Artificial intelligence has become the leading ethical challenge for accountants, with 61% identifying its use as their biggest concern. The figure rose from 32% in 2024, according to new research from ACCA, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
ACCA highlighted the findings in an October 22 statement, following Global Ethics Day on October 21. Its report, Navigating ethics for trust, draws on 1,178 responses from finance and accountancy professionals across 135 countries. Roundtable discussions provided additional insights.
Ethical leadership ranked second among respondents’ challenges at 43%, followed by ethical culture at 39%. Both also featured among the leading concerns in 2024.
Half of respondents said ethical challenges had become harder to resolve over the past three years. Meanwhile, 53% reported witnessing unethical behaviour during that period.
Sarah Lane, ACCA’s Head of Ethics and Assurance, said: “The overall picture is one of a profession that remains ethically grounded, self-aware, and willing to adapt. Finance professionals are not asking for more rules, the fundamental principles remain the ethical anchor. They are asking for the tools, support and guidance needed to apply the fundamental principles in an increasingly complex world.”
The findings also show that accountants recognise AI’s benefits. ACCA’s online report says 72% believe AI tools improve their work’s quality and efficiency. Risks include overreliance, inadequate verification, reduced human judgement, confidentiality concerns and unclear accountability.
Assad Hameed Khan, Head of ACCA in Pakistan, said: “As AI becomes more embedded in business and finance, its use must be guided by the same principles that underpin trust in the accountancy profession: integrity, objectivity, professional competence, confidentiality and professional behaviour. For Pakistan’s finance professionals, this means applying sound judgement, questioning AI-generated outputs and ensuring that accountability remains clear. Strong ethical leadership, supportive organisational cultures and continuous learning will be essential to using technology responsibly while maintaining public confidence.”
Despite growing pressure, 89% agreed that ethical capability within the profession remains strong. Respondents nevertheless recognised its dependence on continuous professional development.
Strong ethical standards led the factors underpinning trust at 46%. Transparency followed at 38%, while independence accounted for 36%.
The report treats ethical behaviour as a shared responsibility. It identifies organisational culture and leadership as essential conditions for putting principles into practice.
A practical toolkit accompanies the research. It offers a 10-step process for applying the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, known as the IESBA Code. The process addresses real-world situations.
ACCA also plans to strengthen ethics education through its redesigned qualification, due for introduction in 2027.
Lane added: “Ethics has always been at the heart of the ACCA Qualification. We’re stepping that up still further when we introduce our redesigned qualification next year, which has ethics integrated throughout to help future generations navigate emerging challenges.”
