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Proceeding Paper

Digitalization of Accounting Profession: An Opportunity or a Risk for Future Accountants? †

by
Yunita Awang
1,*,
Shazalina Mohamed Shuhidan
2,
Azuraidah Taib
1,
Norfadzilah Rashid
3 and
Mohd Sidki Hasan
4
1
Faculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Dungun Campus, Dungun 23000, Terengganu, Malaysia
2
Faculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Puncak Ala 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
3
Faculty of Business & Management, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Gong Badak Campus, Kampung Gong Badak 21300, Terengganu, Malaysia
4
Special Project Q3 Management Solution Sdn Bhd, Sungai Buloh 40160, Selangor, Malaysia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
Presented at the International Academic Symposium of Social Science 2022, Kota Bharu, Malaysia, 3 July 2022.
Proceedings 2022, 82(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2022082093
Published: 1 October 2022
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of International Academic Symposium of Social Science 2022)
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
IR4.0 has transformed the global industrial landscape including the accounting profession. Thus, accountants have significant opportunities to enhance their digitalized skills and knowledge but are at risk if they do not comprehend how the workplace is transforming. Different genders may have divergent perspectives concerning opportunities and risks posed by the digitalization process. This study examined both the perception of opportunity or risk about the digitalization of the accounting profession and the effect of gender on such perception. Online questionnaires were distributed to 546 accounting interns from the Malaysian top six accounting and finance public universities. Findings revealed that the digitalization of the accounting profession presents future accountants with both significant opportunities and risks, but no significant difference in gender regarding such perceptions.

1. Introduction

In previous decades, technological advancements occurred at a rapid rate. Given the exponential rate of technological advancement, it is not surprising that many aspects of human life are influenced by technology. Specifically, IR4.0 has transformed the global industrial landscape to rely heavily on digital software and the automation of robotic functions to replace human tasks [1]. The accounting profession is not an exception in this scenario. There are five stages of accounting evolution based on the technical and technological components: traditional manual, mechanized, automated, robotic, and artificial intelligence-assisted accounting [2]. Professionals appear to be receptive to the idea of automating relatively menial and repetitive tasks because the IT infrastructure enables them to assume more important responsibilities [3].
Due to digitalization, aspiring and experienced accountants must equip themselves to meet the changing demands of the accounting profession. There is a significant opportunity for accountants to increase their level of expertise, particularly in terms of digitalization skills and knowledge, which may give the impression that future accounting tasks will be more difficult [4]. Accountants, on the other hand, put themselves at risk as financial professionals at the core of organizations if they do not comprehend how the workplace is changing due to technology and digital transformation [5]. Given that technological innovation is driving the digitalization of the accounting profession, the gender of future accountants may influence their perception of the opportunity or risk posed by the digitalization process. Consequently, the objectives of this study are twofold: to evaluate the perception of opportunity or risk associated with the digitalization of the accounting profession and to investigate the effect of gender on this perception among future accountants. Accounting interns are considered future accountants because they are the accounting students who will soon enter the field [6]. Internships provide students with educational experiences related to specific jobs, positions, occupations, and professions [7]. Subsequently, they can increase their abilities through real-world experience and the knowledge gained from their employers.
This research is guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), a model developed by [8] based on a psychological theory known as the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). In explaining people’s actions, the TRA recognized a causal relationship between various factors including beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors [9]. TAM is the most prevalent model for describing technology adoption at all organizational and individual levels [10]. According to TAM, the more willing users are to use a new system, the more time they will invest in learning and adopting it over the old system [11]. Perceived ease of use and perceived utility are the two proposed primary factors of IT adoption in this hypothesis. In other words, according to TAM, a person’s intention to utilize technology is explained and predicted by his perception of IT’s utility and simplicity.
The following section examines prior research on the digitalization of the accounting profession and the associated opportunities and risks. The sections that follow elaborate on the study’s methodology, analysis, and discussion of findings, as well as its limitations and conclusion.

2. Literature Review

Digitalization is the use of digital technologies to modify a business model and generate new revenue and value-generating opportunities; it is the transition to a digital business [12]. It implies that more responsibilities will be delegated to Internet-connected software applications. With the push toward digitalization of the accounting profession, the accounting industry is anticipated to undergo parallel transformations [13]. To meet the requirements of a variety of business models, several digital technology advancements are available, such as its adoption in accounting, FinTech industries, Big data and data analytics (BDA), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud adoption.

