AICPA & CIMA launch AI skills programme for finance

AICPA and CIMA have launched a global AI Accelerator Skills Program for accounting and finance professionals.

The training is aimed at chief financial officers, finance leaders, and accounting staff at different levels, as organisations work to close skills gaps associated with the broader adoption of artificial intelligence across finance functions.

The course is designed to help teams apply AI with stronger oversight, leadership and internal governance. It is built on the view that successful transformation depends as much on workforce skills and management decisions as on the technology itself.

The launch comes as finance departments face pressure to move beyond early AI trials and deliver practical results from automation, data analysis and generative AI tools. Many businesses have adopted AI in parts of their operations, but some still struggle to turn that investment into measurable gains in productivity or decision-making.

Tom Hood, EVP - Business Engagement and Growth at AICPA and CIMA, said the programme reflects that shift in the profession.

"Our profession is at an inflexion point," Hood said. "Finance leaders overwhelmingly agree that people drive transformation success -- mindset, skills, and leadership -- not technology alone. The AI Accelerator gives professionals the tools they need to guide their organisations responsibly through this moment of change."

Three tiers

The programme is split into three learning levels. A strategic tier covers leadership, transformation strategy, ethics and governance. A transitional tier examines generative AI, adoption frameworks and change management. An operational tier focuses on productivity, automation and the daily use of AI tools.

Participants can take the full bundle or select individual courses. The training carries up to 42 continuing professional education credits and includes a certificate of completion.

Companies can deploy the programme through AICPA's Business Learning Institute or through their own learning management systems, giving firms a way to train larger teams across multiple markets.

The initiative grew out of an advisory group meeting on the future of finance leadership that brought together chief financial officers and senior finance executives from more than 50 Fortune 1000 companies. A two-day AI session at that gathering was described as one of the event's most influential components.

Development of the course was also shaped by pilot work with public accounting firms and corporate finance teams in the US and other countries. AICPA and CIMA linked the programme to their broader finance training efforts, including a US Department of Labour apprenticeship for finance business partner roles.

Corporate demand

One early supporter is CBIZ, which highlighted the need for broader digital training across finance and accounting teams.

"As technology continues to reshape the finance profession, building a strong digital mindset across our workforce has become a strategic imperative," said Phillip Zaman, Director of Learning Systems and Operations for CBIZ.

"AI adoption alone is not enough; our people need the skills and judgment to apply it effectively. The AICPA has been a valuable partner with CBIZ in our upskilling journey over the past several years. Their AI Accelerator Program appears poised to equip teams to turn AI, data, and automation into meaningful value for their clients and their businesses," he added.

The emphasis on skills and judgement reflects a broader debate in the profession over how finance teams should use AI in areas such as forecasting, reporting, internal controls and compliance. While the technology can reduce routine work, it also raises questions about data quality, model reliability, accountability and ethical use.

The programme is intended to help organisations pair AI tools with human judgement rather than treat adoption as a technology project alone. That approach could help businesses improve productivity, reduce repetitive tasks and strengthen risk management.

For professional bodies representing accountants and management accountants, the launch also signals a broader effort to shape the profession's adaptation to AI. Training providers, employers and industry associations are all moving to define the skills finance staff will need as AI becomes more common in core business processes.

Hood framed it as a question of both quality and speed.

"The opportunity is not simply to adopt AI faster, but to adopt it better," Hood said. "This program gives global finance leaders and professionals the skills to turn AI into a true catalyst for transformation."