The accounting and finance industry is constantly evolving and this year promises to bring more significant changes that will shape the future of this profession.
Because of this, accounting professionals and teams have to stay up to date with the latest trends to stay competitive and have efficient and effective work processes.
Whether you’re interested in outsourcing accounting teams to the Philippines or looking to advance your career in this field this year, you can reap the numerous benefits of staying on top of the latest industry trends.
And the best way to do this is to know and understand these trends first.
Table of Contents
Key Trends in the Field of Accounting
If you want to know the latest accounting trends this year that are likely to remain for years, read below:
1. Reliance on Data Analytics
With the increasing amount of available data and quicker access to them, businesses should be able to analyze them effectively to identify risks and opportunities for growth.
Data analytics plays a crucial role in helping companies improve various areas of their operations.
For one, it can enhance financial reporting. By analyzing information more effectively, accountants can identify trends and patterns that may be difficult to detect through traditional reporting methods.
This analysis can provide organizations insights into financial performance, identify areas for improvement and help them make better-informed decisions.
Therefore, accounting professionals must have strong analytical skills to help their employers or clients make informed, smart decisions.
Accounting firms should also consider offering data analytics services to keep up with client demands.
2. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation
Using AI tools, accountants can automate many manual processes, including data entry, transaction processing and reporting. This automation reduces errors and the time needed to do these processes and increases efficiency.
AI also analyzes data more effectively, improving the accuracy of forecasts and making it easier for accounting professionals to identify potential risks.
As a result, they can focus more on other tasks that call for human interactions, such as providing financial advice to clients.
AI and automation can also lead to cost savings for accounting firms. These technologies can help them save on overhead expenses, allowing them to offer more competitive pricing to clients and increase their profitability.
3. Focus on Cybersecurity
Since companies and individuals continue to rely on technology and share data, cybersecurity should be at the top of everyone’s priorities, particularly those in the accounting department.
As such, companies must continue to invest in sophisticated security measures to prevent data breaches.
Cyber threats can come from both external and internal sources, which means organizations must have a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.
A good cybersecurity plan should include measures such as creating strong passwords, encryption and regular software updates.
Additionally, accounting professionals and all employees should undergo regular training to know more about the latest cyber threats and ensure they follow the best practices when handling sensitive data.
4. Use of Blockchain Technology
In recent years, blockchain technology has gained more acceptance in various fields and is now being adopted in the accounting industry.
Blockchain technology can help improve financial data security, eliminate errors and reduce the possibility of fraud. It can also make auditing easier, more efficient and transparent since it provides real-time monitoring of transactions.
Accounting firms using blockchain technology can also enable accounting firms to offer new services to clients.
For instance, accountants can use smart contracts to automate payment processes, thereby reducing the need for manual intervention. This automation can save time and reduce the possibility of errors.
5. Specialization in Specific Fields
As the accounting industry becomes more complex, accountants will need to specialize in specific areas.
Because of this, accountants will be expected to have a deeper understanding of industry-specific regulations and accounting practices.
This trend requires organizations and accounting professionals to invest in training and development to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to stay competitive.
Accountants specializing in one or more fields can provide more value-added services to their clients, such as financial planning, tax consulting and business advisory.
Accounting firms and professionals specializing in certain areas can also stand out from their competitors and offer more comprehensive solutions to their clients.
6. Emphasis on Client Experience
Providing a positive client experience is a trend that will gain momentum this year and beyond.
This trend requires accounting departments, firms and professionals to be more responsive to their clients’ needs by providing them with timely and accurate information.
It also entails investing in client relationship management tools that enable them to communicate more effectively with their customers.
Providing a positive client experience can benefit businesses and accounting professionals since it increases client retention and improves reputation. It can help build long-term relationships with customers and generate more referrals.
Additionally, a positive client experience can make organizations and accountants stand out from the competition.
7. Focus on Sustainability
Accounting teams and professionals are expected to provide more sustainable solutions for their employers and clients.
This trend requires accountants to have a better understanding of all ecological issues and how they affect businesses. They also need to integrate sustainability into financial reporting, making sure these reports disclose their organization’s impact on the environment.
Sustainability reporting can provide significant benefits to businesses, including improved reputation and increased stakeholder engagement.
It can also help organizations identify areas for improvement and make more informed decisions regarding their environmental impact.
Accounting professionals and firms that can provide sustainable solutions to their clients are in an excellent position to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
8. Increased Popularity of Outsourcing and Remote Work Setup
Although the pandemic is over, many employees, including accounting professionals, prefer to work from home. This trend will possibly continue in the years to come.
Because of this, many accounting professionals are likely interested in working from their homes and organizations should consider hiring remote workers.
Businesses that can’t find the time or talent to perform critical accounting tasks can outsource these functions to offshore accountants with the skills and qualifications to carry them out efficiently and at a more affordable cost.
Accounting professionals who want to jumpstart their international careers and are searching for the right job need to sign up with a talent solutions provider that can pave the way for these opportunities.
Outsourcing and offshoring offer several benefits that organizations and accounting professionals can’t ignore.
These eight trends are likely to stay around in the years to come, which means it is worth knowing about them and identifying ways to adopt and make the most of them now for the betterment of your career and employer’s success.
