How Accounting is Changing with Technology

We live in a world where technology has taken over and become dominant in every aspect of life. Everyday there are new procedures or updates introduced that makes the old ways of doing things obsolete. One field where this theory proves to be true is the Accounting field. The art of accounting has gone from basic adding and subtracting, to a field full of intricate software and technologies that punch numbers for you. In an attempt to gain more insight on the issue I went to Kanese Jackson, a CPA for the US Census Bureau, for an interview.

How technology has changed the accounting profession?

From experience, Jackson was able to tell me that software. Such as Microsoft Excel and certain accounting programs, were used on the daily basis in the accounting field.

What areas technology has overthrown?

Here, Jackson explains that new technologies have eradicated some of the old accounting procedures. She uses the different methods of taking inventory as an example.

What is now expected of accountants?

Below, Jackson explains that there are more specialized skills needed to be an accountant now than before.

A Whole New Ball Game



An online software used for Accounting Homework

Thanks to some insight from Jackson, it is evident that the accounting field has changed drastically. A profession that was once required sitting at a desk and punching numbers into a calculator, now requires a working knowledge of how to operate several computerized programs. One study even showed that 25% of accountants said if they had to learn the skills that is required of accountants now, then they would choose another profession. Needless to say, the accounting field is completely different than it used to be.