2.1. Digitalization of the Accounting Profession

The accounting industry is expanding and improving. Due to technological advancements and shifting consumer expectations, the scope of accountants’ work is expanding. Thus, the scope of an accountant’s job should expand and become more adaptable to technological advancements and digitalization, as the accounting profession now employs several automated systems that did not exist ten years ago [14]. With the implementation of digitalization in the accounting industry, accountants’ work has radically shifted to become increasingly dependent on the development of modern equipment and technology.
As the effect of digitalization, people’s thinking and accounting practices have also changed [15]. Together with the adoption of technology in the accounting industry, it is anticipated that the number of jobs offered for accountants with programming and analysis skills will decline. Therefore, it is necessary and desirable for businesses to provide current employees with sufficient retraining [10]. Appropriate training not only boosts employees’ confidence but also improves the comprehension of their responsibilities and the information and skills required to perform their duties.

2.2. Opportunities and Risks in Digitalization

Due to technological advancements, globalization, and increased competition, careers are constantly changing. According to [16], 702 job titles are at risk of being automated, with accounting having the highest probability of being automated and digitized in the near future. In the coming years, many accounting transactions will be handled by artificial intelligence and automation systems [14]. Digitalization could be viewed as an opportunity or a threat within the accounting profession. When accountants acquire new skills, particularly in engineering, that will aid the emergence of new types of accounting professionals, there is an opportunity [17]. If accountants do not comprehend how technology and digital transformation are transforming the workplace, they place themselves at risk as the financial experts at the core of organizations [5]. Table 1 summarizes the most prevalent digitalization opportunities and risks.
According to a World Bank study, Malaysian companies are less likely to invest in upskilling and innovation than companies in countries that have successfully achieved high-income status [19]. Only 18.5% of businesses offer staff training, compared to an average of 40% in countries that Malaysia should use as a benchmark. Consequently, digital capabilities will increasingly determine which businesses create or lose value [20]. Soon, technological progress and digitization will have a significant impact on the accounting profession [17], and therefore, the digital journey is significant, as it is a crucial element of the company’s success and the new accounting system. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate, from the perspective of future accountants, the perception of opportunity or risk associated with the digitalization of the accounting profession.

2.3. Gender and Technology

Gender is one of the most frequently studied personal variables in the literature on business ethics [21,22,23,24,25,26]. Both the gender socialization and structural approaches explain gender differences in values and work interests [27]. The gender socialization method emphasized how early socialization influences the ethical perspectives of women and men [28]. In contrast, the structural approach asserted that occupational duties would mitigate any gender disparities resulting from early socialization, with males and females in specific occupations making comparable work-related decisions [29,30].
In a review of research on technology usage and intention to use technology from a gender perspective, gender was identified as a significant factor in understanding human acceptance of technology [31]. In a variety of areas, including email, information seeking, online learning, communication technology, and online shopping behavior, the differences between men and women have been studied, with the majority of research focusing on men [32]. Females are more concerned than males with the use of information technology (IT), and this trait influences females’ self-efficacy, resulting in a greater awareness of the effort required to use computers. Concerning the use of information technology, females are more anxious than their male counterparts, and this anxiety affects their self-efficacy, resulting in a greater estimation of the effort required to use IT [8].
Females are also more prone to computer anxiety, ineffective computer use, and negative attitudes toward computer use ([33] as cited in [31]). Moreover, reference [34] (as cited in [31]) suggests that female entrepreneurs face greater obstacles in terms of sociocultural issues, education, and technology than their male counterparts. Males have a more positive outlook on the use of technology than females, according to [35], who summarized a meta-analysis of 17 years of prior research. Teachers can persuade male students to embrace technology in the classroom by highlighting its significance to their future [36]. In the correlation matrix, gender was linked to various variables of access, use, and literacy, just as age was. In the route analysis, however, the only direct gender influence is on risky encounters: boys are more likely than girls to encounter online dangers [37].
Statistically, there is no difference between male and female students’ attitudes toward technology [38]. An online survey reveals that females and males are equally optimistic about embracing technology. According to [39], the notion that women are less willing to use technology is false. Gender has no direct influence on the number of online experiences pursued [37]. Understanding the reasons for gender differences in the acceptance of new technologies will aid in the overall development of the technology ([34] as cited in [31]). Consequently, this is an opportune time to investigate the effect of gender on the perception of opportunity or risk associated with the digitalization of the accounting profession.
Thus, there are two hypotheses developed for this study, which are:
H1. 
There is a significant positive relationship between gender and perception of opportunity in the digitalized accounting profession.
H2. 
There is a significant positive relationship between gender and perception of risk in the digitalized accounting profession.

