AI driving increased use of real-time data by accountants enabling better
business decisions, but integrity concerns widespread
Lahore – July 20, 2026: CFOs and finance teams are harnessing an explosion in data and AI
technology to drive better business insights. But a new survey shows most have concerns over
the integrity of AI-generated analysis
A major report, Enabling finance insight, from two of the world’s leading accountancy bodies,
reveals a clear trend towards greater use of real-time operational data, with more than 60 per
cent of finance teams increasing its use over the past two years to support better business
insight and decision-making.
This shift from retrospective reporting towards current and forward-looking insights is driven by
a greater breadth of data– from real-time operational metrics to unstructured internal text data –
and increased use of AI technologies to reshape how data is analysed and interpreted.
The global survey of 1,600 finance professionals also reveals a real shift in the way that finance
teams are working with data and IT across an organisation. Traditional silos are breaking down,
with almost 60 per cent reporting close collaboration with data and IT teams.
But the research from ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) shows that 93 per cent of finance
professionals are concerned by the integrity and verifiability of AI-generated insights. Issues
include AI hallucinations, inaccuracies, incomplete data sets, lack of transparency and bias.
These findings underline that awareness must be followed by upskilling in this fast-developing
area.
ACCA Chief Executive Helen Brand OBE said: “This research shows how finance teams are
evolving from retrospective reporting engines into strategic enablers of enterprise-wide insight.
This is a great opportunity, but upskilling is critical. CFOs and finance teams need to lead in the
responsible adoption of AI across organisations, ensuring robust training and governance is in
place. Critical thinking, sceptical validation and an ethical approach is vital.”
CA ANZ Chief Executive Officer Ainslie van Onselen said: “AI is now a core part of the finance
toolkit, but it’s not a shortcut. CFOs and finance teams need to use it to sharpen judgement and
generate real value, not just speed up old processes. That means investing in structured
learning and working more closely with IT and data teams. Upskilling isn’t optional. It’s how you
manage the risk.”
Data from the survey shows a growing skills gap, with 72 per cent of respondents reporting only
basic or no GenAI skills, however 41 per cent are seeking training and upskilling in their own
time.
As real-time data becomes central to decision-making, thinking critically about its limits is
becoming a core skill.
Globally, the survey showed strategic priorities (45 per cent) and regulatory requirements (43
per cent) are the key drivers of the increase in data analysis to produce insights. While progress
is significant, the report highlights the key areas finance functions need to address to improve
business insights: data quality issues (42 per cent), lack of appropriate skills (42 per cent), and
difficulty integrating multiple sources (40 per cent).
Realising finance’s potential as a strategic enabler of insight hinges on developing the right
skills and strengthening collaboration. The research examined the talent profile of the modern
finance function and found that while ambition is high, execution is threatened by a
misalignment between skills and capabilities in areas such as generative AI literacy, predictive
analytics, collaboration over coding, storytelling and data governance/ethics.
The report aims to equip CFOs and finance leaders with actionable recommendations to help
their teams provide trusted insight, effectively steward data, govern AI responsibly, and drive
measurable value for the entire organisation.
Read the report.
Key messages from the report:
Strategic drivers are shifting how finance uses data
Need to champion data foundations for success
Distinguish AI for productivity and AI for value
Steward data and AI to drive value
Cultivate critical capabilities
Roles are evolving as data responsibilities expand
Support risk mitigation through upskilling and collaboration
Informal learning is insufficient
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Editor’s Note
ACCA is launching The Tech in finance series includes (the first two are live now):
Certificate in Data Analytics for Finance Professionals
Certificate in Cybersecurity for Finance Professionals
Certificate in AI for Finance Professionals
Certificate in Organisational Transformation for Finance Professionals
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For media enquiries, contact:
ACCA News Room
E: newsroom@accaglobal.com
accaglobal.com
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Owen Roberts, Public Affairs Specialist Australia
M +61 422 644 847
owen.roberts@charteredaccountantsanz.com
About ACCA
We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the only truly global
professional accountancy body. Since we were founded in 1904, we’ve been breaking down
barriers to the accountancy profession. Today we proudly support a diverse community of over
257,900 members and 530,100 future members in 180 countries.
We’re redefining accountancy. Our cutting-edge qualifications, continuous learning and insights
are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the
business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to lead and drive sustainable value in
organisations and economies worldwide.
Guided by our purpose and values, we’re leading the accountancy profession for a changed
world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and
other accountancy bodies, we’re strengthening and building a profession that focuses on
people, planet and prosperity to create value for all.
Find out more at: www.accaglobal.com
About Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand represents more than 140,000 financial
professionals, supporting them to make a difference to the businesses, organisations and
communities in which they work and live. Chartered Accountants are known as Difference
Makers. The depth and breadth of their expertise helps them to see the big picture and chart the
best course of action.
Find out more at: www.charteredaccountantsanz.com
