Chartered accountants across the world are embracing artificial intelligence (AI), according to new research from Chartered Accountants Worldwide. It found 85% of chartered accountants who responded to the survey are willing to use AI if given the opportunity. 

Among younger generations of the workforce, this is already happening: 83% of 18-24-year-old chartered accountants surveyed are using AI at least once a week, for simple tasks such as data entry and general productivity. 

Uptake decreases as respondents age, however. Senior leaders in particular are less likely to be confident using AI, with just 47% saying they are comfortable using it. Data security, lack of training, resistance to change and ethical concerns were cited as the primary reasons for not using AI. 

The leadership gap could slow down AI adoption in the profession, with 53% of C-suite executives saying they do not feel prepared for the impact AI will have on their role over the next five years. Data security was the main reason C-suite executives gave for not using AI more frequently, with accountants around the world revealing that leaders were looking to existing security frameworks in tried and tested software to use AI, for example Microsoft’s Copilot. Cross-national regulations were also considered a barrier, as were cyber-security risks.

The majority of respondents (65%) felt that professional bodies should lead the way in developing training resources and standards for chartered accountants. ICAEW Head of Tech Policy Esther Mallowah says: “Developing AI skills is a challenge not just for the profession, but for the whole UK economy. Getting the right result will require individuals, organisations, and professional bodies to work together. ICAEW has taken a number of steps to help students and members to upskill on AI, including updating the ACA qualification and running a campaign to raise awareness of available resources. We will build on this over the coming months to provide additional training and resources to help our members successfully adopt AI.” 

Ainslie van Onselen, Chair of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and CEO of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, says: “AI is not just a technological shift – it’s a transformative opportunity for chartered accountants to move up the value chain, positioning themselves as data guardians and trusted advisors in an AI-driven world. Senior leaders must take the lead in equipping professionals with the skills and confidence to harness AI’s full potential.” 

AI is a tool for innovation, not a replacement for human expertise, she says. Critical thinking is needed to scrutinise and apply AI-generated insights to provide effective business advice. “With data privacy and security top priorities, structured and ethical training is crucial to ensure AI is used responsibly. While hands-on technical work remains vital in training, there is a growing call from students for educational institutions to integrate more AI and digital skills into future learning. The time to act is now,” she says.

Chartered Accountants Worldwide outlined four critical lessons that chartered accountants should take from the research:

• 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 report is based on 2,718 respondents across 48 countries from multiple professional chartered accountancy institutes and was conducted by Ipsos in 2024. It should be noted that some significant developments, such as the launch of Deepseek, have taken place since the research was conducted. 

ICAEW will be holding a webinar, Global research on AI and the future of the profession, on 17 April, which will explore the results of the research in depth.