The global economic sphere has changed immensely and continues to evolve under the current situations and developing technology. The outbreak of the pandemic has left all businesses shrouded in uncertainty. If they want to survive in this novel situation, companies need to adapt to emerging trends. Flexibility and innovation sum up all of the current trends in all corporate fields, and accounting is no different. Many regard accounting as a discipline isolated from technological developments. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Accounting has evolved immensely over the years and has become much more efficient and accurate with time. Technology has made the accountant’s job much more manageable and has helped the accountant’s role grow more diverse. However, technology isn’t the only thing influencing accounting in 2021. If you’re interested in learning how the field is evolving, keep reading below.
Diversity in Accounting
One of the most significant accounting trends is that the accountant’s role is growing increasingly more diverse. Accountants are becoming powerful assets to companies and can provide immense insights that benefit companies significantly. Accounting is now much more than just keeping track of cash flow. Instead, accountants are crucial in helping companies navigate complex financials and provide insight and advice to their clients.
Each accounting role has different roles and responsibilities and educational requirements. Some typical accounting jobs include working as an auditor, forensic accountant, budget analyst, or accounts payable specialist. Accountants help companies manage their budget, keep their tax returns in check, gather insights from financial data, and more. Due to accounting diversity, accountants need to know business systems, analytical, and communication skills. There is a diverse scope of accounting jobs you can opt for, based on your interests. You can also work in a broad set of organizations, ranging from private businesses to governmental organizations.
Cloud-based Accounting
Several factors have led to the ever-increasing popularity of cloud-based solutions in accounting. The pandemic means that employees can’t meet and go over financial records and data insights in person as usual. Collaboration has been hampered immensely by the pandemic, but cloud-based solutions provide an easy solution. Cloud-based accounting allows different teams to view expenses, sales, and inventory records simultaneously for easier collaboration. It helps make accounting more accessible and more efficient, as teams can view all documents with ease.
Cloud-based accounting prepares accountants and firms for working remotely in the future. It can allow companies to expand with more ease, as their offshore assets can easily stay connected to all financial information. The cloud also makes it easier for accountants to manage several projects simultaneously. Companies that use cloud-based accounting can also generate 15% more profits, making it clear that this is one of the most profitable trends in 2021.
Data Analytics for More Significant Insights
Data analytics is one of the most vital trends in accounting in the coming years. Whereas previously accounting was limited to keeping track of financials, accountants can now gather in-depth insights from financial data. Data analytics allows accountants to act as valued advisors to companies. Data analytics can make it much easier and faster for accountants to gather insights from records. Furthermore, using algorithms makes the process much more accurate.
Data analytics allows firms to identify which products are doing well and which aren’t. And also which advertising campaigns get them the most significant ROI. Furthermore, they can fix any inefficiencies to generate tremendous profits. Accountants are essential for data analytics as they can make sense of the patterns in Big Data. Their services can allow clients to perform better than their competition and garner tremendous profits.
Increased Automation
The fourth industrial revolution is well upon us, and it brings with it several defining changes. One of the most important is that of automation. Most industries are using technology to automate many processes that employees would need to complete previously. Big Data’s growth means that there are much more accuracy and efficiency required when interpreting facts and figures.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence help automate data interpretation and give accountants greater clarity. Furthermore, greater automation means that accountants don’t have to spend time on mundane tasks and upgrade their skills. Most C-suite executives feel that greater automation will help revolutionize accounting and make it much more profitable. Automation thus brings greater empowerment for both clients and accountants alike.
Conclusion
Although accounting has changed immensely already, there are still numerous chances it has to undergo. These trends will make accounting much more efficient and profitable and will make accountants valued assets to firms. The accountant’s role, which is already diverse, is set to evolve even more in the years to come. However, accountants need to carefully assess their objectives when integrating these trends in their work. Different accountants have different job descriptions, and it’s essential to find what works for you best.