Recent developments in finance and management accounting reveal a growing intersection between technology innovation and rigorous regulatory evolution. In 2025, generative Artificial Intelligence has become a cornerstone in financial modelling, assisting with the intricate stages of scoping, planning, and designing models before actual build-out. However, industry voices emphasize the importance of vigilant risk assessment and continuous auditing practices, highlighting the limitations and potential vulnerabilities that Artificial Intelligence can introduce into financial workflows.
Across the sector, the acceleration of Artificial Intelligence adoption is prompting companies to evaluate workforce dynamics and digital capacity. Surveys noted that 95 percent of firms leveraging Artificial Intelligence are actively planning to create dedicated Artificial Intelligence roles, aiming to maintain their competitive advantage. Yet, the rapid transformation presents challenges; organizations and employees alike confront experience gaps, with training sometimes lagging behind the pace of digital change. This skills divide is leading to concerns about innovation outpacing professional development, especially as businesses pursue ambitious goals and adapt to market changes.
Sustainability and reporting standards are also prominent on the accounting agenda. The UK’s move to consult on its interpretation of the ISSA 5000, coupled with amendments to existing frameworks, underscores the global push for internationally consistent, transparent reporting. Meanwhile, research shows that nearly three-quarters of large global firms obtained assurance of their sustainability disclosures in 2023. Cybersecurity continues to pose significant risks, with the financial sector identified as the most targeted industry for cyberattacks in 2024. These challenges demand robust, forward-looking strategies in financial management, balancing innovation with security, compliance, and sustained business resilience.
