Rise of the machines: The changing face of accounting

SMU Dean of the School of Accountancy and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Accounting Cheng Qiang said accountants need to upgrade their skills beyond the traditional knowhow in order to survive the technology changing phase of their business. He added that analytics and big data have disrupted the accounting scene but also present new opportunities. SMU has introduced a set of data analytics programme to address the industry’s needs and also offers a second major in accounting data and analytics, focusing on accounting. There will also be a master’s programme focused on accounting data and analytics, the first of such in Asia. A four-day Certificate in Accounting Data and Analytics programme will let professional learn more about accounting analytics while a Graduate Certificate programme will cater to participants from SMU’s partner organisations.