Last updated: 10 Mar 2025 08:00 Posted in: AIA
The accounting profession stands at the threshold of transformation, driven by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. According to the World Economic Forum report ‘The future of jobs 2025’, broadening digital access is expected to be the most transformative trend. 86% of employers surveyed expect advancements in AI to transform their business by 2030.
Accountants are no exception, with Sage’s report ‘Going for growth: creating an AI-first future in accounting’ revealing that 63% of UK accountants believe AI will fundamentally reshape their roles within the next decade.
Trust in AI is paramount, particularly in the accounting industry where data accuracy is non‑negotiable. Effective AI tools should offer transparency of data and training, making the AI’s decision-making process clear, which then enables accountants to confidently interpret its outputs.
AI is already automating time-consuming tasks such as invoice processing, reconciliation and data categorisation. Generative AI (GenAI) – best known through tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) – is also making big strides
in transforming tax compliance and financial analysis.
This allows accountants to focus on higher-value work. However, this shift requires a new set of skills, with only 35% of accountancy firms reporting adequate data analytics expertise, according to the Financial Reporting Council.
To stay relevant, accountants must embrace continuous learning. By upskilling in technology, data analysis and strategic advisory capabilities, they can transform into trusted business advisors, delivering insights that drive growth and resilience.
Adding a human intelligence perspective
It’s true that artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it works best when combined with human intelligence. While AI manages repetitive tasks, accountants bring essential soft skills – critical thinking, creativity and ethical judgment – that machines cannot replicate. In an environment increasingly shaped by AI, the ability to combine human intelligence, such as providing strategic insights and communicating effectively, remains a uniquely human strength.
Accountants must see themselves not as being replaced by AI but instead evolving into roles where their expertise and intuition are indispensable in guiding decision-making processes.
AI tools are revolutionising finance teams, enabling quicker data-driven decisions while freeing up time for strategic work. However, many accountants remain hesitant to adopt these technologies due to skills gaps or scepticism. To navigate this evolving landscape, finance professionals must take a proactive approach to learning.
When understood and embraced, AI elevates accountants beyond compliance and reporting, enabling them to provide strategic insights. Finance professionals, particularly CFOs, who invest in these skills position themselves as indispensable contributors to their businesses’ success.
How accountants can build future-ready skills
Upskilling should directly support firm objectives. For instance, cybersecurity training can be positioned as vital for protecting sensitive client data, linking personal development to organisational priorities. This ensures that learning efforts deliver measurable business value.
The practical, hands-on use of AI tools fosters skill building and reduces resistance to technology. Accountants can experiment with AI productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini to draft client emails, analyse data, or summarise a financial statement. These activities embed learning into everyday workflows, making upskilling a natural progression.
AI itself can facilitate learning. Tools like ChatGPT can explain AI concepts, find suitable AI tools to complete a task, or even provide step by step instructions on how to automate a manual process. This accessible learning model allows accountants to stay updated and refine their skills in real time.
As automation handles more technical tasks, accountants must strengthen their communication, adaptability and critical thinking skills. For example, data storytelling workshops can enable professionals to translate complex financial insights into actionable advice for clients and stakeholders.
One of generative AI’s most exciting capabilities is its ability to discover insights from financial data and to support accountants in analysing and interpreting these findings, providing sharper, more impactful recommendations. This shift allows accountants to deliver advice grounded in data, while focusing on understanding client needs and crafting strategies tailored to their goals. By leveraging AI for tasks like anomaly detection and financial forecasting, accountants are better equipped to guide their clients toward informed, growth-oriented decisions, reinforcing their role as indispensable strategic partners. Of course, AI’s biggest contribution here may simply be freeing up time for this more valuable, strategic work by automating routine tasks.
In an industry shaped by relentless technological change, adaptability is non-negotiable. Firms must foster a learning culture where experimentation and skill enhancement are encouraged. Mentorship programmes, peer collaboration and rewards for upskilling can drive engagement and ensure that skills development aligns with business objectives.
For example, combining human expertise with AI capabilities creates a partnership where technology handles repetitive tasks and accountants focus on delivering nuanced, strategic advice. This synergy amplifies the value that accountants bring to their organisations, positioning them as indispensable contributors to resilience and growth.
As AI adoption accelerates, ethical considerations must remain a priority. We champion responsible AI development that mitigates biases and upholds the highest standards of fairness and accountability. Accountants adopting AI must remain vigilant, using their professional judgment to avoid using AI in scenarios that risk discrimination or on tasks that AI can’t complete with accurate, verifiable results.
Upskilling is no longer optional; it’s essential. By embracing new technologies and enhancing both technical and soft skills, accountants can future proof their careers and cement their roles as trusted advisors.
While AI delivers data-driven insights, it’s the human perspective that contextualises and interprets that data, driving smarter decisions. For individuals and firms alike, committing to continuous learning isn’t just about staying relevant – it’s an investment in agility, resilience and the unique human insight that technology cannot replace. ●
For further information, see Sage’s Vision to Industry report ‘Accounting 2030: Forecasting the next frontier in AI-powered transformation’ and details of Sage AI-powered assistant Copilot.
Author bio
Aaron Harris is the chief technology officer at Sage, steering emerging tech investments, AI-powered innovations, and driving the company’s SaaS excellence.
