É The future of accounting is likely to be marked by several factors, including technological advances, changes in regulatory requirements, as well as the natural evolution of business needs.
Trends will impact the near future of accounting:
Automation:
The use of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will increase in the accounting practice. This includes the use of chatbots for customer service, automated tasks, and artificial intelligence for fraud detection.
Cloud Computing:
The use of cloud-based accounting software is becoming increasingly popular and effective, allowing companies to access their financial data from anywhere, collaborate with team members remotely, and reduce the need for physical storage space.
Data Analysis:
The use of data analytics to gain insights from financial data is likely to become much more widespread. This includes the use of predictive analytics to anticipate future trends, analyze customer behavior, and identify opportunities for cost savings or investments.
Green Accounting (Sustainability):
With growing concerns about environmental and social issues, sustainable accounting is becoming increasingly important. It's much more than trendy measuring financial reporting, a company's environmental and social impact, rather than its financial performance. Recording environmental assets is indispensable for a future relationship between organizations.
Cybersecurity:
As businesses become more dependent on technology, the risk of cyber attacks increases. Accountants will need to be aware of cybersecurity risks and best practices to ensure the security of financial data.
In general, it is likely that the future of accounting will indeed involve greater use of technology, but the accountant of the future will need to have a much broader skill set than cybersecurity, data analytics, cloudware, automations or environmental sensitivity. By developing "soft skills" you will add value-added skills for everyone. But especially for customers. It is essential to be aware that, while work is apparently more automated and optimized by digitalization, today the business environment is also increasingly complex, competitive and demanding.
In addition to technical skills, soft skills work on soft skills such as communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. These skills are essential for building positive relationships with customers and colleagues and providing exceptional customer service.
Communication:
Accountants need to communicate financial information effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders. Good communication skills help build trust and credibility with clients, but also with colleagues.
Attention to detail:
Attention to detail is crucial in accounting to ensure accuracy and avoid errors. Good accountants must have a strong ability to focus. Attention to detail ensures that important financial details are not missed.
Troubleshooting:
Accountants are often faced with complex financial challenges that require creative solutions. Good accountants must be able to implement Creative Thinking and think critically about developing effective solutions to problems.
Time management:
Accountants often work on multiple projects simultaneously and must meet strict deadlines. Good time management skills and implementation of priority management processes are essential to manage the fulfillment of tasks and/or deadlines.
Interpersonal skills:
Accountants work closely with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders, and therefore need strong interpersonal skills and relationship skills to deal effectively and empathetically with others. These skills help professionals build positive and collaborative relationships.
Adaptability:
The accounting industry is constantly evolving, and good accountants must be able to adapt to changes in technology, regulations of course, to the needs of the clients.
It is essential for accountants of the future to build very human and strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
"No one is the same as anyone else. Every human being is an odd stranger."
Carlos Drummond de Andrade
CMO Viseeon Group
