Accounting dates back to early civilization. Some of the first accountants in 300 BC only used tokens and scripts to follow financial information, according to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The domain has always evolved through history – and although the bases can remain the same, thanks to technology, roles and accounting processes seem very different from what they have done 50, 25 or even 10 years. Understanding the landscape of current technology is an essential element of Become accountant.
Why are technological skills important for accountants?
Technology helps accountants to identify and make recommendations to solve commercial problems. As a result, organizations can collect more data than ever.
Accountants with solid technology skills can analyze data and use it to create statistical models and visualizations that help their organizations, said Mona Stephens, CPAA dean partner of business programs at the University of Southern New Hampshire (SNHU) with more than 25 years of experience in accounting and two other decades of experience in teaching.
Technology allows accountants to access real -time data, giving customers and accounting managers The information necessary to make the most precise and the most relevant decisions possible. According to Stephens, technology can also help accountants with tasks such as:
- Understand their customers' tax positions
- Management of inventory and customer purchase decisions
- Give clarity on the consequences linked to the evolution of prices, to the evolution of consumer preferences and to the potential impacts of the opening of a new location
Technology even changes the responsibilities of accountants.
“The automation of many repetitive tasks that were part of the accounting function allowed the accountant to become more a sales advisor and a strategic partner,” said Stephens.
So, what types of technology are available for accountants?
As technology has progressed, the accounting field also has the accounting field. Stephens said the fields where accountants would work before with standard financial intelligence systems and business resource planning (ERP) are now replaced by emerging technologies. Some of these emerging technologies and their roles, she said, include:
- Artificial (AI) and robotics intelligence Help automate repetitive tasks.
- Blockchain Valid and maintains the records of the guaranteed transactions.
- Cloud Computing Provides accountants with access to their systems from various places creating an easier way to share information between employees, customers and stakeholders.
- Data analysis Allows accountants to create reports and dashboards that often reflect live data and can be used for decision -making and reflection.
- The Internet of Objects (IoT) Provides the collection and access of data to live from various sources, such as radiofrequency identity chips (RFID), scanners and other sensors and devices connected to the Internet.
Cloud computing, in particular, is a technology that becomes a priority among accounting firms, according to a 2025 American accounting industry report by Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting. Among the companies that have moved to cloud -based tools, 71% have noted improved profits, noted the report.
Looking towards the future, another survey noted that 48% of managers estimate that the advanced analysis of data is the most important technology to be used in order to remain competitive in the long term, according to an impact report of economists (PDF source). The survey has also shown that leaders believe that other leading technologies, such as blockchain (35%), IA / machine learning (34%), IoT (33%) and robotic treatment (29%), were also important for long -term planning.
Other technologies used in accounting include ERP tools such as QuickBooks, Sage 50 (formerly Peachtree), SAP and Oracle Netsuite, said Stephens. This technology is also delivered with various other tools that accountants now have at their disposal.
According to Stephens, these are some other tools and their roles that accountants can use:
- Data analysis software Helps to visualize the results of transactions, to identify unusual events and trends and better understand customers, employees, products, suppliers and markets. Examples of this software include Tableau, Powerbi and Alteryx.
- Excel Allows users to create and manipulate calculation sheets while preparing visualizations, creating descriptive statistics and carrying out audit analyzes and scenarios if anything.
- Python is a programming language This reads structured and unstructured data and allows users to work with larger data sets. Users can extract specific data and clean, merge, recoder and create programs for various analytical needs.
- Structured request language (SQL) is a coding language used to access data in data sets and databases.
Stephens said accountants must also be aware of cybersecurity and the risk of relying on technology. But, whether you are currently a certified public accountant (CPA) or to improve your Accounting and finance Skills necessary to become one, technology will most likely become an integral part of your journey.
Technological learning skills as CPA
As CPA, you can work in various organizations and have your own practices and customers. Although the technology you can use depends on your specialization, having technological training can give you a boost compared to potential competition
In 2025, the The CPA exam has changed and started Test technological skills Used by accountants, according to the National Associate of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Passing the CPA exam can show employers that you have the skills, skills and knowledge of emerging technologies.
“As CPA companies are based more on technology and data analysis, they need more personnel with these skills in technological analysis (and),” said Stephens
“The CPAs must have a number of hours of continuing vocational training (CPE) of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) approved to keep their licenses,” said Stephens. “Each state establishes its own hours and requirements.”
But don't worry. There are many ways to continue to improve your technological skills after having become a CPA.
For example, the New Hampshire forces you to have 120 hours of CPE every three years, while California needs 80 hours every two years, according to Most important. You can do your own research to determine the potential needs of your CPE needs.
Stephens said continuing education is the best way to improve your technological skills.
“There are many organizations approved by the Nasba which offer lessons on different technologies,” she said. For example, AICPA offers technological courses, as well as many other professional accounting associations, in particular:
- American Accounting Association (AAA)
- Association of certified fraud examiners (ACFE)
- Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
“There are also many free online services that have training for various technologies,” said Stephens.
Whatever your accounting specialization, there are several ways to develop technological skills and stay up to date with what is available today and in the future.
Nicholas Patterson '22 is a writer and former student of the University of Southern New Hampshire (SNHU), where he obtained his baccalaureate in English and creative writing. He is currently perfecting his job as he pursues an MFA in SNHU creative writing. Connect with him Liendin.
Finn founded Learnopoly to provide unbiased, in-depth online course reviews, helping learners make informed choices. With a decade in financial services, he developed strategic partnerships and business development expertise. After a frustrating experience with a biased course review, Finn was inspired to create a trusted learning resource.