5 answers
Davrinique
Student
Orlando, Florida
2
Questions
Updated
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With technology changing so fast, how is it affecting the role of accountants, and what math or technical skills should I start focusing on to stay prepared?
I’ll be starting college soon, so I want to understand how technology is changing the role of accountants and make sure i’m focusing on the right skills to be prepared and succeed, especially in math related areas.
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5 answers
Daniela Falcón
Employed
1
Answer
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Davrinique! I think you’re right to be concerned about the future and about all the changes happening in the world and in technology. First of all, you should know that your preparation is really important to achieve your goals. Consistency and learning make a big difference. But the most important thing is that you trust yourself and believe in your knowledge. With so many changes, as you said, what will truly set you apart from the rest is your own judgment, and that’s worth more than any technology. It’s something technology can’t replace.
Steven Graham
Chief Accounting Officer, Corporate Controller, VP Finance
29
Answers
Boynton Beach, Florida
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Davrinique,
Accounting is changing very quickly with AI becoming a larger part of the profession. I've attached a couple of links to articles that delineate in real cases what the effect of AI is on the profession.
Depending on what path you take out of college, math may not be a significant part of what you do. "Auditing is the formal, independent, and systematic examination of records, financial accounts, or processes to verify accuracy, compliance with regulations, and adherence to established standards (like GAAP). It provides assurance to stakeholders regarding financial integrity and can also cover operational, compliance, or tax-related areas." As you can see, this has very little to do with math. Pure accounting involves math in that you have to verify that an item, activity, bill, etc. is correct and is posted properly to the books and records but it really isn't math based per se. I went to a specialized math and science high school and, while it gave me a great math background, my "higher" math knowledge had no bearing whatsoever on my work throughout my career.
whatever you do, make sure that you get a good, working knowledge of and are comfortable with AI since, as it evolves, it will have more and more of an effect on everything you do not only in the accounting field.
here are the links...To see how AI is expected to change the accounting profession, take a look at the March issue of the AICPA magazine and the Wall Street articles in the apr 7 and April 10 issues. They lay out very clearly the effect AI is currently expected to affect the profession and how the big 4 accounting firms are making related changes to the manner in which they operate.
Good luck.
https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2026/feb/how-ai-is-transforming-the-audit-and-what-it-means-for-cpas/
https://www.wsj.com/cfo-journal/in-this-critical-part-of-audits-the-accountants-role-is-shrinking-fast-69c7f2bc
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/accountants-audit-inventory-tax-day-59b1b71f
If you hit a paywall, please let me know and I'll copy and post the whole doc...
Accounting is changing very quickly with AI becoming a larger part of the profession. I've attached a couple of links to articles that delineate in real cases what the effect of AI is on the profession.
Depending on what path you take out of college, math may not be a significant part of what you do. "Auditing is the formal, independent, and systematic examination of records, financial accounts, or processes to verify accuracy, compliance with regulations, and adherence to established standards (like GAAP). It provides assurance to stakeholders regarding financial integrity and can also cover operational, compliance, or tax-related areas." As you can see, this has very little to do with math. Pure accounting involves math in that you have to verify that an item, activity, bill, etc. is correct and is posted properly to the books and records but it really isn't math based per se. I went to a specialized math and science high school and, while it gave me a great math background, my "higher" math knowledge had no bearing whatsoever on my work throughout my career.
whatever you do, make sure that you get a good, working knowledge of and are comfortable with AI since, as it evolves, it will have more and more of an effect on everything you do not only in the accounting field.
here are the links...To see how AI is expected to change the accounting profession, take a look at the March issue of the AICPA magazine and the Wall Street articles in the apr 7 and April 10 issues. They lay out very clearly the effect AI is currently expected to affect the profession and how the big 4 accounting firms are making related changes to the manner in which they operate.
Good luck.
https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2026/feb/how-ai-is-transforming-the-audit-and-what-it-means-for-cpas/
https://www.wsj.com/cfo-journal/in-this-critical-part-of-audits-the-accountants-role-is-shrinking-fast-69c7f2bc
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/accountants-audit-inventory-tax-day-59b1b71f
If you hit a paywall, please let me know and I'll copy and post the whole doc...
Paola Virginia Vilchis Soria
Employee
2
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Paola Virginia ’s Answer
Hi Davrinique, AI is a key tool that's changing how we work every day. It's important to get familiar with it so you can use it to improve your work.
Fernando Alvarado
Tax
3
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
Accounting has evolved since the 14th century, adapting to systems like feudalism and capitalism. Although change is constant, its fundamentals remain intact. To master the basics, you only need to understand double-entry bookkeeping and practice with real-world examples, such as a family member's business. Furthermore, the mathematical requirements are limited to basic arithmetic, making it easy to learn initially. Today, accountants have integrated technology to optimize their work, while maintaining ongoing training to meet market demands.
Kazzaz Abir
Network Engineer
3
Answers
Denton, Texas
Updated
Kazzaz’s Answer
Hi Davrinique,
In my experience, higher math was what re-wired my brain to think differently, and see solutions and patterns that otherwise would be missed. Even if what you do on a day-to-day basis isn't mathematically driven, studying higher mathematics for a few years does change how you think and process information. If, however, it is not your forte and you find it challenging, it's not a deal-breaker. But taking as many math classes as you can (even as free electives!) helps recalibrate one's perspectives on the world and I found it to be a powerful tool throughout my life. Good luck with your courses, and enjoy the learning process! You will take it with you in your life journey after college.
In my experience, higher math was what re-wired my brain to think differently, and see solutions and patterns that otherwise would be missed. Even if what you do on a day-to-day basis isn't mathematically driven, studying higher mathematics for a few years does change how you think and process information. If, however, it is not your forte and you find it challenging, it's not a deal-breaker. But taking as many math classes as you can (even as free electives!) helps recalibrate one's perspectives on the world and I found it to be a powerful tool throughout my life. Good luck with your courses, and enjoy the learning process! You will take it with you in your life journey after college.