10 essential trends finance leaders need to know

6. Changes to hiring and training

Seventeen per cent of respondents in CPA Australia’s report are seeing a decline in hiring for entry-level or junior accounting and finance roles. Ord believes this may signal the early influence of AI on hiring practices.

“Mainland Chinese businesses are the most likely to report that AI has reduced junior accounting hires and increased recruitment of accountants with AI expertise, while Australian and Malaysian firms are the most likely to report no impact on accounting and finance recruitment,” he says.

Davern notes that early-career accountants may miss opportunities to perform foundational accounting tasks, as AI and automation tools now handle much of this work. Not having this experience could limit exposure to core processes and reduce understanding of the technology’s limitations.

He stresses that firms and universities must redesign pathways so early-career accountants can “learn the basics” in an AI-driven environment.

7. Sustainability as a business enabler

CPA Australia’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) lead, Patrick Viljoen FCPA, says the perception of sustainability is changing within the accounting profession.

“We’re seeing a shift from sustainability as a compliance burden to sustainability as a business enabler,” he says. “When organisations align ambition with credible action and transparent accountability, they unlock new opportunities for innovation, stakeholder trust and long-term profitability.”

With Australia legislating climate-related financial disclosures aligned with International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards and similar initiatives underway throughout APAC — including in Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan — integrated financial and non-financial reporting is becoming a regional norm.

Accounting and audit teams in Australia would be wise to upskill on sustainability standards such as ASSA 5000 and AASB S2, Tan says, while implementing strong internal controls for ESG data to ensure audit readiness. “Leveraging technology for real-time data consolidation, anomaly detection and automated ESG reporting will be critical,” she says.

Tan also encourages audit teams to strengthen AI governance by establishing risk assessment frameworks and training staff on algorithmic bias and transparency before integrating AI tools into audit methodologies.

“Stay ahead of regulatory changes by monitoring updates from the IAASB [International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board], AUASB [Auditing and Assurance Standards Board] and regional bodies, and actively engage in consultations and industry forums.”

Upskilling in sustainability reporting can boost careers, Viljoen adds.

“With mandatory climate-related disclosures now in effect for larger businesses, accounting professionals should consider deepening their sustainability expertise,” he says. “Organisations are increasingly looking for and value professionals who can interpret environmental data, assess risk and translate these insights into actionable plans that drive long-term business value.”