A landmark report from Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) and Ipsos UK reveals that 79% of Chartered Accountants surveyed agree that as AI is integrated more into business, the role of accountants as ‘Data Guardians’ will become increasingly important to organisations. Younger professionals are already leading the way in adoption with 91% of 18–25-year-olds surveyed being very or fairly willing to use AI.
They are already leveraging AI to enhance general productivity (40%), data entry (24%), client services (17%), and risk management (12%). However, CAW suggests the research also highlights a critical need for upskilling and leadership to ensure the profession fully capitalises on AI’s transformative potential.
The findings: A profession poised for AI transformation
The report, based on 2,718 respondents across 48 countries from thirteen Chartered Accountancy institutes, underscores that AI is already reshaping the profession:
AI is reshaping the profession
85% of Chartered Accountants surveyed are willing to use AI technology, given the opportunity.
A workforce eager for change
83% of those aged 18-24 are using AI tools at least once a week, leveraging AI for general productivity (40%), data entry (24%), client services (17%), and risk management (12%).
Upskilling is
essential
65% of surveyed Chartered Accountants expect Chartered Accountants to receive training on AI and its applications from professional bodies.
Leadership must step up
While 80% of Chartered Accountants surveyed aged 18-24 are confident in using AI in their role, senior decision makers are less so (55%). This group says their main reasons for not using AI are concerns about data security (33%), a lack of training (28%), and existing company policies preventing access (14%). CAW is concerned this hesitation risks slowing the pace of innovation.
AI is an opportunity, not a threat
52% of Chartered Accountants surveyed disagree that the value that accountants provide can be replaced by automated systems. CAW considers this to be an opportunity in positioning Chartered Accountants as Data Guardians and strategic advisors in an increasingly digital economy.
Download the Report
AI and the Future of the global Chartered Accountancy Profession
Research carried out by Ipsos UK on behalf of Chartered Accountants Worldwide
The following report is the first set of results from this research. It provides actionable insights and an understanding of the current levels of AI adoption in the global Chartered Accountancy profession.
Leadership
Senior leaders must drive AI adoption
A leadership gap may slow AI adoption in the profession, as senior professionals remain cautious. 53% of C-suite executives surveyed say they do not feel prepared for the impact AI will have on their job role over the next five years. Qualitative interviews show that trust often depends on existing security frameworks like Microsoft’s Co-Pilot. While some firms implement internal governance, cross-national regulations can be a barrier.
36% of surveyed Chartered Accountant C-suite executives cite data security and risk of cyber-attacks as one of the biggest barriers to AI adoption, highlighting it as the primary barrier to wider use.
However, without proactive leadership:
- Organisations will struggle to compete in an AI-driven economy.
- Chartered Accountants risk being left behind by other industries that are rapidly integrating AI.
- The profession will fail to fully capitalise on AI’s potential, limiting its ability to drive business innovation and efficiency.
The future of the Accountancy career
Incorporating AI into Chartered Accountancy practise makes it a more attractive career choice
Action & Confidence
Ainslie van Onselen, Chair of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and CEO of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, emphasises the need for leadership and action:
AI is a rapidly evolving and transformative opportunity for Chartered Accountants to advance within the value chain, reinforcing both their trusted advisor and data guardian status. Senior leaders must seize the initiative and empower professionals with the skills and confidence to fully leverage AI’s potential. It is a tool for innovation, not a substitute for human expertise.
Critical human thinking will remain essential to interpret and apply AI insights. With data privacy and security a top priority for all business leaders, structured and ethical training is must to ensure AI is used responsibly. And educational institutions take note – students are looking for more AI and digital skills in their future learning. The time to act is now
Maciek Ozorowski, Head of AI Transformation at Ipsos UK, highlights the need for upskilling to embed confidence in using AI:
In line with trends observed across various professional services, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence among Chartered Accountants is gaining momentum, driven by a widespread interest in enhancing efficiency and job satisfaction. This enthusiasm, however, is tempered by the current limitations of generic AI chatbots, which are not yet equipped to handle complex, specialized tasks, restricting their use to simpler functions. To fully realise AI’s potential in the Accountancy sector, there is an urgent need for bespoke AI solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. Moreover, upskilling remains a critical area of focus, as many accountants lack the confidence to effectively utilise AI tools. Addressing these challenges will be pivotal in advancing AI adoption, ensuring that Chartered Accountants can harness the technology to its fullest, ultimately transforming their roles into more strategic, advisory capacities.
What's Next?
What needs to happen next?
To ensure AI is successfully embedded within the profession, senior leaders must:
Lead by
example
Adopt AI in their own workflows and champion its benefits within their organisations.
Invest in AI training
Ensure that Chartered Accountants at all levels receive practical, hands-on AI education.
Shape AI ethics and governance
Develop robust frameworks to ensure secure and ethical AI use.
Encourage an AI-ready culture
Foster an environment where AI is seen as a strategic asset, not a disruption.
The future of Chartered Accountancy is being reshaped by AI, and the profession cannot afford to stand still. Senior leaders must lead the charge—the time for action is now.
Special Event
Special episode of Difference Makers Discuss – AI and the future of the global Chartered Accountancy profession
In this episode, Chair of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and CEO of CA ANZ, Ainslie van Onselen is joined by Alex Russell, Associate Director at Ipsos Corporate Reputation, unpack the findings of the inaugural global AI research study conducted by CAW in collaboration with IPSOS UK.
