firms must embrace ai, digital tools, and diversity to remain competitive.
subscribe to 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 podcasts anywhere: apple, google/youtube, spotify, iheart, deezer, amazon music, audible, player fm, audacy, rss.
accounting influencers
with rob brown
in the latest episode of accounting influencers, an international panel of distinguished accounting professionals gathered to discuss the profession’s challenges, opportunities, and future. featuring dr. anton lewis, kelly mann, sabby gill, and eriona bajrakurtaj and hosted by rob brown, the conversation delves into the pressing issues shaping the accounting landscape and the innovative solutions driving transformation.
the panelists from diverse professional backgrounds shared insights into the industry’s evolution. dr. anton lewis, associate professor of accounting at governor state university, highlights the acute shortage of accounting professionals, particularly in the u.s., and its implications on talent development and diversity. he emphasizes the need for greater collaboration between academia and the profession to better equip students for the modern workplace.
kelly mann, ceo of auditminer, addresses the generational gap in technology adoption within accounting. “younger generations are more agile and tech-savvy,” she notes, but she also stresses the importance of bridging gaps in real-world knowledge for new entrants into the workforce.
sabby gill, ceo of dext, underscores the rapid pace of technological advancement and its potential to enhance efficiency. however, he warns that firms failing to adopt new technologies risk falling behind. “technology is both an opportunity and a threat,” gill states, urging firms to leverage it for growth and efficiency.
eriona bajrakurtaj, founder and ceo of volt digital transformation, shares her firm’s successful integration of ai tools to streamline operations and improve client service. she highlights the importance of demystifying technology for accountants and using it to complement their expertise, not a replacement.
diversity, equity, and inclusion (dei) emerge as critical themes. dr. lewis points out the decline in diverse representation within the profession and its potential impact on innovation and problem-solving. he calls for proactive measures to attract a broader range of talent to accounting.
bajrakurtaj and gill emphasize the power of collaboration and networking among accountants. bajrakurtaj notes that breaking down silos and sharing knowledge across the profession leads to better client outcomes and fosters a sense of community.
looking ahead, the panelists share bold predictions. mann predicts a surge in demand for computer information systems (cis) auditors, reflecting the shift toward digital auditing. bajrakurtaj foresees a deeper integration of ai into everyday accounting practices, fundamentally reshaping how firms operate. gill predicts firms resistant to technology adoption would struggle to remain competitive.
despite the challenges, the panelists expressed optimism about the future of accounting. bajrakurtaj describes the profession as more dynamic and forward-thinking than ever, while dr. lewis encourages students to seize opportunities in a changing landscape, saying “the profession’s adversity is your advantage.”
6 key takeaways
- the u.s. faces a critical shortage of accountants, necessitating structural changes in education and recruitment.
- firms must embrace ai and digital tools to remain competitive.
- younger accountants bring agility and creativity but need guidance to navigate industry complexities.
- greater representation enhances innovation and decision-making.
- ai and cis auditing will dominate the next wave of transformation.
- adversity in the profession creates openings for ambitious professionals.