3. Research Methodology

3.1. Sample and Data

Future accountants are used as the unit of analysis based on a non-probability purposive sampling method. This study viewed accounting interns as future accountants because they are accounting students who will soon enter the profession [6].
Participating in the internship program were senior accounting students from the top six public universities for accounting and finance in Malaysia. According to information gathered from Internship Coordinators, the total number of interns was 546. Thus, the study’s sample size was 226 [40]. The online questionnaires were distributed through direct communication with the Internship Coordinators at each of the six public universities. The data collection period lasted approximately two months, with 187 of 546 questionnaires (or 34.25 percent) being returned.

3.2. Measures

The questionnaire assessed responses based on demographic data and respondents’ perspectives on the digitization of the accounting profession. Five measurement items were used to evaluate the respondents’ opinions from the perspectives of “opportunities for future accountants” and “risk for future accountants” Adapted from [18], all ten items were scored on a five-point Likert scale ranging from “1: Strongly disagree” to “5: Strongly agree”. The items for the variables are listed in Table 2.

4. Analysis and Findings

SPSS was used to conduct analyses based on 187 (or 34.25 percent) of the returned questionnaires. These included an analysis of demographic data, a mean score to determine the level of opportunity and risk associated with the digitalization of the accounting profession, and an independent t-test to determine whether there is a statistically significant difference in opportunity and risk associated with digitalization between male and female respondents.

4.1. Respondents’ Profile

A total of 149 (79.68 percent) of the respondents were females, whereas only 38 (20.32 percent) were males. The majority of respondents (157 or 83.96 percent) were between the ages of 20 and 24 and 182 of them (97.3 percent) had internships lasting between 3 and 6 months. The majority of respondents were Malay (148, or 79.1 percent), followed by Chinese (18, or 9.6 percent). All respondents were Bachelor of Accountancy students at their respective universities.
The majority of interns are attached to Audit firms (116 or 62.03 percent), followed by Private Firms (36 or 19.25 percent). Other employers include Federal Government Agencies, State Government Agencies, Financial Institutions, and Others, which include Tax firms and Essential services firms. Selangor (48 or 25.7 percent) and Kuala Lumpur were where the vast majority of employers are based (43 or 23 percent). Only 21 (11.2 percent) of employers were located in Johor, while less than 10 percent were located in other states. The demographic information demonstrates the credibility of the respondents as study participants.

4.2. Reliability of the Instrument

The measurement of reliability was Cronbach’s Alpha, with values above 0.7 considered acceptable and values above 0.8 being preferred [41]. The values in Table 3 indicate that all questionnaire items were reliable for further analysis.

4.3. Mean Score for Opportunity and Risk of the Digitalized Accounting Profession

The respondents’ perspectives on the digitization of the accounting profession were evaluated based on the opportunities and risks for future accountants, as shown in Table 4. The interpretation of the mean score level adheres to the level used by ([42], as cited in [43,44]), with low (i.e., 1.00–2.33), medium (i.e., 2.34–3.67), and high (i.e., 3.68–5.00), respectively. Table 4 displays the mean scores for each item, as well as the overall mean scores for the opportunities and risks of digitalization of the accounting profession.
The results indicate the highest mean for opportunity (i.e., 3.94) is for item 4 (Digitalization provides better agronomics). The respondents perceived digitalization as an opportunity that provides support to complex work. As for risk, the highest mean (i.e., 4.00) is for item 3 (Digitalization expands working time). The respondents perceived digitalization as a risk that expands the working time because the digitalized environment enables work to be performed from anywhere and at any time.
Comparing the overall mean, the score of 3.82 for the opportunity and 3.84 for risk reflect the respondents’ strong belief that the digitalization of the accounting profession presents future accountants with both high opportunities and risks. Consistent with the perception that accountants’ jobs will become more difficult in the future, accountants have a significant opportunity to increase their level of expertise, particularly in digitalization skills and knowledge [4]. Digitalization will result in the automation of more mundane and repetitive tasks, allowing accountants to focus on value-adding opportunities for their organizations and their users [45].
As digitalization is unavoidable, future accountants should investigate all avenues for enhancing their technology knowledge and be prepared to use new technology in their personal and professional lives. Even though accountants will never become extinct, their numbers will decrease as their tasks become more automated and efficient [13]. Consequently, they will have to grow and change in tandem with technological advances. There are numerous opportunities for accountants to increase their level of expertise, particularly in terms of digitalization skills and knowledge, which could make their jobs appear more challenging in the future [4].

