SMU’s School of Accountancy (SOA) has launched its new Applied Artificial Intelligence Track in its Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) programme. The track is designed to equip accounting and finance professionals with the skills to apply AI to professional workflows, evaluate its outputs and put appropriate governance and human oversight around its use. The move comes as AI is reshaping the work of accounting and finance professionals.
SMU Dean of the School of Accountancy and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Accounting Zhang Liandong said that the Applied AI Track is designed around how AI is entering accounting and finance work. He added that the question is not simply whether a tool can perform a task, but whether professionals understand its limitations, can evaluate its output and know what controls are needed before relying on it. Prof Zhang said students will therefore learn to apply emerging technologies such as Generative and Agentic AI within professional workflows, while retaining the professional judgement, human oversight and accountability that remain central to the profession.