The report found that 74% of UK board-level leaders lack confidence in how AI is deployed during recruitment
Finance professionals and corporate leaders are raising concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in job application and recruitment processes, according to the latest annual Global Talent Trends Survey by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The survey revealed that 69% of UK respondents expressed reservations about AI hiring algorithms, compared with 48% of respondents globally.
Doubts over automated candidate selection are highest among senior executive management. The report found that 74% of UK board-level leaders lack confidence in how AI is deployed during recruitment, compared with 54% of board members internationally.
Concerns centre on algorithmic bias, data privacy and a reduction in personal interaction or feedback during candidate selection.
Scepticism remains lower among mid-tier firm workers and Gen Z respondents, who report more positive attitudes toward recruitment technology.
The survey gathered responses from more than 11,000 finance and accounting professionals across 160 countries.
The findings come alongside an annual rise in recruitment activity, during which candidates are increasingly using AI tools to draft applications.
Jamie Lyon, global head of skills, sectors and technology at ACCA, said: “This year’s survey findings raise an important question in an increasingly AI-driven environment which is: ‘Is anyone truly winning in the AI-led finance job-hunting race right now?’
The increased use of AI is leading to a surge in the volume of applications and growing complexity in recruitment systems at a time when young people in particular are facing a tough job market.
“AI is here to stay and offers many benefits, but it’s important that hiring processes are fair, equitable, transparent and supported by appropriate human oversight.”
Writes Accountancy Today