Why Accountants Need to be Proficient in Accounting Technology

Accounting technology has reshaped how accountants do their tasks, and, as it becomes increasingly integrated into accounting processes, proficiency in accounting technology is no longer an option for professionals, but a necessity to remain relevant in the field.  

As society was ushered into the digital age, the evolution of the finance and accounting industry was also propelled forward. Previously regarded as a laborious field, accounting processes needed complex skills and keen attention to detail and accuracy. Professionals would perform tasks such as bookkeeping, auditing and payroll processing manually. Now, digital transformation has paved the way for the accounting industry to develop technology to aid finance and accounting professionals. 

Read: 5 Tips to Future Proof Your Accounting Career  

Benefits of Accounting Technology Proficiency 

Ensuring Quality Performance 

Accounting technology is the perfect tool for finance and accounting professionals to increase the quality of their outputs. These systems have the capability to automate and streamline accounting processes and store financial data that would not only make your work easier but would also ensure its efficiency and accuracy. 

By using accounting technology as a tool, professionals are able to become value-adding members of a team and produce quick and accurate financial reports.  

Using Data-driven Insights 

With the help of accounting technology, professionals would no longer have to take weeks to analyze financial data and generate reports. They only have to feed quality raw data to their accounting systems, and it would create real-time insights that reflect the company’s finances.  Timely access to financial information empowers professionals to recommend actionable solutions for your company and respond to any market or industry changes.   

Easier regulatory compliance 

Regulatory bodies often adjust rules and regulations according to the economic and socio-political health of a country.  For proper compliance, accountants were previously tasked in the manual checking of regulatory standards every time they perform a task. Now, accounting technology’s capacity to stay up to date on the latest accounting standards, tax regulations and compliance requirements allow accountants to consistently comply with all the company’s legal needs.   

Active role in company management  

As accounting technology automates laborious tasks, accounting professionals can now take on a more active role to contribute to helping the company strategize. By using the real-time insights from accounting systems and coupling it with their knowledge in the finance industry, they can initiate company strategies and actions that would drive growth and optimization in all aspects of company operations.   

Collaboration and Communication 

The development of accounting technology fosters collaboration and communication between a company’s finance and accounting team to the rest of the workforce – both with employees and management. Cloud-based accounting software allows all stakeholders to collaborate and remain updated with company financial matters regardless of geographical barriers or scheduling conflicts. The ability to share financial data and reports at all times facilitates better communication between different departments and reduces the risk of miscommunication and errors leading to an overall increase in operations optimization.   

Career Growth and Marketability 

Outside of the value added to a company, proficiency in accounting technology also enhances the marketability and career growth of finance and accounting professionals. To adapt to today’s modern digital landscape, employees are actively seeking professionals who can navigate and leverage technology to drive business success. Accounting technology proficiency has become a key accounting skill. Those who demonstrate expertise in accounting software, data analytics, and automation are more likely to be in demand and have access to diverse career opportunities. 

The integration of accounting technology into the profession has transformed the way finance and accounting professionals work, bringing unprecedented efficiency, accuracy, and strategic value to their roles. With the inevitability of the further integration of technology to the industry as a whole, professionals who adapt and become proficient in accounting technology are poised to not only succeed in their careers but also contribute significantly to their company. Embracing accounting technology is no longer a choice – it's a vital step toward securing a bright and relevant future in the accounting world. 

Read Next: Accounting Technology Trends Disrupting the Accounting Industry  

Need experts in accounting technology?  

We have a wide expertise in handling the numbers of companies across various industries as we are committed to remaining up to date with the latest in accounting technology. Contact us today and we’ll help you find the right solution for you. 

Download our Outsourcing: How to Make it Work guide today and know how we are to help when it comes to your company’s assets.