Audit and Accounting Professionals Accelerate AI Adoption While Prioritizing Human Judgment
TORONTO — Audit and accounting professionals worldwide are rapidly transitioning from artificial intelligence experimentation to practical implementation, according to new global research sponsored by Caseware and conducted by IDC. The study, titled The Future of Audit and Accounting in the AI Era, surveyed more than 1,000 professionals across the industry and found significant momentum toward AI integration.
Widespread AI Adoption with Clear Expectations
The research reveals that two-thirds of respondents (66%) report their firms have already embedded AI into strategic planning, deployed it in selected functions, or initiated pilot projects. Furthermore, over half (53%) strongly agree or agree that AI tools can enhance audit quality through improved efficiency and analytical capabilities.
Despite this enthusiastic adoption, professionals maintain firm expectations regarding governance and professional judgment. The study highlights that while 76% of respondents believe AI will fundamentally transform audit and accounting over the next decade, nearly two-thirds (64%) insist that validation of AI outputs should always be required when relying on AI for professional judgments.
Trust Requires Safeguards and Accountability
"What stands out in this research is not hesitation about AI, but clarity," said David Marquis, chief executive officer at Caseware. "Audit and accounting professionals recognize the value AI can bring, while setting firm expectations around validation, judgment and accountability. Trust remains the foundation of the profession."
The research underscores that professionals view AI as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement for human expertise. This perspective reflects the industry's commitment to maintaining rigorous standards and professional accountability, even as technological innovation accelerates.
Practical Barriers to Implementation
The survey identifies significant practical challenges that shape professionals' emphasis on governance and training:
- Cost of implementation ranked as the single biggest barrier, cited by 34% of respondents
- Lack of technical talent followed closely, referenced by 30% of professionals
These practical considerations highlight that concerns about AI adoption stem more from implementation challenges than skepticism about the technology itself.
Strategic Integration as Key to Success
According to Mickey North Rizza, group vice-president of Enterprise Software at IDC, the survey findings reflect a crucial shift in how AI's impact is measured: "As AI becomes embedded into day-to-day workflows, its value is increasingly defined by how well firms integrate these tools into established methodologies, quality controls and governance frameworks."
The research concludes that successful AI adoption requires balancing innovation with professional responsibility. Organizations that invest in validation frameworks, upskilling programs, and ethical governance will be best positioned to lead in this new era of audit and accounting while maintaining the public trust that defines the profession.
