Digitalization of Accounting Profession: An Opportunity or a Risk for Future Accountants?

Abstract

IR4.0 has transformed the global industrial landscape including the accounting profession. Thus, accountants have significant opportunities to enhance their digitalized skills and knowledge but are at risk if they do not comprehend how the workplace is transforming. Different genders may have divergent perspectives concerning opportunities and risks posed by the digitalization process. This study examined both the perception of opportunity or risk about the digitalization of the accounting profession and the effect of gender on such perception. Online questionnaires were distributed to 546 accounting interns from the Malaysian top six accounting and finance public universities. Findings revealed that the digitalization of the accounting profession presents future accountants with both significant opportunities and risks, but no significant difference in gender regarding such perceptions.

Keywords

• opportunity
• risk
• digitalization
• accounting profession
• gender