A new report from Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) reveals significant enthusiasm about the use of AI in the profession, with 85% of respondents expressing willingness to use AI tools - and 91% of those aged 18–24 already using the technology. Members of Chartered Accountants Ireland were surveyed alongside respondents from 13 other Chartered bodies around the world, with the findings showing that AI is increasingly integrated into business processes and that the profession is actively embracing change. Chartered Accountants Ireland is the largest professional body on the island of Ireland, representing almost 40,000 members and educating 6,600 students. Key findings: AI is reshaping the profession - 85% of respondents are willing to use AI tools. This rises to 91% among 18–24-year-olds and is accompanied by strong understanding (59%) of the potential uses of AI in accountancy.   AI is already in use - 83% of 18–24-year-olds use AI tools weekly - mainly for general productivity, data entry, reconciliation of accounts, and financial reporting. While 80% of 18–24-year-olds feel confident using AI in their roles, only 47% of those aged 55+ share that confidence. The most used tools are Gen AI chatbots, Microsoft Copilot and business intelligence tools. 45% say AI is already helping them to work more effectively and efficiently. 31% say they are already using traditional AI in their job. 29% are already using generative AI (GenAI) in their job.   Barriers to adoption - 52% of those surveyed state that the biggest barrier to AI adoption is insufficient skills and training. 30% also cite data security concerns as a reason they do not use AI more frequently.   Upskilling is essential - despite a high willingness to use AI, there is a skills gap and feeling of unpreparedness for the changes AI will bring. 30% have participated in AI-related training through their organisation, but 92% are likely to participate if offered the opportunity. 65% expect to receive AI-related training from their professional body, while 32% expect it from employers. Commenting Barry Dempsey, Chief Executive of Chartered Accountants Ireland, said “It is really encouraging to see strong early adoption and enthusiasm in the profession. It is clear from the research, however, that current usage is largely focused on general-purpose productivity tools, rather than technical work, with much of the momentum driven by individual initiative and self-directed learning. “Only 30% have participated in AI-related training through their organisation, and among those that have not engaged in training, 61% say it is because it is not offered. There is a high employee willingness to engage, with 92% saying they are likely to participate if offered the opportunity, so bridging this gap will be crucial to unlocking the further potential of AI for the profession. Smaller practices and businesses may not have the resources to deliver tailored AI training, so it’s essential that professional bodies like ours step in to bridge that gap. There is also an opportunity for the government to play a role in supporting widespread digital upskilling, particularly for SMEs, to ensure no part of the profession is left behind as AI reshapes the business landscape.” AI is an opportunity, not a threat There is consensus in the findings that AI will augment, rather than replace, the Chartered Accountant’s role, with human intelligence remaining at the heart of the profession. Chartered Accountants will continue to rely on core skills, and the training priorities of respondents reflects this: Critical thinking (77% rate this as a priority) Data privacy and security (71% rate this as a priority) AI ethics (66% rate this as a priority) Barry Dempsey continued: “Priorities such as critical thinking, an emphasis on data privacy and security and AI ethics go to the very heart of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders. Critical thinking will continue to be crucial in scrutinising and applying AI insights to provide effective advice to business/clients. Similarly, with increased AI use, it's even more important to ensure structured, effective training to use technology ethically and protect data responsibly. “56% of respondents agree that incorporating AI makes accountancy more attractive as a career choice and we remain committed to equipping the next generation of Chartered Accountants with the skills and mindset to lead in a world shaped by innovation, from their first steps as students to their roles as future business leaders.” Read the report in full CAW_AI-in-Accountancy-web.pdf  Read media coverage Chartered accountants confident about adoption of AI in their work, survey finds – The Irish Times 

Chartered Accountants Ireland is delighted to announce that past President Feargal McCormack is the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Contribution to Accountancy Award at the Irish Accountancy Awards on 1 May. Previous winners of this award are Dr Laurence Crowley, Elaine Coughlan, Prof Patricia Barker, and Terence O'Rourke. We warmly congratulate Feargal on this significant recognition of his contribution to the profession. Former President of Chartered Accountants Ireland (2018/19), Feargal McCormack founded award-winning FPM Chartered Accountants in 1991 and subsequently this was the first accountancy practice in Ireland to secure private equity funding in 2022 when it merged with AAB Accountants. Feargalis currently AAB Senior Partner and Head of Family Business for the AAB Group. Feargal is the recipient of many awards and accolades, making him a deserving winner of this special award at the 2025 Irish Accountancy Awards. He was awarded Managing Partner of the Year at the 2018 British Accountancy Awards and was selected as The Irish Accountant of the Year in 2019. Feargal has been awarded Honorary Doctorate degrees by both Queens University Belfast (2021) and Ulster University (2018) for his contribution to business and community on the island of Ireland. In 2022, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NI Business Eye Awards for significant and lasting contributions to: business; the accounting sector; the NI business community; and the economy as a whole. He currently is Senior Independent Governor on the Queens University Senate, Chairman of the GAA National Finance Committee at Croke Park, a Director of Co-Operation Ireland Limited and a Patron of Special Olympics Ireland.

This is the first MRA between CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Ireland, who are both full members of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and collectively represent more than 215,000 members in more than 100 countries worldwide. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Melbourne, CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland said that this agreement is a significant milestone in the relationship between the two bodies. “Signing this agreement enables our respective organisations to work together to provide high quality education programs and build the technical capabilities of accounting, business and finance professionals,” Mr. Freeland said.  “This agreement stands as a mark of our mutual commitment to share information and ideas. It broadens the global vision of our respective members and promotes the ongoing advancement of the profession in both Ireland and Australia.  “Importantly, it provides members from both professional bodies a pathway to take up each other’s designation and enhance their career opportunities.” Chartered Accountants Ireland President, Barry Doyle, FCA, CPA said “As a small island, Ireland has always been outward facing, and our members use their qualification globally. This Agreement will benefit the many Irish professionals building their careers in Australia and will allow both bodies to collaborate even more closely in supporting all our members. “The historic amalgamation of Chartered Accountants Ireland and CPA Ireland in 2024 created the largest professional body on the island, with this expanded Institute now the only Ireland-based accountancy body. CPA Ireland enjoyed an enduring relationship with CPA Australia over several decades, and there is now an exciting opportunity to build upon this for the benefit of our members and our respective economies.” The MRA was signed by Chris Freeland AM, CEO, CPA Australia and Barry Doyle, President, Chartered Accountants Ireland.