Federal Tax Associate Stresses the Benefit of Technology at a "Big Four" Accounting Firm

Accounting: the process of communicating financial information (through financial statements) about a business entity to internal and external users, like managers and shareholders; but how does technology affect the practice? Because accounting is paramount for any business or firm's future success (and thus accountants) since all have to be conducting themselves with great ethics, technology is showing to be paramount to manage and continue competitiveness among other firms.

But there seems to be a misconception about accountants. Apparently all they do is sit at desks with papers stacked as high as the ceiling with green visors and a calculator/pencil only up their repertoire. Lawrence Hui, a recently graduated University of Maryland alumni and currently works full-time at KPMG LLC, puts the technology-free myths to rest.


Technology's Apparent and Beneficial Role in the Firm

As a tax associate under the Federal Tax Department, Hui graduated last year after gaining 150-credits to become eligible to take the CPA exam (Certified Public Accountant exam) and began his full-time offer at KPMG. With nearly a year under his belt at the demanding firm, Hui gives his perspective of what place technology has in the everyday operations on the tax sector at Big Four firms. Contrary to popular belief, accountants are more tech-savvy than Dell computers and sturdy calculators.



Did you have to pick up any new technology along the way?

Your at the very demanding accounting firm for a few months, and your finally pass that newbie stage. Does an accountants' work become limited over time if he doesn't pick up new tricks in the technology field? Hui provides some insight into what prior knowledge in technology and software is needed, and more importantly, does an old dog need new tricks to stay competitive and relevant.



Now that we know technology is pivotal in the practice, is an MBA necessary in business life today or are technology trainings more useful?

After Hui shows some regret about not taking more classes on the various Microsoft softwares he utilizes daily, he weighs in on the hot topic of MBA v. CPA (Master's Degree in Accountant v. Certification). Does he regret not adding more to his Undergraduate and CPA qualifications?



Proclaimed loud and clear from a professional, technology is shown to have affected every aspect of the accounting practice from customer service to meeting the guidelines of higher government officials. So with all the softwares out to make life easier, why aren't more people pursing careers as accountants?