FloQast, the accounting transformation platform built by accountants for accountants, has unveiled new research showing that the real power of AI in finance lies not in mere adoption, but in meaningful collaboration between accountants and AI.

The study, conducted with the University of Georgia’s Consumer Analytics program and surveying 515 finance professionals across 12 countries, defines AI collaboration as “actively working with AI in intentional ways to achieve specific tasks and deliverables.” In short: it’s about using AI thoughtfully, not casually.

Collaboration Over Automation

While roughly 75% of accountants and CFOs have used AI at work, less than 10% report that AI has become integral to their daily operations. Those who do collaborate deeply with AI report significant benefits:

• Better work-life balance: AI collaborators scored 18 points higher on work-life metrics than those using AI peripherally, and 38 points higher than non-AI users.
• Improved sleep and lower burnout: 52% of AI collaborators feel very well rested compared to 29% of non-collaborators.
• Stronger professional identity: Accountants actively using AI rated their “accountant identity” at 83/100, suggesting AI frees them from mundane tasks rather than replacing their expertise.

Mike Whitmire, Co-founder and CEO of FloQast, said, “The future of accounting isn’t replacing humans with AI—it’s about creating partnerships that let accountants work smarter, rediscover their passion, and achieve better balance.”

Organizational Benefits

Companies supporting AI collaboration see tangible returns: higher employee retention, easier hiring, and increased productivity. Over half of collaborative AI users reported having sufficient time to complete work, and more than 75% cited a company’s AI adoption as a factor in their interest in a new role.

Trust and Auditability Are Critical

Effective collaboration depends on trust in AI’s outputs and the ability to audit its work. Accountants partnering closely with AI view tools as both explainable and accountable—a key factor in using AI to enhance rather than replace judgment.

A Vision Gap Remains

Despite clear benefits, challenges persist. More than three-quarters of CFOs lack confidence integrating AI into accounting functions, and fewer than 20% can prioritize AI needs or define a clear adoption strategy. Closing this gap will be critical as AI becomes a standard tool in the profession.

FloQast’s study reinforces a growing trend in accounting technology: AI is most effective when it complements human expertise, creating a partnership that elevates both performance and professional satisfaction.