Automation and the evolving importance of the “smart” accountant

With automation, artificial intelligence, and specialized algorithms, technology has reshaped the way work gets done in the business world. In accounting and corporate finance, robo-accounting can now handle routine tasks like bank reconciliations, invoice payments, and contract reviews.

But this is not bad news. As automation bots remove repetitive and tedious work, it opens up opportunities for accountants to perform critical analyses, to assist in planning and forecasting, and to add more value to the business. Less data collection, more problem-solving.

And, the demand for analytical skills will rise as companies seek new ways to remain competitive. Yes, accountants will still be responsible for the collection, organization, and verification of standard financial information; however, as technology provides faster access to more data, and as businesses derive more value from that data, the need to make sense of this information available will increase significantly.

Enter the “smart” accountant. With a mind built to analyze and connect data points, the confidence to effectively communicate in a concise and strategic fashion, and an understanding of how financial dependencies impact operations across the business, the smart accountant is an asset like no other.

Let’s take a closer look: