Masih Akan Bertahankah Profesi Akuntan? | Helmy Yahya Bicara

Summary

In this insightful interview with senior accountant Bang Ardan, the conversation explores the evolving role of accountants in the face of digital transformation and sustainability. Emphasizing the impact of COVID-19 and the growing need for standardized sustainability reporting, Ardan highlights the importance of continuous education and adaptation to new technologies. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in ensuring trust and integrity in financial disclosures, while preparing future accountants for a rapidly changing landscape. The interview underscores the need for leadership within the profession to meet global standards and build a sustainable future for both business and society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Digital transformation is a major challenge for accountants, driven by COVID-19 and the shift to technology-based processes.
• 😀 The importance of sustainability is increasing, with global leaders pushing for standardized sustainability reporting, impacting the role of accountants.
• 😀 Accountants must adapt to new standards for sustainability disclosures, integrating non-financial metrics like environmental and social factors into financial reports.
• 😀 Accountants are expected to continue learning and updating their skills to stay relevant in an increasingly digital and sustainability-focused world.
• 😀 The role of accountants is evolving beyond traditional financial reporting to include insights on future financial positions and sustainability.
• 😀 The profession of accounting needs to embrace continuous education to address the growing complexity of sustainability and digitalization in financial services.
• 😀 Global leaders, including those in the G20, are pushing for the establishment of an International Sustainability Standards Board to harmonize reporting practices worldwide.
• 😀 Accountants have a responsibility to help businesses and investors understand the long-term implications of sustainability through accurate, comparable, and consistent financial reporting.
• 😀 Professional accounting organizations must adapt to meet the challenges of digitalization and sustainability, with a focus on preparing the next generation of accountants.
• 😀 The future of accounting depends on maintaining trust and credibility with investors, ensuring that the profession stays relevant and valuable in a rapidly changing global environment.
• 😀 The integration of sustainability into accounting standards and reporting practices will be critical to the continued growth and evolution of the profession.

Q & A

What are the primary challenges and opportunities for accountants today?

Accountants face challenges related to digital transformation and the growing emphasis on sustainability. These challenges bring opportunities, such as the potential for accountants to play a critical role in sustainability disclosures and digital tools for financial reporting.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the accounting profession?

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of businesses, forcing organizations to adapt quickly to new technologies. This shift created a greater need for accountants to embrace digital tools and evolve their roles in financial management and reporting.

What is the role of accountants in the context of sustainability?

Accountants play a vital role in ensuring that businesses meet sustainability standards. They help track and report on sustainability performance, ensuring transparency and consistency in financial disclosures related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

How does the concept of sustainability impact financial performance?

Sustainability directly affects financial performance as investors are increasingly looking for companies that disclose sustainability practices. Lack of standardized sustainability reporting can lead to difficulties in comparing companies, making it crucial for accountants to ensure accurate and reliable sustainability disclosures.

What is the significance of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)?

The ISSB was established to develop global standards for sustainability reporting. Its goal is to create a consistent and comparable framework for companies to disclose sustainability performance, which will ultimately affect financial reporting and investment decisions.

What role do accountants have in the emerging global sustainability standards?

Accountants are crucial in implementing global sustainability standards. They will be responsible for ensuring that companies comply with these standards, and their financial reporting reflects the impact of sustainability practices on the company’s financial position and performance.

How has the accounting profession evolved over time in terms of digitalization?

The accounting profession has evolved significantly with the rise of digital technologies. Accountants now use advanced tools for data analysis, automation, and digital reporting, making it easier to track financial data and ensure accuracy and transparency in financial disclosures.

What does the future of accounting look like with digitalization and sustainability in mind?

The future of accounting will be shaped by digital tools and sustainability standards. Accountants will be expected to handle complex data analysis, financial forecasting, and sustainability reporting. Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies will be essential for staying relevant in the profession.

What is the importance of education and continuous learning for accountants?

Education and continuous learning are vital for accountants to keep up with evolving standards, tools, and regulations. As the profession increasingly incorporates digital technologies and sustainability practices, accountants must stay updated through seminars, courses, and professional development.

How does the role of accountants differ across generations, and what does this mean for the future?

Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, will play a pivotal role in the future of accounting. They are expected to drive further digital adoption and contribute to shaping the profession’s response to sustainability and environmental concerns. The future of accounting will require a balance between traditional accounting skills and new technological expertise.