INTHEBLACK April 2026 - Magazine - Page 31
While a range of emerging
technologies are transforming
the profession, AI is set to
have the greatest impact.
Expanding cybersecurity threats
and new sustainability reporting
requirements are pushing some
professionals to upskill.
Although judgement and critical
thinking remain essential, AI
fluency will be one of the most
sought-after skills for the future.
BOLD SIGNALS:
TREND WATCH
Finance, accounting and business
are undergoing a major
transformation across Australia
and the Asia-Pacific region.
Experts reveal the trends that
are transforming the profession
and share practical guidance on
how to adapt, prepare and take
advantage of new opportunities.
WORDS BETH WALLACE
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A
ccounting and finance teams are entering
a new era in which artificial intelligence
(AI) and other digital technologies are
infiltrating every aspect of the profession.
These developments, alongside constantly evolving
regulatory requirements, are driving teams to upskill
and reassess the nature of their work.
Here are 10 accounting trends reshaping the
profession — and how to prepare for them.
1. AI IS NO LONGER OPTIONAL
AI is spawning new ways for organisations to operate
and compete.
The CPA Australia Business Technology Report 2025
shows that businesses using AI are achieving greater
accuracy, efficiency and productivity, along with
better employee experiences. With AI’s influence
reaching areas from data analytics and management
accounting to taxation reporting, professionals can
move away from routine tasks and concentrate on
higher-value tasks.
However, only nine per cent of Australian
respondents report widespread AI use in their
business, compared with 21 per cent in Mainland
China and 18 per cent in Hong Kong and Singapore.
BOLD SIGNALS intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au 31
