In a business environment which is becoming more and more automated, the role of the accountant might be seen as threatened, considering the repetitive nature that is usually associated with our profession. In order to stay relevant, and continue to add value to a business, accountants need to outgrow their usual “bean-counting” approach and look at the business as a whole.
In anticipation of the primary decision makers turning to them for information, accountants need to be in a position to proactively understand what information might be required, in what form, and to what extent. This soft skill is invaluable to a business, and is unlikely to be replaced by technology.
In fact, by making use of technology accountants can become even more efficient in delivering what is required of them in their role as consultants. Big data processing, for instance, can help make better forecasts, reduce reliance on solely historical accounting information, and even make accountants more forward-looking.
Automation could actually be seen as an opportunity to rid ourselves of the repetitive tasks, and create space for much needed creativity.