AI-Augmented Finance and the Future of Work

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming the finance and accounting sectors — changing not only the nature of routine tasks but also the skill sets expected of graduates entering the profession. This research project explores how universities, employers, and government bodies can co-develop strategies and education pathways that respond to this shift.

Focusing on the intersection of financial education, labour market demand, and AI-enabled technologies, this project invites applicants to investigate how institutions can build future-ready talent pipelines. There is particular interest in how regional ecosystems (e.g. Wales/Swansea) can align university curricula with employer needs and government skills agendas in the context of rapid technological disruption.

Depending on the applicant's background, the project can be tailored to focus on:

• Mapping changes in graduate job roles in finance and accounting under AI adoption.
• Designing curriculum models or employability interventions that integrate AI and data literacy.
• Analysing employer perceptions of AI-readiness in accounting/finance graduates.
• Evaluating collaborative models between universities, government, and local businesses to close the skills gap.
• Data sources may include job posting analytics, graduate outcome datasets, government reports, curriculum audits, and employer interviews.

Qualifications required:
A minimum of a 2.1 at Undergraduate (for MRes) or a merit at Masters, or equivalent international qualifications for (Professional Doctorate or PhD)

Subject backgrounds considered:

• Accounting, Finance, Economics
• Data Analytics, Business Technology
• Education, Policy Studies, or Sociology of Work (if applying from a non-finance background with relevant interest)

Experience/other skills and qualities required:

• Familiarity with Stata or Python (for quantitative analysis)
• Evidence of critical thinking and research capability (e.g. via a dissertation, thesis, or workplace project).
• Clear interest in how AI and digital technologies are reshaping skills, education, or finance professions.
• Strong written communication skills for producing academic or policy-facing outputs.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and engage with diverse sources (e.g. academic, industry, policy).

• Dr Joy Jia
• y.jia@swansea.ac.uk
• 01792602112

Browse our Postgraduate Research Programmes to find the course page you are looking for and apply using the 'Apply' button located on the page. 

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Important: Please add the name of the supervisors mentioned above to your application to ensure your application reaches them. You can add their name/s on the cover sheet of your research proposal and to your personal statement.