Think about everything you learned during your accounting degree and subsequent certification as a chartered accountant. Now think about everything you’ve learned on the job since. The soft skills, the dealing with clients and colleagues, the nuances... Formal education provides the foundation, but practical, hands-on experience is what builds real capability.

Integrating AI into your workflow and practice is exactly the same, says Kayur Patel FCA, director of GenAI at PwC New Zealand. Theory will only get you so far, and there’s no substitute for getting in and using the technology and tools for yourself.

Here, we look at five ways that chartered accountants and practice principals can upskill themselves and their people in AI, including short courses and micro qualifications. But, as Patel says, AI capability will not come from theory alone. “The most useful training is practical, role-specific and grounded in professional judgement,” he says.

“Teams need to apply AI to real workflows, understand where it can improve the work, recognise where the risks sit, and know when human oversight is essential.”

1. CA ANZ microcourses and credentials

A good place to start is CA ANZ, which offers a range of AI courses, including the introduction to generative AI in finance microcourse, as well as microcourses on AI governance, the ethical use of generative AI and planning AI implementation. All CA ANZ microcourses accrue CPD points, can be done in your own time and only take a few hours.

CA ANZ can also offer group and customised solutions through Workplace Learning.

2. Australian Institute of Company Directors webinars and microcourses

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) offers education and training in AI and related areas, including data governance, which is relevant to any practice principal implementing AI, as well as AI governance implementation and cybersecurity governance for small business directors.

3. Australian Computer Society courses

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) offers a range of courses for business leaders wanting to get a better understanding of AI and how to apply it within their organisation. Its applied AI for professionals course provides foundational knowledge and practical AI applications. The 10-hour course is delivered online and is available exclusively to ACS members, who can accrue CPD points upon completion.

4. Australian National AI Centre education and training

TAFE NSW, together with the National AI Centre, runs free, self-paced online courses designed to build practical AI skills. The courses focus on three key areas: understanding AI foundations, applying generative AI in business contexts and implementing responsible AI practices. Also available is a course covering AI safety and cybersecurity risks.

5. Graduate diplomas from universities

Many Australian and New Zealand academic institutions offer graduate diplomas and similar for business leaders wanting to upskill in AI. Queensland University of Technology (QUT), for example, offers a Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Artificial Intelligence) – intended for people wanting to build AI specialisations and implement AI within their organisations. Meanwhile, the University of Auckland (Waipapa Taumata Rau) runs short courses throughout the year, covering topics such as AI governance and risk, AI essentials and agentic AI in action. Most university-level courses require the student to already have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and most charge quite hefty fees for their qualifications.

Understand your obligations as a business leader

Australia’s National AI Centre provides a comprehensive overview of how businesses should responsibly deploy AI. While there are no qualifications associated with this overview, it provides a solid foundation for responsible AI practices. New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment offers a similar overview for Kiwi business leaders tailored to the local business environment.

Invest in your AI skills

Looking to upskill in AI? Download the CA ANZ AI Fluency Playbook and view our AI learning options here.