AI is redefining the Gen Z career ladder says new Intuit research

London, UK - 7 October 2026

AI-native recruits are entering the workforce with the belief that their AI skills will outpace that of their managers and help them progress faster, according to research released today by Intuit, the global financial technology platform provider. The findings suggest that AI-native recruits are disrupting traditional management structures, requiring businesses to shift how knowledge and expertise flow within their organisations.

Intuit’s research indicates that the future of finance leadership will depend less on directing work and more on coaching judgement, managing AI-assisted workflows and building robust governance structures; bringing people and AI together, as well as building trust in how AI is developed and used.

The research, which explores how AI is changing the ambitions, expectations and working habits of early-career finance talent, finds that 90% feel prepared to succeed in an AI-enabled workplace, and the same proportion believe they will be more capable with AI tools than their future managers or senior colleagues.

This generation is proactive with, and well-trained on, AI and work without these tools is inconceivable. 87% say they would be slower without AI tools, and 74% use AI daily or multiple times a day to learn, work and problem-solve. Almost all are entering the workplace with AI habits already formed.

Early-year accountants expect to be able to access AI at work, with 89% viewing conversational AI tools embedded into financial software as extremely or very useful in helping to analyse financial data, generate reports, answer questions and automate tasks. For them, using AI to reduce the burden of routine tasks, creates more opportunities to develop their analytical, advisory and strategic skills.

The research, based on a survey of 1,003 UK accountancy students and early-career finance professionals aged 18–24, reveals that many expect traditional workplace hierarchies to evolve as AI becomes embedded into workflows.

Ciarán Quilty, Senior Vice President of International, Intuit commented:

“For decades, professional experience naturally flowed from senior colleagues to junior employees. However AI is introducing a new dynamic where graduates arrive with greater practical familiarity with these tools, while experienced professionals continue to provide the judgement, governance and commercial context that AI cannot replace. The opportunity for firms is not choosing between experience and AI fluency, but bringing both together, encouraging learning in both directions."

Among the findings:

• 81% believe AI will become an essential skill for accountants in every role.

• 35% expect to spend more time on higher-value tasks earlier in their careers.

• 53% believe younger employees will frequently lead AI adoption within organisations.

Glenn Collins, Head of Technical and Strategic Engagement, ACCA UK commented:

“We endorse the idea that AI is redefining the career ladder for young accountants. ACCA’s own research, Global Talent Trends 2026, shows that younger professionals are more likely to be using AI as an automatic part of their working lives. This presents an opportunity for employers to harness that confidence, while giving younger talent the support and opportunities they need to strengthen their AI capabilities.

Ensuring the right skills are developed is critical. ACCA’s Enabling Finance Insight research revealed a notable gap between the importance placed on future skills (particularly GenAI and predictive analytics) and current capability. Critical thinking, sceptical validation and contextual storytelling are essential to reduce automation bias, anchoring bias and deskilling risks. Ultimately, organisations need to ensure growing confidence with AI is matched by responsible use, so that new technology translates into meaningful value for businesses”

Cecilia van Eeden, Head of Talent Development, Moore Kingston Smith continued:

“Younger talent arrive expecting to use AI, and that confidence is a real asset. But the skill that matters most isn't operating the tools. It is knowing when to rely on them and having the judgement to challenge what they produce.

Technology can now do much of the repeatable work, but the professional remains accountable for every conclusion. That makes reviewing AI output a core skill, and it is one built through experience. Firms that pair new talent's fluency with technology alongside experienced colleagues' judgement will develop people who use AI well, not just often.”

Intuit’s data indicates that while the next generation is enthusiastic about AI, they also expect employers to provide clear governance, training and safeguards. This cohort of accountants is AI-positive, but not naïve. Three quarters (77%) are concerned about becoming overly reliant on AI. A similar number (77%) are concerned about accuracy and reliability. More than nine in 10 (93%) have concerns about maintaining data security when using AI tools. Gen Z appreciates the benefits AI can offer, but they don’t embrace it blindly. They want to use AI at work, but they also want guardrails.

Building trust in how AI is developed and used is just as important as the technology itself. At Intuit, this means putting data privacy, security and responsible AI at the heart of how its products are built. Intuit uses industry-leading practices to protect customer data, guided by its responsible AI Principles.

Intuit’s research into the future of finance leadership is explored in greater depth in this blog: How AI is flipping the accountancy career ladder.

Notes to editors

Intuit commissioned a Census-wide survey of 1,003 UK respondents aged 18–24, including third-year accounting students and individuals studying towards or recently completing ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA qualifications. Fieldwork was conducted between 1–11 June 2026. The full data set is available on request.

About Intuit

Intuit is the global financial technology platform that powers prosperity for the consumers, businesses, and accountants we serve, with products including TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Intuit Enterprise Suite and Intuit Accountant Suite. Intuit's financial intelligence brings together decades of trusted data, deep financial expertise, AI, and human experts to help customers at every stage of their financial journey. This puts more money in their pockets, saves time by reducing manual work, and ensures they have complete confidence in every financial decision. For more information, visit Intuit.com.

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