New dawn: MTD advisory set to support much needed education and digitalisation

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) is not just a looming regulatory requirement; it's proving to be an opportunity for digital transformation that promises to reshape the entire landscape of the sector. Eriona Bajrakurtaj, managing director of Major Accounts, is at the forefront of an innovative MTD advisory service aimed at guiding her peers in building digital-first businesses and preparing for MTD for ITSA.

Starting in April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying income of £50,000 or more will be mandated to sign up to MTD for ITSA. This mandate will require them to maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) using MTD-compatible software. This change aims to provide a real-time overview of tax liabilities throughout the year, with the earnings threshold lowering to £30,000 from April 2027.

To support this significant shake-up, Eriona has unveiled her MTD advisory business, Volt Digital Transformation, a venture she says will empower how accounting firms navigate worlds of digitalisation and MTD compliance. 

She has expressed that MTD for ITSA is a significant step for addressing issues in the industry. 

"This is an opportunity to address long-standing issues in our profession," she asserted. "By embracing digital tools, we can improve work-life balance, attract new talent, and elevate the role of accountants to true business advisors. The days of being chained to a desk, manually inputting data, are over. We're entering an era where accountants can offer real-time insights and strategic advice."

The QuickBooks catalyst: A step into the world of tech 

Eriona’s journey into this new venture began at a pivotal moment during the QuickBooks Connect event in 2017, where she first stepped into the world of technology—a moment that would ultimately inspire her to lead a digital transformation within her practice and now the accounting profession. 

"I was shocked at what this world was and how I did not know anything about it," Eriona recalls. "It completely changed my perspective on what was possible for our firm and our clients." QuickBooks Connect marked her first significant step into the world of tech, leading her to explore how digital solutions and tools could transform her practice. This experience laid the foundation for her MTD advisory business, where she now wants to help other accountants navigate the digital landscape with confidence and clarity.

Another experience that would change her trajectory is a deeply personal one. Her father, who founded their accounting firm, worked tirelessly seven days a week for 14 years. "During COVID, my parents became very ill. It made me realise – when did they enjoy their lives?" This poignant realisation drove Eriona's determination to find a better, more balanced way of working in the accounting profession.

Being in the QuickBooks MTD beta pilot programme and an Accounting Council member, QuickBooks remains an integral part of her journey seven years later.  

Being part of the MTD beta pilot programme allows her to gain firsthand client experience and insights. "The MTD pilot has allowed us to test and refine our processes before the regulations become mandatory," Eriona explains. "It's been invaluable in helping us understand what works and what doesn't, so we can ensure that our clients are fully prepared and can transition smoothly when MTD officially comes into effect." 

A new approach to MTD compliance and digitalisation 

Her MTD advisory service aims to equip accountants with the tools and knowledge to provide top-tier services to their clients in the digital age. "It's a full end-to-end service that will future-proof businesses," Eriona explains. "We'll provide a report on how everything works together, with a full live demo from start to finish."

Eriona also emphasises the importance of changing mindsets while changing processes. "It's not just the technology side. It's business development and reframing everything internally." The service encompasses everything from data migration and system integration to team training and client communication strategies.

As Eriona succinctly puts it to potential clients, "One, you'll be ready and compliant. Two, your business will be more enjoyable, and three, you'll get your life back." It's a promise of surviving the digital transition and thriving in it, with the added benefit of improving work-life balance.

We're aiming to help firms fully digitalise in six to eight weeks. Our process starts with a detailed assessment of the firm's operations, followed by tailored technology integration. We provide comprehensive staff training, guide firms in adjusting their pricing and marketing strategies, and offer support in communicating these changes to clients. From my experience digitalising my firm, which took years, I understand the challenges involved. Our goal is to streamline the entire process, from initial assessment to long-term adaptation, to help firms navigate the shift towards digital accounting practices," Eriona shared with QuickBooks. 

Reshaping the role of accountants

Eriona says she believes that MTD and digitalisation will fundamentally reshape the role of accountants. "We need to be business advisors. We will have that extra time, which is an expectation of clients." She sees this as an opportunity for accountants to step out from behind their computers and build stronger relationships with their clients.

"It will mean we have to be forced out of our shell to have those conversations, build the relationship to provide the correct advice," Eriona states. "It is no longer acceptable to state, this is what the tax figure is, based on what I know. Clients expect accountants to have understood their entire situation, both business and personal, in order to come to the conclusion of the right tax advice for them. If we do not delve deeper and learn more about our clients, we are not giving  fully informed advice. However this is what clients expect now."

This new role requires accountants to develop skills in communication and relationship-building—skills that are often overlooked in traditional accounting education but are now critical for success. "It's about learning how to have meaningful conversations, understanding not just the numbers but the story behind the numbers," she says.

Eriona also expressed that she  sees digitalisation as a way to attract new talent to the industry and changing public perceptions of accounting. "We have an issue right now with not even being able to find staff because no one wants to go into the field because it doesn't look attractive," she notes. By embracing technology and offering more strategic services, she believes accounting can become an appealing career choice for the next generation.

The demand for digital services has been growing rapidly, driven by how people run their businesses and live their lives.

"Clients are requesting it now. Even if it wasn't a case of it's going to be law, clients want it," Eriona explains. "They're used to doing everything on their phone. They're starting to run their businesses on their phones, so why can't they have that communication with their accountants too?" This shift in client expectations presents a significant opportunity for accountants who can meet these demands. 

According to Eriona, she sees endless possibilities ahead. From helping firms increase their valuation for potential acquisitions to enabling better succession planning, the benefits of digitalisation are far-reaching. "There are so many different things that could come out of this," she muses. "We're seeing a lot in terms of Private Equity firms looking to acquire accountancy practices, and accountancy practices valuing themselves a certain figure, but actually realising this is not achievable because they're not tech-ready."

A call to action

As the accounting industry stands at this digital precipice, Eriona's MTD advisory service offers guidance. It's not just about compliance; it's about reimagining the future of accounting. With passion, experience, and a clear vision, Eriona seems to be leading the charge towards a more efficient, enjoyable, and valuable accounting profession.

"Right now, I can't wait to come to the office and get work done and have those conversations with clients," Eriona shares, her enthusiasm palpable. "A few years ago it was a different situation. It was a case of - I've got these deadlines to meet this month. Am I going to be able to do them? I don't know if I can."

In an industry often characterised by long hours and high stress, Eriona believes she is offering a new way forward. It's a vision of a future where accountants can do more than just manage compliance—they can lead, innovate, and enjoy their work while making a significant impact on their clients' lives. "This is the new era of accounting," Eriona concludes, "and with our support, it's an exciting one."

Want to hear about Eriona’s journey? Join our webinar on 25 September to learn more

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This article discusses the work of independent businesses preparing for MTD ITSA. The views and services mentioned are not formally endorsed by QuickBooks.