How are accountants in the UK using artificial intelligence?

However, many practices are yet to adopt AI due to doubts about whether it’s really here to stay, how useful it is, or concerns around potential drawbacks.

We surveyed 100 UK-based accountants to find out how they really feel about AI in accounting and what they’re using it for. In this blog we look at some of the key findings and insights.

Can AI be used in accounting and what are the benefits?
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Yes, there are many benefits to using AI in accounting.

The main benefit appears to be productivity and time savings, as 64% of UK believe this is the case, followed by 51% recognising cost savings. Using AI technology such as automation, robotic process automation (RPA), and AI, accountants can reduce the number of manual tasks they’re spending time on, freeing up time to work on advisory and client relationships.

24% of accountants recognise AI’s ability to expand marketing and content, and branding, presence, and customer reach (22%). This shows it’s not just about those everyday workflows, but also about thinking outside the box with finding new customers and increasing your brand presence.

How is AI being used in accounting in UK?
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AI is becoming an essential tool for accountants in the UK, with 66% already using it within their firm or finance department. Adoption varies slightly by role, with 63% of accountants in business and 69% in firms currently using AI. An additional 25% are not using AI yet but plan to in the future, leaving just 9% with no plans to adopt it.

This means a staggering 91% of UK accountants are either using AI now or intend to, highlighting a strong interest.

Among those already using it, 70% are leveraging generative AI tools for tasks like drafting reports, summarising financial data, and generating client communications. 54% use machine learning for predictive analytics, fraud detection, and risk assessment, and 46% are using automation to streamline routine tasks such as payroll, invoice processing, and bookkeeping.

Will AI replace accountants in the UK?
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41% of accountants in the UK are concerned about AI taking their job, following accuracy of results (43%) and data security and privacy (42%) closely. While it’s top of accountants’ minds, you shouldn’t fear AI taking your role, as it serves as a useful assistant in the same way other technology does—but it still can’t do what you do.

“AI isn’t going to take away your expertise,” says Mohammed Sidat, Associate Product Technology Director. “It’s a tool to be used to make your work more efficient. Use this as an opportunity to free up your time for advisory. It’s what all software is here to do—make your life easier—AI technology is just the next phase. Ensure someone’s looking after your data security and systems, which should be something you’re doing anyway. It’s an assistant so never take it as gospel; review it, and work with it.”

What do UK accountants think of AI?
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Our report found that 91% of UK accountants are using AI, or plan to use it in the future—showing a very high adoption rate.

One respondent, a self-employed accountant based in Yorkshire/Humber, says, “I believe AI in accounting offers great potential for efficiency and accuracy. While I’m excited to adopt it, I remain cautious about ensuring that human oversight is maintained to address any complexities.”

Another mid-level accountant based in the West Midlands is less confident, saying, “I’m unsure about adopting it [AI], until it’s proven to be secure and efficient.”

Does the UK have AI regulations?
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In January 2025, the UK government published their AI Opportunities Action Plan. So how do accountants feel about their response to the advancements?

71% of accountants are satisfied or very satisfied with the government’s response to AI, while a further 24% remain neutral.

This is in line with trust sentiment, with 43% of UK accountants saying they usually trust the technology, and 24% claiming they always do.

Interested in learning more about AI in accounting in the UK?