Gen Z accountants think AI fluency gives them the edge over managers

A new survey from Intuit QuickBooks reveals that young accountants entering the finance sector are highly confident in their AI abilities. In fact, 90 per cent of respondents believe they will outperform their future managers and senior colleagues in using AI tools. Moreover, half of the respondents (53 per cent) expect AI to be crucial for their future career success, while only 12 per cent think they should wait for managers to guide AI adoption.

The rapid acceleration of AI adoption across the professional services industry, including the accountancy sector, has put firms under pressure to adapt or risk falling behind. According to Cecilia van Eeden, head of talent development at Moore Kingston Smith, while younger talent is well-versed in using AI, their lack of soft skills poses a new workplace divide. Van Eeden emphasizes that the true asset lies in knowing when to rely on AI, challenge its output, and possess judgement.

Businesses in the professional services industry are now prioritising soft skills training for junior team members, focusing on critical thinking, communication, and emotional intelligence. Van Eeden highlights that while technology can handle repetitive tasks, it is the professional's responsibility to review AI-generated results, a skill that develops over time.

Glenn Collins, head of technical and strategic engagement at ACCA UK, stresses that pairing young talent's AI proficiency with experienced colleagues' judgement is essential to develop responsible AI use and prevent risks associated with automation bias and deskilling. Ultimately, organizations must ensure that growing AI confidence is matched by responsible use to derive meaningful value for businesses.