AI Adoption in Accountancy: Progress, pressure and skills gaps 

 

Research from Chartered Accountants Worldwide, surveying over 2,700 professionals globally, reveals a sector where enthusiasm for artificial intelligence significantly outpaces organisational readiness and formal support structures. 

Willingness exceeds organisational support 

A striking 85% of chartered accountants express willingness to use AI technology, yet only 30% have received any AI training through their employers. This disconnect highlights a workforce prepared for digital transformation, whilst many organisations lag behind in providing necessary infrastructure and education. 

The generational divide is particularly evident. Among accountants aged 18-24, 83% are already using AI tools weekly, effectively self-training whilst waiting for formal programmes. These younger professionals are driving adoption through personal initiative, creating bottom-up pressure for organisational change. 

The skills crisis 

The profession faces a significant challenge: over half of respondents identify insufficient skills and training as the primary barrier to AI adoption, whilst 92% express willingness to participate in training programmes that remain largely unavailable. 

Professional bodies are increasingly expected to fill this gap. Some 65% of chartered accountants look to their institutes rather than employers for AI education, particularly those in smaller practices lacking the resources of major firms. 

Security concerns limit adoption 

Data security concerns represent the most significant barrier to broader AI implementation, with 30% citing this as their primary hesitation. The concern intensifies at senior levels: 34% of C-suite executives require explicit data security assurances before increasing AI usage, compared to just 24% of junior staff. 

Three distinct approaches have emerged across organisations: 

• Established platform reliance: Using trusted ecosystems like Microsoft’s suite, where existing security measures extend to AI tools 
• Internal governance frameworks: Implementing formal approval processes with oversight committees 
• Cautious non-adoption: Avoiding AI integration due to complex regulatory and cross-border compliance requirements 

Role transformation are anticipated 

The evolution of core accountancy functions appears inevitable. 87% of those surveyed predict that within five years, accountants will focus primarily on strategic advice rather than data processing, enabled by AI automation. This positions accountants as “data guardians” – a role 79% believe will become increasingly important as businesses integrate more AI systems. 

Current AI usage concentrates on routine operations:  

• General productivity tasks (43%) 
• Data entry (35%) 
• Account reconciliation (29%) 

Competitive implications 

The profession recognises that AI adoption carries significant competitive implications. 83% of those surveyed agree that accountancy firms failing to integrate AI will face competitive disadvantages. This assessment reflects the reality that early adopters are developing efficiency advantages that may prove difficult to match. 

Additionally, 56% believe AI integration will enhance accountancy’s appeal as a career choice. As routine tasks become automated, the profession shifts towards more analytical work focused on interpretation, strategy development and client advisory services. 

What will the future look like?

Individual enthusiasm for AI substantially exceeds organisational preparedness, creating both opportunity and risk. Success will likely depend on professional bodies developing comprehensive training programmes whilst firms invest in secure, integrated solutions rather than tolerating ad-hoc tool adoption. 

The accountant of the future will combine human insight with artificial intelligence capabilities, serving as a strategic advisor. For a profession built on accuracy and reliability, executing this transformation successfully represents both an opportunity for enhanced value delivery and an essential requirement for maintaining competitive relevance in an increasingly AI-integrated business environment.