18 months.
3. What AI skills should I develop as an accountant?
Priority 1 (Mandatory): Mastery of Power BI or Tableau, Advanced Excel with Power Query.
Priority 2 (15–20% Salary Differential): Basic Automation (RPA), Predictive Analysis, use of Generative AI for report drafts.
Priority 3 (Highly Valued): Basic Python for financial data analysis, configuration of automated workflows.
4. How to find an accountant with AI skills in Portugal?
The shortage is real: 84% of Portuguese companies report difficulty recruiting qualified talent.
Practical Strategies: Publish offers on LinkedIn mentioning required AI tools; contact alumni of specialized training; use specialized recruitment consultancies (Fed Finance).
5. Is AI in accounting mandatory for Certified Accountants (TOC) in Portugal?
Currently (2026): No, it is not legally mandatory to have AI skills for OCC registration. But practice is quickly becoming indispensable due to growing legal obligations (electronic invoicing, SAF-T Accounting) and the need for competitiveness.
6. Can small companies (< 10 employees) benefit from AI?
Yes, and they should. Micro-companies have access to affordable, scalable solutions like Moloni Cloud (from €15/month) or Sage 50cloud Start (from €40/month). Benefits include eliminating manual errors and automatic tax compliance.
7. Can AI replace a Certified Accountant (TOC)?
No, for technical, legal, and practical reasons. AI automates tasks but does not replace professional judgment (interpreting ambiguous tax legislation, negotiating with the Tax Authority, optimizing fiscal strategy). Legally, only a TOC can certify accounts.
8. What are the privacy risks of using AI in accounting?
Risks include data leakage and non-compliance with GDPR. Mandatory safeguards include choosing vendors with ISO 27001 and GDPR certification, preferring EU servers, and ensuring contractual clauses prevent data misuse.
9. How to convince management to invest in accounting AI?
Present a quantified business case, detailing current costs (time/errors) versus projected savings (reduction in closing time, error elimination, staff cost savings). Aim for a payback period of under 18 months, which is common for SMEs.
10. Where can I find job offers for AI Accountants in Portugal?
Primary platforms include LinkedIn and Indeed Portugal. Specialized platforms like Fed Finance Portugal are recommended for exclusive finance/accounting opportunities.
The Future Has Already Begun — Are You Ready?
We have reached the end of this guide, but if you expected to find predictions about "the future of accounting" here, you will be disappointed. Because the truth is: the future that was so much discussed is no longer the future—it is the present of November 2025. AI has already transformed Portuguese accounting. The only question that remains is whether you will be on the right side or the wrong side of this transformation.
Three Realities You Cannot Ignore:
AI is no longer optional. With 84% of Portuguese companies reporting recruitment difficulties and 72% of the financial sector anticipating hiring challenges, the competition for qualified talent is fierce. Professionals who master AI tools earn 15–20% more.
The transformation is gradual but irreversible. You don't need to become a Python expert tomorrow. Start with the basics: master Power BI, automate processes in Excel, familiarize yourself with your current ERP's AI functionalities. Training is accessible—even free via Cheque-formação + Digital until the end of 2025.
The role of the accountant has increased in value, not decreased. As Marta Soares of the OCC summarized: "The accountant is no longer just someone who organizes documents and submits declarations. Today, they are a strategic partner." Automation frees you up to do what really matters: advise, interpret, guide decisions.
Practical Next Steps:
If you are an accountant: Master Power BI, sign up for training (Code for All_ is free until Dec 2025), and update your LinkedIn profile with certifications.
If you are a manager/entrepreneur: Audit current accounting processes, get demos from Sage/Cegid/PHC, and calculate the realistic ROI.
If you are looking to change careers or progress: Develop a 6–12 month training plan, build a practical project portfolio, and apply for positions that explicitly value AI.
The moment to act is now. 🚀
