Nearly 40% of Accounting and Finance Professionals in Japan Struggle with Digital and AI Adoption, Deloitte Survey Finds

As businesses worldwide embrace digital transformation, Japan’s accounting and finance sectors face unique hurdles. A recent Deloitte Tohmatsu Group survey reveals that about 40% of professionals in these departments see significant challenges in leveraging digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI). At the same time, the rise in non-financial information disclosure and growing workload have intensified pressures, exacerbated further by labor shortages.

This article unpacks Deloitte’s findings from a survey conducted between March and April 2025, targeting approximately 1,000 accounting and finance professionals from both listed and unlisted Japanese companies. The study highlights not only the technological adoption barriers but also evolving operational demands within the industry.

Deloitte’s Survey on Japan’s Accounting and Finance Workforce

Deloitte’s investigation reveals a substantial portion of Japan’s accounting and finance workforce grappling with digitalization challenges. Around 40% of respondents acknowledged difficulties in effectively utilizing digital technologies and AI in their daily operations. This difficulty is attributed to factors like outdated systems, lack of digital skills, and limited AI integration.

The survey also points out that the scope of accounting and finance departments is expanding beyond traditional tasks. Increasingly, these teams are required to handle non-financial disclosures—such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting—adding complexity and volume to their workload. These new responsibilities demand not just technical expertise but also strategic insight, pressuring already strained teams.

A major concern voiced by participants was the shortage of skilled personnel. Many companies are facing recruitment and retention challenges in these specialized roles, making it harder to keep up with rapid digital evolution. The labor crunch impacts operational efficiency and slows down the pace at which departments can adopt new technologies.

Deloitte’s findings suggest that while some companies have initiated digital transformations, many remain at a nascent stage, hindered by organizational inertia and lack of clear strategies. The survey underscores the urgent need for enhanced digital training, better recruitment frameworks, and clearer roadmaps for AI integration.

What Undercode Say:

The Deloitte survey paints a telling picture of Japan’s accounting and finance sectors caught between rapid technological shifts and traditional operational models. The struggle to fully adopt AI and digital tools is not just a matter of access to technology but deeply tied to cultural, educational, and structural challenges within organizations.

Japan’s historically cautious approach to automation and digital change, coupled with an aging workforce, slows momentum. Without targeted reskilling programs, employees may feel overwhelmed or resistant, creating a bottleneck in innovation adoption. Companies that do not address this risk falling behind global peers who are leveraging AI for real-time analytics, fraud detection, and automated compliance reporting.

Moreover, the increasing demand for non-financial reporting signals a broader transformation in the role of finance teams. No longer confined to bookkeeping and financial control, these professionals are becoming strategic partners who must navigate complex regulatory landscapes and public expectations on sustainability and governance. This evolution requires not only technology but also new mindsets and leadership skills.

The workforce shortage issue compounds the challenge. Japan’s demographic trends have long forecasted labor scarcities, but the specialized nature of finance and accounting talent makes this an acute problem. Companies need to rethink talent acquisition—perhaps by attracting younger tech-savvy professionals, offering flexible work arrangements, and investing in continuous professional development.

Strategically, successful firms will integrate digital and AI tools incrementally, balancing automation with human expertise. Pilot programs, user-friendly AI interfaces, and cross-department collaboration can ease transitions. Importantly, leadership must champion change by fostering a culture of experimentation and agility.

In conclusion, the survey signals a critical crossroads. Japan’s accounting and finance sectors stand to gain enormous efficiency and insight from digital transformation, but this will require concerted efforts in workforce development, cultural adaptation, and strategic innovation.

Fact Checker Results

✅ Deloitte Tohmatsu Group conducted a survey in March–April 2025 targeting about 1,000 accounting and finance professionals in Japan.
✅ Approximately 40% of respondents reported challenges with digital and AI adoption in their departments.
✅ Workforce shortages and increased demands for non-financial reporting were also identified as significant issues.

📊 Prediction

Japan’s accounting and finance landscape will undergo accelerated digital transformation over the next five years, driven by regulatory pressures and competitive necessity. Organizations investing in AI literacy and digital infrastructure will see marked improvements in operational efficiency and reporting accuracy. However, firms slow to adapt may face intensified talent shortages and risk falling behind both domestically and globally. Strategic partnerships with technology providers and revamped workforce development plans will be essential to navigate this transition successfully.