Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the work of finance, sustainability, audit, and risk professionals, according to the Workiva 2025 Global Practitioner Survey. The study, based on responses from 2,300 global practitioners, found that 74% already use AI regularly, while 88% reported improved returns from its use over the past year.
Sustainability professionals were more likely than their finance counterparts to say that AI helps them process data efficiently (64% vs. 52%) and manage time-consuming tasks (61% vs. 52%).
However, the survey also highlighted challenges around data governance and responsible adoption. Only 33% of practitioners said their organisations have AI governance policies or role-specific training, while 77% of executives acknowledged that their approach to AI adoption could introduce new risks.
Respondents with deeply integrated AI systems reported greater benefits, including reinvestment of saved time in sustainability initiatives (39% vs. 28%), faster innovation (36% vs. 27%), and improved customer experience (37% vs. 29%).
The survey noted that AI’s effectiveness depends on access to reliable, high-quality data and alignment with established sustainability frameworks such as the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).
As sustainability regulations continue to evolve, the report indicates that AI is likely to play a growing role in supporting reporting accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across corporate functions.
