What are the main changes taking place in the accounting profession? Do big data and robotics present opportunitiesfor accountants? What are the profession’s next challenges?
Jimena Viña, a graduate of the Universidad ORT Uruguay Certified Public Accountant program and manager of Business Process Solutions at Deloitte Uruguay, and Alberto Cataldo, a financial advisor at Sura Asset Management, answered these questions at the event “The Certified Public Accountant of 2025.” The talk, aimed at students and others interested in the field, took place on November 21, 2019.
During the event, the graduates discussed the impact of technological changes on their professional practice and highlighted the most widely used technological tools, specifically: Integrated Systems, Big Data, and Robotic Process Automation(RPA).
In our professional practice, we interact with many stakeholders: clients, suppliers, banks, and government agencies. All of these stakeholders are evolving and incorporating technological tools into their processes. Therefore, accountants cannot afford to fall behind.
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“We need to support that change.”
Viña and Cataldo also explained how robotics is being implemented in all jobs that involve repetitive tasks with predefined steps. They also noted that the goal of these procedures is to increase efficiency.
Viña noted that this is not a matter of replacement, but rather of collaboration, and that it represents an opportunity for accountants to devote their time to tasks that are of greater value to their clients; for example: analyzing, monitoring, and advising.
“Robots can be used in all aspects of data processing, but a robot isn’t going to determine whether a balance sheet complies with the appropriate standards or whether a salary payment is subject to income tax. That’s where the accountant comes in,” said Viña.“A robot isn’t going to advise a client.”
What is Robotics Process Automation (RPA)?
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Cataldo emphasized the customer-centric approach of financial services companies. He said that Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are the tools they rely on to provide better service to customers. Finally, he highlighted the role of accountants in improving these systems.
“Big Data technology and data analysis are extremely useful for interpreting that data quickly and efficiently,”said Cataldo. “A degree in accounting gives you a strong foundation in technical knowledge across all areas. It opens up a much wider range of options for the future.”