Analysis of Automation In Accounting and Tax Processes For Smes In Ecuador

This article looks at the impact of how automation is manifesting itself in small and medium-sized Ecuadorian companies in accounting and tax matters, which constitute a key part of this country's economy. For this type of processes, digi-talization means a great opportunity to increase operational efficiency and also to comply with legal regulations, but there is a very big problem in the way: the cost of implementation and the absolute lack of training. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate how automation affects the attention to tax and accounting is-sues in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as to look for its ad-vantages and the problems it faces. This is necessary to find viable solutions in the future when the economies of scale resulting from the digitization of account-ing and tax books through computer processing can be effectively generated. To achieve this, a mixed approach was used: surveys applied to 6,910 SMEs from different economic sectors; interviews with experts and analysis of success sto-ries. The results reveal that 65% of companies use some type of accounting soft-ware, but only 40% use more sophisticated tools. As positive as fewer errors and greater efficiency are, problems such as resistance to change and lack of training still persist. Therefore, it is urged to reinforce the training and tax deductions nec-essary to facilitate Ecuador's SMEs in their digital transition.