The accountant’s new role in the context of digital transformation
Manuel Moreira da Silva, director of FCEP (the new name for ISCAP) and a researcher at CEOS.PP, in an interview with the newspaper Vida Económica, argues for a broader view of the role of accounting professionals, in a context characterised by digital transformation and the growing use of artificial intelligence.
The researcher emphasises that technical skills remain the foundation of the profession, but must be complemented by digital skills, leadership ability, critical analysis and knowledge of technologies and data processing and analysis processes.
For Manuel Moreira da Silva, accountants now play a role that goes beyond the production of information. An understanding of organisational structure and the ability to transform information into decisions, and decisions into value creation, are therefore becoming increasingly important aspects of practising the profession.
In the context of accounting education, the use of Artificial Intelligence can help reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks and allow for a greater focus on developing analytical and critical thinking skills. In this regard, the researcher emphasises the importance of preparing students to understand and evaluate the results produced by these tools.
Data analysis is also taking on increasing importance in the training of future accountants. However, the use of technological tools requires specific knowledge to understand the origin and meaning of the data, identify possible biases and interpret the results appropriately.
“Artificial Intelligence should be understood as a tool at the service of professionals.”
Manuel Moreira da Silva’s reflections thus highlight some of the challenges that technological transformation poses to the accounting profession and to the training of professionals, emphasising the importance of an approach that combines technical knowledge, digital skills and critical thinking.
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