The continuously evolving technologies have many stories to tell. The world and especially business are synonymous with it. As with technology, all companies work more efficiently than before; thus, technology is introducing new methodologies and reshaping the structure in the business landscape. With the crisis times of COVID-19, technology has turned the cart. And this is where the accounting trends are also revolving.
Accounting is facing a cultural shift, and in this cultural shift, technology adaptation is on the top of the list. The fortune is that in this change, the accountants are also discovering strengths in utilizing new technologies. Thus, the following are the changes that can be expected in 2022.
- AI:
Artificial intelligence is on the top of the list of changes that accountants will see in 2022. This change produces positive results in the industry through increasing productivity, generating accurate results at a reduced cost, and analyzing vast amounts of data in short periods of time. However, Al is indulging more and more in accounting through administrative tasks, accounting procedures, and changing the workplace structure. Thus, Al is providing new efficiency and opportunities to accountants.
Thus, accountants are looking toward the Al software to adopt relevant applications for better business functioning. However, one thing that must be considered is that Al is not replacing human roles. Still, Al assists human decision-making procedures and provides in-depth decision-making procedures.
- Growth in outsourcing:
Outsourcing is the procedure that makes the companies focus on their limited resources and focus more on enhancing profitability. This strategy is becoming famous in the business sector as it also enables the companies to reduce the costs of employee training, payroll, taxation, salaries, and benefits. Thus, businesses are now more inclined toward outsourcing strategies and reaping their benefits.
Thus, this outsourcing strategy gives rise to outsourced accounting services. These accounting services are continuously increasing. The business owners have reported higher satisfaction levels by utilizing these services. These outsourced accounting services incorporate accounting procedures, evaluate business procedures, and add value to the business. Now outsourced accounting services are a new method for CPA firms and BPO companies that esteem this career all over the world.
- Demographics/ change in work preferences:
The changing in work preferences of the new generation has also affected the working procedures of the accounting industry and has taken it to another level. Employees are working for a corporation and fulfilling their responsibilities in what every generation feels proud about. But now, this is not the case; generation Z has brought a new trend that is working for a corporation but giving back to the community, which we can understand as they want to impact their surroundings. They are goal-oriented and ambitious. However, we can say that accounting is a domain that acts reluctantly in embracing artificial intelligence and technology. But generation Z has no such hang-ups. They prefer a changed working environment or technology like the cloud. They offer their services more happily with technology, and we believe they will do more to increase widespread technology adoption, which will, in turn, contribute to the changing role of the CFO.
- Skills, the need to retool:
There was a time when accountants were required to take care of the budget, keep an eye on documents, and hold the local or federal tax details. At this time, most of the accountant’s work hours spend in entering data. But now, it’s common for agencies to expect more from their accountants. They need to be tech-savvy to make the company compliant with the market. More and more businesses are now focusing on moving their business to cloud-based systems. Thus, the accountants must be up to date with cloud-based software to be able to provide advanced analytics to the clients. Likewise, those offices that wish to use blockchain for their business make it essential for the accountants to be familiar with the software, so they become able to transfer the contracts and records.
As automation becomes an essential aspect of accounting, accountants should develop the necessary skills for administrative and managerial tasks. Additionally, many accountants take roles like advisory for the clients, which means they should be aware of Al for analyzing big data and spot trends. Familiarity with data mining and other data science techniques will be essential here.
Social media is becoming the tool for brand awareness, driving traffic, and increasing sales. Thus, it has also become an asset for accountants. This may enhance their exposure, expertise, and work as a tool to learn more about the industry.
This integration of technology with accounting also bound the accountants to understand the utilization of data visualization strategies and programs to translate all that data into insights for clients and company leaders. Accounting professionals with these skills can use predictive analytics and forecasting to advise clients or organizations strategically. As automation frees up time spent on more mundane tasks, accounting professionals can focus on these higher-level analytical skills.
- Growing regulation:
The accounting world is incorporating tech in its structure, but it is evident that the role of the human is not sacrificing. Human functions are just as relevant as they were ever before. However, due to these advancements, one more advancement in this sector is more remote work in the field. IFRS and IASB have also introduced improved policies to improve accounting procedures like saving time, having more accurate analytics, and making tasks more efficient.
