Knowledge Hub – Finance Recruitment & Accountancy Insights

Chartered accountants remain among the most trusted professions, ranking third globally, as AI and disinformation challenge business. ICAEW’s updated training and GenAI initiatives highlight their growing role as ethical leaders, safeguarding data integrity and guiding organisations through digital transformation.

Finance leaders are now the most influential voices in the boardroom. Beyond managing numbers, they anchor strategy, balance risk with opportunity, inspire confidence, and drive growth. Businesses that empower finance to lead are best placed to thrive in uncertain markets.

Deepfakes threaten finance by enabling fraud through fake documents, audio, or video. Spot them via anomalies in facial movements, lighting, or audio, verifying document metadata, and using AI detection tools. Strong cybersecurity and cautious communications safeguard against reputational and financial damage.

Agile accountants prioritise speed alongside accuracy, enabling businesses to pivot quickly in volatile markets. Today’s finance teams shape strategy by modelling fast, applying rigour selectively, and delivering timely insights. Preparedness, adaptability, and commercial instinct now outweigh perfection in driving impact.

AI and automation are reshaping accounting in 2026, driving a shift from compliance to strategic advisory. Firms are investing in tech to boost productivity, streamline operations, meet client expectations, and overcome talent shortages while outsourcing to maintain focus on high-value services.

A Silverfin survey found senior accountants in large firms adopt AI more than juniors, reversing expectations. Restricted access, trust issues, and role differences may explain the gap, raising questions about AI’s real impact versus perceived productivity benefits.