INTHEBLACK April 2026 - Magazine - Page 36
“While AI can be game changing for businesses,
it is also arming cybercriminals with even more
sophisticated tools and expanding the ways they
can execute scams and attacks.”
GAVAN ORD, CPA AUSTRALIA
standards will ensure audit quality is maintained.
While working across borders adds complexity,
audit is uniquely positioned to lead, she adds.
“Its foundation in global standards means the
profession is not starting from scratch — it is building
on a strong, internationally harmonised framework
that supports trust and transparency across borders.”
F E AT U R E
9. DIGITAL FINANCE TRANSFORMATION
Digital finance has evolved from basic digitalisation,
such as scanning documents and using simple
software, to advanced automation, AI-enabled
intelligence and, eventually, toward autonomous
finance operations.
“In the coming years, mature organisations will
operate with real-time data and AI-driven continuous
close and predictive financial insights,” Pham says.
“For digital transformation, start with cloud ERP
implementation, automate high-volume transactions,
invest in high-quality data governance and reskill
teams to become strategic business partners with
advisory skills.”
and thinking strategically about what to do with
the time saved,” she says.
Tan believes that the ability to understand,
interpret and leverage AI-driven insights will define
future success.
She encourages professionals to learn AI
fundamentals — not to code, but to evaluate
and apply AI responsibly. “Professionals should
understand concepts such as machine learning,
natural language processing and algorithmic bias
to ensure ethical and effective use,” she says.
Critical thinking and professional judgement will
become even more important, Tan adds. “AI can
process data, but it cannot reason like humans do,
for now. Humans must question assumptions, validate
data sources and maintain professional scepticism.”
Collaboration will likewise be key. Tan urges audit
teams to work closely with IT teams, data scientists
and risk specialists to bridge technical and assurance
perspectives. “Above all, embrace continuous
learning through micro-credential programs and
AI-focused audit workshops, and stay aligned
with emerging standards.” ●
10. ESSENTIAL HUMAN SKILLS
Critical thinking and communication will remain
essential skills for accounting professionals. However,
Dr Amantha Imber, founder of inventium.ai and host
of the How I Work podcast, believes AI fluency will
be the true differentiator.
There’s now a significant divide emerging between
professionals and accounting firms, Imber says. Those
that invest heavily in AI technology and also upskill
their teams to achieve high AI fluency — unlocking
productivity gains and enhancing their decisionmaking — will be far ahead of their competitors.
Her advice to organisations is to upskill staff
immediately. “People who are just dabbling with
Copilot or ChatGPT are at a distinct disadvantage
relative to those who are embracing the technology
36 INTHEBLACK APRIL 2026 SPECIAL EDITION
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