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Two in five people would consider switching careers to accountancy if artificial intelligence (AI) could take over routine tasks, according to new research by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
The findings suggest automation could improve the profession’s appeal by shifting the focus from administration to strategic business support. Among current accountants, four in five agreed that AI would make their jobs easier by reducing administrative work, while 80% said it would allow them to concentrate on problem-solving and giving advice.
Some 64% of respondents believe that AI will improve efficiency and accuracy, and 63% said it would allow finance professionals to focus on more impactful work.
AI was also seen as a tool to deliver more tailored client advice, such as designing tax strategies or supporting small business growth.
Among those who have worked in accountancy, 42% said AI tools have been useful in their roles. This rose to 55% for 25- to 34-year-olds.
Claire Bennison, executive director of customer, partnerships and innovation at the AAT, said: “There’s a persistent narrative that AI is here to replace accountants, but it actually has the potential to empower them. With the right skills and support, AI can be an enabler of success, building a more dynamic, inclusive, and tech-enabled finance profession that is truly future-ready.”
According to Bennison, AI could help tackle the sector’s talent shortages by lowering entry barriers and supporting retention. The AAT cited Skills England data showing that accounting and finance technicians are among the top 10 most in-demand occupations in 2024. One in five former accountants said they would return to the profession if automation could remove more of the administrative workload.
Interest in AI training is also high. Nearly four in five people said they wanted to upskill in response to AI in the workplace, with AI and machine learning second only to budgeting as a priority for workplace training. This rose to 40% among younger professionals.
In addition, 71% said AI users must be properly trained, with AAT stating its qualifications are evolving to meet this need.
Bennison added: “A properly trained, AI-savvy workforce isn’t just good for business – it’s essential. The accounting field is advancing rapidly and our mission is to support people to adopt and adapt to AI through practical, accessible programmes.”
The AAT is working with the government to secure investment in training to bridge the skills gap and build “a more inclusive, technology-empowered finance sector”.
