A new Trust Survey by Edelman DXI for Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) has surveyed 2,700 chartered accountants globally about artificial intelligence adoption.
The findings reveal a profession caught between significant interest in AI and practical barriers that prevent widespread implementation.
Current usage and attitudes
The data shows strong theoretical support for AI adoption: 85% of chartered accountants express willingness to use AI technology when available. However, actual usage tells a different story. Only just under 1 in 2 report that AI currently helps them work more effectively, and most usage centres on general productivity tools rather than specialised accounting applications.
The generational divide is pronounced: among 18-24 year-olds, 83% use AI tools at least weekly, compared to much lower rates among older cohorts. This suggests natural adoption will occur over time, but also highlights the immediate skills gap facing the profession.
Currently, 70% of users rely on publicly available tools like ChatGPT rather than solutions designed for professional services.
Training gaps and barriers
The research identifies a fundamental mismatch between demand and supply for AI training. While 92% express willingness to participate in future AI training programmes, only 30% have actually received training through their organisations.
Two primary barriers emerge from the data:
- 52% cite insufficient skills and training as the biggest obstacle to profession-wide AI adoption
- 30% identify data security concerns as their main reason for limited AI use
These concerns aren’t unfounded. Many accountants handle sensitive financial data, and the reliance on consumer-grade AI tools raises legitimate compliance questions. The lack of structured training programmes means many practitioners are making ad-hoc decisions about AI use without proper guidance.
Professional body expectations
The research reveals clear expectations about who should address these challenges. 65% of respondents expect professional accountancy bodies, rather than employers, to provide AI training.
What practitioners want from this training is specific: integration with existing tools (51% would increase AI use if this were available), practical applications and clear ethical guidelines.
Future role changes
The data suggests the profession anticipates significant changes in coming years:
- 87% believe accountants will focus more on strategic advice than data processing within five years
- 85% think AI proficiency will become essential for career progression
- 79% see accountants becoming “Data Guardians” as businesses adopt more AI systems
These expectations align with broader trends in professional services, where technology handles routine tasks while humans focus on interpretation, strategy and client relationships.
Interestingly, 56% believe incorporating AI makes accountancy more attractive as a career choice, suggesting the profession views these changes positively rather than as a threat.
What this means for the industry
The research reveals a profession ready for change but lacking the infrastructure to implement it effectively. The enthusiasm exists, but the training programmes, security frameworks and integration tools largely don’t.
The most immediate opportunities appear to lie in developing sector-specific AI training programmes and working with software providers to integrate AI capabilities into established accounting tools. The alternative – allowing ad-hoc adoption of consumer tools – carries both security and competency risks.
It appears that AI proficiency is becoming a professional necessity, not an optional skill. The question isn’t whether to engage with these technologies, but how to do so safely and effectively.