research report

Accounting in the Age of AI

This new research reveals a striking reversal: clients, not firms, are driving AI adoption in accounting.

64%

of businesses now consult ChatGPT before their accountant

65%

recognise responsibility to help clients adopt AI safely and effectively

42%

recognise responsibility to help clients adopt AI safely and effectively

The opportunity

AI is powerful, but it’s not always right. Over half of firms report having to correct misleading or incomplete outputs their clients brought from AI tools. Left unchecked, this creates risk – poor decisions, compliance failures, and broken trust. But with professional oversight, the opportunity is just as clear - to deepen relationships, expand services, and help clients harness AI responsibly.

A profession redefined

The value of accountants has never been in raw information, and in the post-knowledge economy that’s truer than ever. What matters now is applying context, judgement, and foresight to guide clients through complexity. AI will automate routine tasks, but it will also elevate the role of the advisor, opening the door to more proactive, strategic, and trusted client relationships.

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research report