PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES FOR ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONALS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Abstract

Today's technology is constantly changing. The things that affect people most clearly is the advancement of technology that brought our world to the “digital age” rapidly and changed many things in the world of business. Nowadays, not profession is without digital interference (Digital Disruption), especially professional accountants who are valuable and important to every business organization. Accounting professionals plays a significant role in every business organization and due to the high value placed on them, they must be equipped with technological skills that this digital era requires. Furthermore, analytical thinking and modern management are also important factors in enabling an organization to overcome setbacks brought by digital disruption. It is with these reasons that accountants should always aim for professional development, have broad vision, have the ability to upgrade their knowledge on accounting and be able to adapt quickly to be able to keep up with the global changes. In this digital age, professional accountants are also expected to have excellent management skills, leadership skills, information management skills, knowledge and understanding of the other tasks in the organization. At the same time, they should also practice business ethics and good corporate governance in order to manage efficiently, be consistent and responsive to the ever - changing business environment. Professional accountants must also have the ability to deliberate and analyze business with the proprietors and also recognizes the importance of professional development, accounting standards and tax laws to keep up with the changes in the profession and in technology as well.