CA ANZ hosts third Chartered Accountants Worldwide Global Future Leaders Think Tank, empowering Chartered Accountants to drive AI adoption with confidence.
In Brief
- 92% of CAs want AI training, but only 30% have received it
- Think tank participants created practical AI action plans
- CAs are well-placed to lead AI transformation
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) hosted the third Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) Global Future Leaders Think Tank in Sydney on 13 August, convening 27 emerging leaders from Chartered Accountancy Institutes in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Themed “From AI-curious to AI-leaders: How AI is rewiring the DNA of the new Chartered Accountant”, the forum explored how Chartered Accountants (CAs) can lead the profession’s AI transformation, following landmark research from CAW and Ipsos UK confirming the critical role CAs play in leading AI adoption.
CAW Global Chair and CA ANZ CEO Ainslie van Onselen set the scene by asking: how do we empower CAs to lead with confidence in the age of AI?
“AI is changing how we work, think and lead. As automation accelerates, our judgment, values and perspective become even more essential,” Ms van Onselen said.
“At CA ANZ and CAW, our role is to ensure you have the platform, the support, and the network to turn today’s conversations into real momentum.”
Global insights
Ipsos AI Lead and Global Research Manager Jamie Letvinchuk shared key research findings that spotlight the urgency and the opportunity for the profession and its member bodies:
- 92% of CAs want AI training, but only 30% have received any
- 52% cite lack of skills as the top barrier
- 67% expect their member body to lead on AI education.
“AI isn’t a threat to accounting. It’s a transformative opportunity to boost strategic insight, enhance productivity, and strengthen the role of CAs as trusted data guardians,” he said.
“Senior leaders must empower professionals with the skills and confidence to leverage AI.”
From insight to action
PwC New Zealand Director of GenAI and Emerging Tech Kayur Patel FCA’s thought-provoking keynote highlighted the immediate opportunities presented by generative AI (GenAI).
“With the right tools and training, anyone can save one to three hours a day using AI. We’ve never seen anything like this with other technologies.
Mr Patel explained the importance of helping organisational leaders understand GenAI and what impact it could have, develop a GenAI strategy, and implement appropriate safeguards.
Interactive sessions facilitated by Amplify AI Group CEOs Alice Tang CA and William Liang applied AI skills in real-world contexts through deep dives on top AI use cases, risk and capability assessment, and exploring the mindset shifts and leadership needed to build an AI-ready culture.
Top AI use cases identified
For personal productivity:
- Automated commentary for complex financial analysis
- Deep dives into technical subjects
- Personal email assistants
- Month-end and account reconciliation and analysis
- AI team performance coach.
For organisational use:
- AI-powered workflows
- Data clean-up and creating a single source of truth
- Cash flow forecasting analysis
- Invoice and calculations review chatbot
- Analyst call preparation.
Participants pitched their AI use cases, addressing purpose, value creation, feasibility, key ethical and regulatory risks, and the human capabilities required.
Risks and capabilities
The discussion highlighted the trust gaps created by AI risks such as hallucination, disinformation, safety, bias, and impacts on the environment, jobs and social equity.
Recommendations included using two-factor authentication for important online meetings, considering legal protections, and not entering sensitive data into large language models.
To boost organisational AI capability, participants recommended structured learning to build and use AI agents, integrating training into workflow planning, and allocating time for experimentation.
Mindset shifts and leadership needs identified for AI adoption included:
- Foster a culture of openness and experimentation
- Start with low-risk AI tools to build trust and demonstrate value early
- Equip leaders with the skills and confidence to guide AI transformation
- Encourage AI-focused business coaching.
Personal AI action plan
Participants left with a personal AI learning roadmap and clear steps for workplace adoption of AI.
Facilitator Alice Tang CA closed with a call to action.
“The best way to learn AI is to use it every day and adopt an AI-first mindset. Organisations and individuals who don’t use AI will get left behind. You are our leaders, and the future of our profession depends on you”.
Measurable impact
Post-event participant survey results showed:
- 96% rated the think tank as 4 or 5 out of 5 for value and facilitator effectiveness
- Confidence in understanding AI’s role in accounting rose from 8% to 25% feeling “very confident”, with 83% now feeling “confident” or “very confident”
- The greatest value came from the practical AI use cases and real-world examples, peer learning, expert insights, and action planning for AI adoption.
Next steps
Participants want their member bodies to take the lead on AI training, with 63% seeking further hands-on AI training tailored to accounting. There is also interest in an AI peer learning community.
CA ANZ and CAW are considering the outcomes and will publish a report on the next steps.
CTA: CAW and Ipsos UK Global AI Study
Global research report on AI and the future of the Chartered Accountancy profession
CTA: CA ANZ Certificate in AI Fluency
Learn fundamental skills and ethical principles needed to work effectively and responsibly with GenAI
Find out more: https://store.charteredaccountantsanz.com/courses/au/Certificate-in-AI-fluency—AU
CTA: Global Future Leaders Think Tank
CAW’s Global Future Leaders Think Tank supports the CA profession’s relevance and attractiveness
Find out more: https://charteredaccountantsworldwide.com/young-leaders-think-tank-creates-global-community-of-difference-makers/
