Scottish accountancy leader Bruce Cartwright has told former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt he is wrong to say graduates should avoid the profession amid the growth of artificial intelligence.

Mr Hunt said he would “steer people away” from the sector “because computers are going to be able to do a huge amount of the work that’s currently done by accountants”.

He was speaking on Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future, a podcast with Jimmy McLoughlin, who was a special adviser to Theresa May when she was prime minister. Mr Hunt, who served under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, suggested careers in medicine or IT would be safer bets for aspiring graduates.

His comments infuriated Mr Cartwright, chief executive of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), who has written to Mr Hunt highlighting the fundamental role accountants play in the economy.

He has invited Mr Hunt to a meeting with ICAS, “where we would be delighted to walk you through our new CA syllabus”.

In his letter, he writes: “While there are valid concerns to be addressed regarding the potential impact of AI on accountancy and other professions, I strongly disagree with your assertion that AI’s impact makes accounting an unviable career path for graduates.

“Accountancy, far from being an outdated profession, is at the heart of the modern economy, providing essential services to businesses, governments, and individuals alike. 

“We in the profession have often heard that AI could mean the ‘end of accountancy’. However, I and many others firmly believe that simply isn’t the case.

“Accountants play a crucial role in maintaining financial transparency, ensuring compliance with regulation, and contributing to business growth and innovation. All of which you will be more than aware are important to Government and the public interest.

“While AI will likely mean fundamental changes on the number crunching side, it will ultimately add value to business and allow accountancy professionals to focus on more strategic activity.”

He says AI will “enhance what we already do” such as providing strategic advice, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting ethical business practices.

“That is where the real value of the profession comes to the fore,” he says, adding that the accountancy profession offers graduates a diverse range of career paths.

“Whether in practice, industry, corporate finance, government, or not-for-profit organisations, accounting provides opportunities for career progression in all manner of roles and businesses.

“The accounting profession has much to offer and dismissing it as a career choice for graduates is both short-sighted and could be detrimental to the future of the industry and the broader economy.

“In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, digital transformation, and risk management, accounting professionals are more important than ever before.”