ICAEW has announced the launch of its GenAI in Professional Practice course, part of the GenAI Accelerator, marking the first phase of a collaboration between the chartered accountancy body and Microsoft.
The accelerator is part of a memorandum of understanding between the two bodies, to enhance AI skills for ICAEW Chartered Accountants and their small business clients through innovative learning content and resources tailored for ICAEW members.
ICAEW developed the course in response to growing demand from small and mid-sized firms, who said that the absence of sector-specific support was a key barrier to adoption. A significant proportion of ICAEW members already operate within the Microsoft ecosystem, which makes Microsoft 365 Copilot a highly practical and accessible entry point for GenAI adoption.
As part of the collaboration, Microsoft has contributed to the development of one of the courses within the GenAI Accelerator Programme, bringing practical insight into the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot in an accountancy context.
ICAEW members can sign-up to the GenAI Accelerator here. The programme offers free foundational courses, with optional paid modules for members who want to explore topics in greater depth.
Further initiatives will follow, including accountant-specific learning focused on Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Alan Vallance, ICAEW Chief Executive, said:
“The GenAI Accelerator Programme will be of huge benefit to ICAEW members, and I am delighted that we are working with Microsoft to support members in building practical AI capability.
“Chartered accountancy is changing at pace, and enabling our members to stay at the forefront of technology is a vital part of futureproofing the profession. This collaboration reflects ICAEW’s commitment to helping members adopt emerging technologies in ways that are practical, responsible and aligned with professional standards.
“We look forward to exploring other areas of collaboration with Microsoft.”
ENDS
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Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 210,000 members and students around the world. 98 of the top 100 global brands employ ICAEW Chartered Accountants.* 87% of FTSE 100 companies, and 81% of FTSE 250 companies in the UK, have an ICAEW member on their board.
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* includes parent companies. Source: ICAEW member data March 2025, Interbrand, Best Global Brands 2024.
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