Generative AI (genAI) is creeping into every part of our lives, including professional practice. But understanding how to incorporate it into your work can be daunting. Fortunately, there are many ways to upskill in AI, leading to better business outcomes and allowing you to become a great strategic partner for your clients.

Here are four key courses, tools and concepts CAs can use to thrive in the brave new world of genAI:

1. Get the best out of generative AI’s core function: prompt engineering

When we think of AI today, we’re probably thinking of tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini. These rely on prompts — the questions or instructions you give. The single most important skill a CA can develop is asking better, more specific prompts to get high-quality, usable responses.

Watch this helpful YouTube video for tips on improving your prompts. While it’s not CA-specific, the techniques are broadly applicable.

2. Fast-track your learning: tap into CA ANZ’s AI courses

CA ANZ offers a robust portfolio of AI-related professional development courses. Many are self-paced and count towards your CPD.

The flagship Certificate in AI Fluency (also available in New Zealand) runs over six weeks. It covers ethical and governance considerations and teaches practical applications to help future-proof your career.

Shorter micro courses include:

• GenAI governance blueprint (NZ version)

• Introduction to generative AI in finance (NZ version)

• Planning for genAI implementation in finance (NZ version)

• Ethical use of generative AI (NZ version)

3. Understand AI’s current limitations: hallucinations

AI can make up answers — these are called hallucinations. These responses often sound convincing, but may be inaccurate or entirely false. Always verify the information before relying on it, especially in professional contexts.

Some models, like Google Gemini, include tools to verify sources directly within the platform. But the rule of thumb is: if you wouldn’t trust a junior team member to do a task unsupervised, don’t trust an AI model without checking.

4. Best generative AI software tools for CAs

Many software platforms are adding genAI features — often bundled with your existing subscription. Microsoft Copilot is one of the most powerful, integrating across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.

It can help you:

• Draft emails and documents
• Apply formulas and generate data visualisations
• Summarise meetings and emails
• Create presentations from simple prompts.

Explore what AI tools your current practice software already includes — and ask your vendor how to get the most from it.

Test your AI knowledge

Take CA ANZ’s self-assessment quiz to uncover your AI strengths, growth areas and readiness to lead in an AI-driven world.

Takeaways

For practical AI tips, watch Heather Smith FCA’s short video guides on using AI in accounting.

Also explore: ChatGPT in practice