The influence of artificial intelligence on the competencies required by a chartered accountant in South Africa.

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the accounting profession globally and reshaping the competencies required of chartered accountants in South Africa (CA(SA)s). This study investigates how AI influences the technical, professional, and personal competencies of CA(SA)s and evaluates the extent to which the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) prepares current and future professionals for an AI-enabled environment. Guided by two research questions, (1) identifying the skills required for the accounting professional of the future, and (2) assessing how SAICA’s competency framework incorporates these skills, the study adopts a qualitative research design grounded in thematic analysis. Secondary data is collected from three sources representing the professional ecosystem: SAICA’s CA2025 (rebranded as CA of the Future) and Foresight Project publications, Big 4 accounting firm reports, and the integrated reports of the Top 20 JSE-listed companies. To address the research gap from previous studies on AI, the data sources, namely the SAICA Foresight Project, publications and reports from the Big Four accounting firms and integrated and sustainability reports from all top 20 JSE-listed companies, are utilised in this study and are evaluated in order to determine the influence of AI, specifically with a focus on the competencies as required by a CA(SA). Findings reveal six dominant themes shaping the evolving competency profile of CA(SA)s: digital and data competency, strategic and analytical thinking, ethical and governance competence, continuous learning and adaptability, human–AI collaboration, and corporate-level AI expectations. Evidence from the Big 4 shows that AI has utomated transactional and assurance functions, shifting accountants’ roles toward data analytics, AI model validation, algorithmic governance, ethical oversight, and strategic advisory work. Corporate analysis indicates that JSElisted companies increasingly rely on AI for forecasting, fraud analytics, risk modelling, operational optimisation, and sustainability reporting, thereby demanding accountants with strong data-driven decision-making abilities and digital assurance capabilities. Across sectors, a consistent gap emerges between employer expectations and the current readiness of accounting professionals. Analysis of SAICA’s CA of the Future framework shows that, while digital acumen, ethical judgment, and adaptability are embedded conceptually, AI-specific competencies, such as model risk management, AI assurance, algorithmic transparency, and data governance, are not explicitly articulated. This creates challenges for consistent implementation across training programmes, especially within small and medium-sized firms for which technological exposure remains limited. The study identifies a clear need for enhanced CPD pathways, AI-focused training interventions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and explicit integration of AI governance within SAICA’s competency framework. Overall, the study concludes that AI is redefining the CA(SA) into a hybrid, augmented professional who integrates technological literacy with strategic judgment and ethical governance. While SAICA provides a strong foundation for digital readiness, significant gaps remain between the competencies required in practice and those currently developed through professional training. Strengthening AI-related competencies is essential to ensuring that CA(SA)s remain relevant, competitive, and capable of providing high-value contributions in an increasingly AI-enabled accounting landscape.