The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging digital technologies such as blockchain and Data Analytic techniques have radically changed today's business environment. In this evolving digital landscape, the accounting profession is undergoing significant transformations, requiring new digital skills and competences. As businesses adopt cloud-based ERP and core accounting systems, automated business processes, and data analytics tools, traditional accounting is reshaped and transformed to a diverse and complex discipline. Modern accountants must be qualified not only with a diverse skill set but also with a proper mentality required to cope with the new developments in the digital organizations. Many accounting bodies, regulators, auditing firms and researchers have highlighted the need and importance of incorporating digital tools, data analytic techniques and AI related subjects into accountants’ and auditors’ education. However, many accounting schools around the world have not been successful in providing this kind of education. This paper, following a comprehensive literature review, presents the strategies and best practices for integrating digital skills courses in accounting schools curricula. Several approaches and methods presented in the literature concerning the development of new programs of study are also presented. In addition, the paper identifies several challenges accounting school face such as the lack of resources and qualified academic staff. Finally, key success factors for the smooth integration of digital courses into the accounting curriculum are discussed.

Authors:
Constantinos Stefanou, International Hellenic University, Greece
Amalia Stafyla, International Hellenic University, Greece

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Stefanou is a Professor at the Department of Accounting and Information Systems of the International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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