Overview

AI is advancing faster than any technology the profession has ever seen, and accountants now stand at a pivotal moment. The evidence is clear: Chartered Accountants want to lead, but many don’t yet feel prepared.

Global research from Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), member feedback, and insights gathered at the 2025 CAW Global Future Leaders Think Tank hosted by CA ANZ in Sydney reveal a shared understanding of the profession’s current standing and the steps needed next.

1. AI confidence is growing, but capability gaps remain

Landmark research from Ipsos UK shows that while 92% of CAs want AI training, only 30% have received any.

Even more striking, 45% of senior decision makers still do not feel confident using AI, largely due to concerns around data security, governance, and limited formal upskilling.

Younger professionals are leading the way, with 91% of 18-25-year-olds willing to use AI. This generational readiness is an opportunity the profession must harness.

This tells us that appetite for AI is high, but structured support is lacking. Without targeted capability-building, the skills gap will widen.

2. AI is redefining, not threatening, accounting

Research and Think Tank discussions highlight a clear theme: AI enables CAs to move beyond repetitive tasks and focus on strategic work.

Key opportunities include:

• automated financial analysis commentary
• faster audit planning and risk assessments
• streamlined month-end reporting
• data cleaning and single-source-of-truth workflows
• deep technical research support
• more efficient client communications and insights.

As PwC’s GenAI leader noted at the event, with the right setup, professionals can save one to three hours daily. This is time that can be reinvested in advisory, leadership, and judgement-led work.

3. Ethical leadership and data stewardship will define CAs

CAs consistently identify data security, cyber risk, and ethical governance as top barriers.

The path forward requires:

• clear AI governance frameworks
• transparency around data use
• human-in-the-loop decision protocols
• ethical guidelines for emerging technologies
• training that builds confidence in applying judgement alongside AI.

Rather than being displaced, accountants will become trusted professionals who protect trust in an AI-driven world.

4. The outcome of the Think Tank

The 27 participants at the CAW Think Tank, representing institutes from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Scotland and Pakistan reinforced what the data signals globally:

• they want hands-on, practical AI training they can apply immediately
• they need role-specific guidance (audit, tax, advisory)
• they’re eager for AI peer learning communities
• they want their professional bodies to lead with 67% expecting them to set the pace
• their confidence in AI’s role in accounting jumped from 8% to 25% in a single day when engaging with real use cases and structured learning.

This tells us that exposure and structure drive confidence and adoption.

5. Clear actions for the profession

Drawing on research, member expectations and Think Tank insights, several priorities stand out.

Build AI Capability

• Deliver modular, accounting-specific AI training.
• Provide practical, build-along sessions (e.g., Copilot workflows, agents, automation).
• Create role-based deep dives.

Create connected learning communities

• Establish alumni and peer groups for continuous learning.
• Share case studies, success stories and practical tools.

Lead with governance

• Set clear guidelines on ethical and safe AI use.
• Equip leaders to champion AI adoption within firms.

Measure progress

• Track confidence, capability and real adoption outcomes.
• Share insights back to members regularly.

Bottom Line

AI isn’t reshaping the accounting profession for CAs – it’s reshaping it with CAs.

The research and the voices of emerging leaders all point to the same conclusion: CAs are ready for the future; they just need the tools, training and confidence to lead.

The CAW Global Future Leaders Think Tank confirms this is a time for bold leadership, ethical stewardship and practical action. As automation accelerates, the judgment, values and perspectives of accountants become even more vital. We must ensure the next generation of Chartered Accountants is not just AI-literate, but AI-confident, AI-capable and AI-ready.