Embracing the role of artificial intelligence in accounting and finance: contemplating the changing skillset expectations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight how Artificial intelligence (AI) and its subsets are changing the face of the accounting and finance (A&F) profession. Expectations from A&F professionals are changing due to the expeditious changes in technology. This paper proposes new skill set expectations from these professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a viewpoint paper based on the opinions/views of the employees working in medium and large organizations in A&F in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The employee viewpoints were gathered through an emailed questionnaire.

Findings

This paper illustrates the need to embrace technology and acquire the necessary skills to work in conjunction with machines. This will help A&F professionals to meet the changing expectations of employers.

Practical implications

This paper emphasizes the usefulness of training, learning, and development of the skills necessary for A&F professionals to work with AI and its subsets.

Originality/value

This paper discusses how AI will bring in challenges and opportunities in the future. It suggests how A&F professionals can embrace technology (driven by AI) and understand to work with it.

Citation

Gambhir, B. and Bhattacharjee, A. (2021), "Embracing the role of artificial intelligence in accounting and finance: contemplating the changing skillset expectations", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 17-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-01-2021-0016