SMU School of Accountancy (SoA) has announced a whole suite of data analytics programmes in order to address industry needs. These include a second major in Accounting Data and Analytics for undergraduates, the new Master of Science in Accounting (Data and Analytics), Graduate Certificate in Accounting Data & Analytics Programme and Certificate in Accounting Data & Analytics Programme.

Based on focus group discussions with 23 senior level industry practitioners conducted by SoA in 2017, the findings showed that data scientists lacked domain knowledge in accounting areas while those with domain knowledge in accounting or business areas lacked the technological know-how. The challenge would be to recruit, train and retain talent who have knowledge of both disciplines.

SMU School of Accountancy Dean and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Accounting Cheng Qiang said, “The future is in big data. The accounting industry is rapidly transforming at the moment, with analytics, automation and accounting data becoming increasingly integral to the business strategies of corporations and accounting firms. The new initiatives that we are introducing at the undergraduate, postgraduate and working professional levels are our response to those demands. Our aim is to nurture future talents who are fluent in accounting data and analytics applications. Our programmes provide critical understanding and practical knowledge of the latest analytics technology and data sets, and prepare graduates and working professionals for the changes and challenges in the wider accounting industry. We also enable them to value-add and boost the competitive advantage of their employers, and to seize opportunities to advance their careers.”