Higher education accounting students on developing AI and RPA competencies
Aryal, Dipshikha (2021)
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202201201535
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202201201535
Tiivistelmä
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are current trend of information communication technology with heavy influence in almost every sector of human civilization. Finance and accounting are no exception.
This research-based thesis aims to study accounting students on developing artificial intelligence and robotic process automation in the field of financial accounting. The study also further develops the understanding of abilities and competencies needed for students to prepare for future challenges in the field of accounting and finance. Additionally, it also highlights accounting and finance student’s opinion about their study curriculums and desired changes.
This thesis consists of a theoretical and an empirical section. The theory section mainly focuses on financial accounting, Robotic Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence, accounting competencies and its impact on accounting work processes as well as change in the work of an accountant. The empirical section focuses on the data gathered to answer the research objective.
The study involves qualitative research method in a form of semi-structure interview. The respondents are divided into two groups: Professionals and students. Interviewees participated are professionals in the field of accounting, AI, and RPA. Students participated are national and international.
The overall conclusion of the results was that the most change in accountants work are related to manual work, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable and bookkeeping. The work of an accountant in recent year is more focused on analysing, advising and interpretation of data. Students have a good understanding of accounting, but they do not possess the required skills in terms of technology. Universities and the University of Applied sciences should offer students with introductory courses on AI and RPA to help students pursue their accounting careers. Basics of programming and ability to understand algorithms are the high demand AI and RPA skills needed in accounting.
This research-based thesis aims to study accounting students on developing artificial intelligence and robotic process automation in the field of financial accounting. The study also further develops the understanding of abilities and competencies needed for students to prepare for future challenges in the field of accounting and finance. Additionally, it also highlights accounting and finance student’s opinion about their study curriculums and desired changes.
This thesis consists of a theoretical and an empirical section. The theory section mainly focuses on financial accounting, Robotic Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence, accounting competencies and its impact on accounting work processes as well as change in the work of an accountant. The empirical section focuses on the data gathered to answer the research objective.
The study involves qualitative research method in a form of semi-structure interview. The respondents are divided into two groups: Professionals and students. Interviewees participated are professionals in the field of accounting, AI, and RPA. Students participated are national and international.
The overall conclusion of the results was that the most change in accountants work are related to manual work, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable and bookkeeping. The work of an accountant in recent year is more focused on analysing, advising and interpretation of data. Students have a good understanding of accounting, but they do not possess the required skills in terms of technology. Universities and the University of Applied sciences should offer students with introductory courses on AI and RPA to help students pursue their accounting careers. Basics of programming and ability to understand algorithms are the high demand AI and RPA skills needed in accounting.