INTHEBLACK April 2026 - Magazine - Page 18
2026
F E AT U R E
THE NEXT PHASE
176,000
members
As economic trends, geopolitical tensions,
ESG requirements and AI adoption
reshape the profession, CPA Australia
members are preparing for the next
phase of change. Expect the core
values of integrity, accuracy and
stewardship to be complemented by
an expanded set of capabilities such
as AI proficiency, data governance
capabilities and sustainability
reporting expertise, as the profession’s
ethical landscape grows more complex.
Skills will also evolve as accountants
respond to the need for new advisory
services for environmental stewardship.
Jayalath believes that while the language
of accounting will evolve, the fundamental
meaning of the job, to hold people
accountable, will remain a constant.
“Yes, we have gone from ledgers and books
to calculators and computers and now to
prompt engineering,” he says. “So accounting
and its requisite skills will change, but the
profession is still very much needed for the
sustenance of the world.” ●
of CPA Australia in
100+ countries
and regions
supported by
20 offices
across the world
2020
2020 to today
2026
The COVID-19
pandemic sees
accountants play
a crucial role in
cash-flow strategies,
the reconfiguration
of supply-chains
and the rollout
of government
stimulus measures
such as JobKeeper
in Australia.
Generative AI
automates many
accounting tasks
such as first-draft
financial statements,
audit testing and tax
research, allowing
accountants to spend
more time shaping
policy, strategy and
reform agendas
for clients.
CPA Australia has
more than 176,000
members in over
100 countries and
regions, supported
by 20 offices around
the world.
18 INTHEBLACK APRIL 2026 SPECIAL EDITION
UPSKILL
with CPA Australia’s range of ESG
short courses
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CPA Australia’s range of
complimentary CPD for members
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of accounting history
