Concerns are growing over the future of entry-level finance roles as artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in how work is carried out across the profession.
The trend is already influencing hiring priorities, with employers placing greater emphasis on digital and technical skills while questioning the value of traditional accounting tasks.
The findings come during National Careers Week, as new data points to both uncertainty and opportunity for those considering a career in finance.
Research commissioned by iplicit, a UK-based cloud accounting software provider, found that only 14 percent of finance leaders see traditional accounting skills as important for the next generation of professionals.
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Digital skills take priority
Instead, employers are prioritising capabilities linked to technology. AI and automation were identified as important by 41 percent of respondents, followed by cybersecurity and data governance at 39 percent.
More than half of finance leaders believe AI is already a threat to entry-level roles, while 52 percent think it could affect senior positions over time.
At the same time, 67 percent said their organisation is creating new roles as a result of AI adoption, suggesting the profession is evolving rather than contracting.
Rob Steele, chief financial officer at iplicit, said the role of finance professionals was becoming more strategic as technology takes on routine work.
“The profile of future finance professionals is evolving,” he said. “Similar to the emergence of the RevOps specialist within the modern sales team — someone who can act as a data professor, turning numbers into science — finance professionals will increasingly be tasked with translating accounting numbers into something that’s really valuable for the entire organisation.”
Core skills remain essential
Despite concerns about automation, industry leaders say traditional accounting knowledge remains critical.
Louise Sayers, head of people, culture and purpose at BDO, a professional services firm providing audit, tax and advisory services, said foundational knowledge is still needed to work effectively with AI. “Someone proficient in automation, AI and digital tools still needs the foundational knowledge to verify outputs, understand the logic behind what AI is doing and catch errors when they occur,” she said.
“Today’s candidates will be managing AI tools from day one – but without that grounding in the basics, how can you verify what it’s telling you is right?” she said.
Entry-level roles still vital to talent pipeline
Employers are being urged not to reduce entry-level hiring too sharply, despite growing use of automation.
Sayers said early career roles play a key role in developing future leaders within the profession. “If entry-level recruitment is scaled back too heavily, the foundational skills that eventually develop into reviewing skills, human judgement and strategic thinking are at risk of becoming lost,” she said.
“The senior finance leaders of tomorrow are the trainee recruits of today.”
Career opportunities continue despite change
The research suggests that while roles are evolving, opportunities remain strong for those entering the profession with a broader skillset.
Sayers encouraged prospective candidates to explore routes into finance, including work experience and training pathways. “I’d absolutely still encourage people to join the profession. What you learn and experience translates into later life in ways you don’t fully appreciate at the time.”
With employers placing increasing emphasis on digital capability alongside core knowledge, the findings suggest that future finance careers will require a blend of technical expertise and adaptability.
