Confidence among accountants globally fell sharply in the first quarter of 2026, reaching its third-lowest point on record, according to the Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants. The drop reflects growing uncertainty as finance professionals face geopolitical instability, rising operating costs, and the fast adoption of artificial intelligence tools that many feel are being deployed without adequate controls.
Geopolitical tensions and rising costs drive uncertainty
The survey found that 69% of accountants reported increased operating costs. Worries about customers going out of business rose for the third consecutive quarter. Geopolitical instability, heightened by the conflict in the Middle East, emerged as the top risk priority. These pressures are compounding long-standing concerns about inflation and economic swings since 2020.
AI adoption adds a new layer of risk
Technology, data, and cybersecurity ranked as the second-highest risk priority, with the fast spread of AI for Finance tools creating new challenges. Accountants flagged three specific AI-related concerns.
- Pace of adoption. AI is being implemented so quickly that it often lacks clear strategy or controls, raising fears of over-reliance and undermining service quality.
- Quality of output. Small errors multiply through automation, leading to reporting inaccuracies, while existing data governance frameworks struggle to keep up with intensifying cybersecurity risks.
- Erosion of trust. Many accountants question how AI is being tested and worry that leadership is not considering long-term implications. Confidence in data, systems, and decision-making is weakening.
These findings align with broader research. A study from the University of Melbourne found that less than half of global respondents were willing to trust AI, and other research shows that customers lose trust in companies when they disclose AI usage. While finance teams are eager to use automation for productivity gains, the quality of AI output and wavering trust demand careful attention.
Rebuilding trust through human judgment and targeted upskilling
Accounting and finance professionals must balance using new tools with the need for due diligence. The human element is the most important foundation for AI adoption. Professionals will need to build practical AI skills beyond fundamentals, learning to apply AI in forecasting, auditing, and risk management. They also must understand how to govern these systems and spot bias and inaccuracies.
Using AI only to report data is no longer enough. Teams need to drive bigger business impact through sharper analysis, stronger insights, and more strategic decisions. They must exercise sound judgment about AI recommendations and collaborate effectively in human-AI teams. The goal is not just knowing how to use AI, but responsibly applying its capabilities alongside dependable human analysis to deliver trusted insights.
This type of upskilling doesn't require going back to school. Accounting and finance professionals can take advantage of targeted, industry-validated credentialing programs that build practical, immediately applicable skills. For example, an AI Learning Path for Accountants can equip professionals with the applied knowledge needed to pair AI with human judgment. The key is to start now and build the skills that will enable success today and tomorrow.
Why this matters for finance professionals
Finance teams are uniquely positioned to restore confidence in AI-augmented decision-making. By pairing AI tools with stronger oversight, practical upskilling, and clear governance, they can address the trust gap that the survey highlights. Those who invest now in understanding AI's risks and learning to apply it responsibly will become the stewards of compliance and trusted advisors their organizations urgently need.
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