INTHEBLACK April 2026 - Magazine - Page 55
“The accounting profession will become a high-value
service industry that provides clients with strategic
advisory and risk management services, and supports
business innovation as automation takes over routine tasks.”
ADRIENNE LEW ASA, BAKER TILLY MALAYSIA
to stay proactive and “keep up with advanced AI
tools, so we are not left out”.
Otley brings a similar enthusiasm. Having worked
on a major systems transformation, she has seen
firsthand how technology is reshaping finance
teams. “Digital tools, analytics, automation and AI
are becoming central,” she says. “They are already
changing how we work, and I think the next 10 years
will be transformative.”
Lew views AI as an opportunity to raise standards
rather than replace accountants. “As AI reduces
errors, some traditional tasks will matter less,”
she says. “But that pushes us to be better, more
efficient and more thoughtful about how we work.”
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Continuous learning is a constant theme for the
young cohort.
“We must embrace continuous learning to
develop skills in technology, data analysis and
strategic thinking alongside traditional competencies,
to ensure that we meet future demands, innovate
change and turn vision into reality,” Lew says.
Wong, who has interned at Deloitte and KPMG,
values the experience he gained early in his career.
Reflecting on the profession more broadly, he
highlights the importance of formal training. “I hope
to see larger firms invest more in newcomers.
Training requires time and money, but the long-term
benefits can be significant.” He also sees
professional growth in global exposure. “I hope
to see more genuine cross-border collaboration.
Exchange programs, joint project teams and
opportunities to work in different jurisdictions
could create richer learning experiences and help
professionals develop adaptability, communication
skills and cultural awareness.”
Hutabarat, who moved from Jakarta to Perth
and now works at Mavrick Partners, emphasises
the value of learning about a new market. “Enrolling
with CPA Australia helped employers recognise me
as an accountant, even though my education was
gained overseas,” she says. “It also deepened my
understanding of Australia’s business environment
from Proprietary Limited structures to the role of the
Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
That knowledge has been very valuable.”
THE NEXT 40 YEARS
Emerging accountants see their role expanding
far beyond compliance. They see themselves not
just as number-crunchers, but as strategic partners
who help shape the direction of their organisations.
Otley captures this shift clearly. “I see the
future accountant as someone who helps shape
organisational strategy — being recognised as
a partner in decision-making, contributing insights
on future growth opportunities, sustainability,
investment and long-term performance.” Hutabarat
adds, “in the future, I want accountants to become
more of a strategic partner, working alongside the
business to help it grow in the right way.”
Lew highlights how the profession itself is evolving.
“The accounting profession will become a high-value
service industry that provides clients with strategic
advisory and risk management services while
supporting business innovation as automation
takes over routine tasks.” Clark agrees, noting that
“finance roles will evolve into decision-making roles,
because you will have deeper insight into the finance
function of the business”.
Technology is central to this transformation.
“Accounting is evolving with technological
advances,” Chong notes. “In the next 10 years,
we will no longer be just preparing accounts — we will
be part of the business and growing with it.” ●
BOLD SIGNALS intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au 55
