The Future of the Accounting Profession in the Era of Technology and Sustainability

Rapid technological developments and increasing attention to sustainability (sustainability) has brought significant changes to the business world, including the accounting profession. This new challenge requires accountants to not only master basic accounting skills, but also understand modern technology and global standards in financial reporting and sustainability.

In joint discussions Indonesian Accountants Association (IAI) of podcasts Find Out AEI, various views are discussed on how the accounting profession must adapt to remain relevant and competitive in the future.

Accountants Must Be Technology Literate

One of the main challenges facing accountants today is technological developments such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and accounting information systems. However, this technology should not be considered as a threat, but rather as a tool that can increase efficiency and accuracy in accountants' work.

To face these changes, IAI has included competencies information systems technology in the certification exam CA Indonesia. By mastering technology, accountants are expected to be able to work faster, more accurately and with higher quality in preparing financial reports.

Sustainability Issues Become Main Focus

In today's business world, sustainability (sustainability) is becoming an aspect that is increasingly taken into account. Accountants are not only responsible for financial reports, but also for transparency in the social and environmental aspects of the company.

For that, IAI is preparing Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SPK) adopted from global standards, such as IFRS Sustainability Standards, to ensure sustainability reports in Indonesia comply with international standards. This aims to ensure that Indonesian companies can be more trusted by global investors and strengthen their competitiveness in the international arena.

Standardization of Accountant Competencies

The accounting profession in Indonesia does not run alone. Professional accountant competencies are designed based on global standards, so that accounting graduates in Indonesia can have the same quality as accountants in other countries.

This is very important considering the large number of foreign investors who invest in Indonesia. By following global standards, financial reports produced by Indonesian companies become more transparent, accurate and trustworthy to various stakeholders, including the government, investors and shareholders.

Accountants Need to Have Business Sense

Apart from technical skills, an accountant must also have deep business understanding. The financial reports produced are not just numbers, but must be able to reflect the company's overall business and industry conditions.

Accountants who have business insight will be better able to provide sharper analysis to management in making strategic decisions. Therefore, IAI emphasizes its importance business sense for accountants so that they can provide greater added value in the business world.

Challenges of the New Generation in the Accounting Profession

With changes in generations and mindsets, the approach to educating prospective accountants must also evolve. The current generation tends to have a more practical mindset and is accustomed to digital technology. Therefore, accountants' learning methods and certification must also be adjusted to remain relevant for them.

IAI is currently developing a program to introduce the accounting profession earlier, even from level SMA, so that interest in this profession increases. That way, more young talents will be ready to face the challenges of the modern accounting world.

Company Accountants Must Be More Proactive

Within a company, accountants have a more strategic role than just financial recorders. Many accountants in companies feel that their job is only limited to preparing financial reports, even though they also play a role in it provide accurate and relevant data for business decision making.

Through Business Sector Accountant Compartment (KSB), IAI encourages accountants working in the business sector to continue to develop their competencies. With increasingly complex regulations and the need for fast financial information, accountants in companies are required to better understand the business and be able to work with external auditors more effectively.

Adaptive Accountants Will Survive

In the era of global competition, financial reports must be fast and high quality. Big companies like PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) even able to publish financial reports in just one month after the reporting period ends. This proves that companies that have a strong financial system are able to compete better in the capital market.

An accountant who is adaptive to technological changes, has strong logical thinking, and continues to update his business insights will remain relevant in the future. Therefore, accountants must continue to learn and improve their competencies so as not to be left behind by developments over time.

Conclusion

The accounting profession continues to evolve with advances in technology and increasing attention to sustainability. This new challenge requires accountants to master technology, understand sustainability principles, and have broad business insight.

By adopting global standards, increasing competence in the field of technology, and continuing to update their business understanding, an accountant can remain relevant and contribute to supporting Indonesia's economic growth.

Video Podcast: Indonesian Accountants Association: Hope and Future of the Accounting Profession in the Era of Digitalization