4.4. Gender Differences with Opportunity and Risk of the Digitalized Accounting Profession

An association between gender and opportunity of the digitalized accounting profession as well as between gender and risk of digitalized accounting profession among future accountants were examined and summarized in Table 5.
Male future accountants have a slightly higher perception of opportunity (M = 3.93; SD = 0.69) than female future accountants (M = 3.79; SD = 0.54), as shown in Table 5. Nevertheless, the difference is insignificant (Sig. 2-tailed value, t = 1.129; df = 49.24; p = 0.265). The magnitude of mean differences (mean difference = 0.14, 95 percent CI: −0.11 to 0.38) is very small (eta squared = 0.01).
In addition, male future accountants have a slightly higher risk perception (M = 3.98; SD = 0.59) than female future accountants (M = 3.79; SD = 0.59). However, it is not statistically significant (Sig. 2-tailed value, t = 1.524; df = 185; p = 0.129). The magnitude of the mean difference (mean difference = 0.18, 95 percent CI: −0.05 to 0.41) is very small (eta squared = 0.01).
Consequently, the findings indicate that there is no significant difference between male and female future accountants in their perceptions of opportunity and risk associated with the digitalization of the accounting profession. As the majority of respondents in this study (157 or 84 percent) were between the ages of 20 and 24 years old, this result may be reflective of the existing group of future accountants who are members of Generation Z. This generation is generally eager to explore new opportunities due to digitalization and keen to participate in the environment’s demanding nature.
Generation Z, born after 1995, is the post-millennial generation, who is more accustomed to using technology to communicate in social settings [46]. Generation Z, or Generation C [47] (connected, communicating, content-centric, computerized, community-oriented, clicking), is the first generation to be born between 1995 and 2009 [48] or 1995 and 2010 [49]. They are the first generation to grow up in a globally connected environment [50] where technology was readily available ([51] as cited in [52]). Given this generation’s extensive exposure to technology, gender indifference regarding the perceived opportunity and risk of a digitalized accounting profession is not unexpected. They are familiar with technology, flexible, adaptable, and able to quickly transition to new platforms [46].
In contrast, the findings contradict previous research that identified gender differences in technology. In the context of information technology, including computers, email services, electronic data management systems, and other related technologies, gender is a factor in technology adoption, with men being more technologically adept than women [31]. Moreover, gender differences serve as a moderator in the adoption of multimedia for learning [36]. The effect of task-technology fit on perceived usefulness is stronger in men than in women, leading to the conclusion that when the task and technology are a good match, men are more likely to perceive the technology as advantageous. Consequently, the findings of this study contribute to the body of evidence indicating that males and females compete for the best career success and that females no longer view technological progress negatively.
As they are members of Generation Z and were exposed to technology at a young age, the digitalization of the accounting profession is viewed as both an opportunity and a risk, depending on how they adapt to the new environment. Even women were just as eager to embrace technology in the digital age [39]. This may then provide companies with information about gender indifference that facilitates the selection and hiring of new employees to meet industry demands. Employers in both commercial and public accounting firms may therefore focus on developing programs and training newcomers’ abilities to use emerging ICT applications in line with digitalization.

5. Conclusions

This study discovered that the digitalization of the accounting profession presents both high opportunity and significant risk for future accountants, with the respective highest mean score items for the opportunity and risk being “Digitalization provides better agronomics—support in performing heavy, dangerous, or complex work” and “Digitalization expands working time—work from anywhere and at any time”. However, gender differences did not affect the perceived opportunity or risk associated with the digitalization of the accounting profession.
The findings give beneficial insights into the educational systems and professional organizations. As future accountants viewed digitalization of the accounting profession as both high opportunity and high risk, the educational system could include more information on the opportunities and risks of digitalization in the curriculum to provide accounting graduates with better career planning guidelines. In addition, professional organizations may provide future accountants with greater exposure to the opportunities and risks of a digitalized environment. Thus, future accountants can have clearer perspectives and be better prepared for the actual digitalized workplace.
However, the current study is limited to students from some public universities, which may limit the applicability of the findings beyond the university setting. Future research could be extended to accounting interns at private universities, whose curricula may place a different emphasis than those at public institutions. Similarly, research may be conducted on current accounting practitioners, as they are potential mentors for newcomers. In addition, qualitative research methods, such as in-depth interviews, may be used to learn more about the anticipated opportunity or risk and changes in the roles of accountants in a digitalized environment. Finally, the findings may aid in the recruitment of new personnel, indicating that gender should not be the primary criterion for evaluating job applications from digital workplace newcomers. In other words, gender discrimination should not be an issue in the digitalization of the accounting industry.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, Y.A., S.M.S. and A.T.; methodology, Y.A. and A.T.; software, Y.A. and S.M.S.; validation, S.M.S. and N.R.; formal analysis, Y.A.; investigation, Y.A., S.M.S., A.T., N.R. and M.S.H.; resources, Y.A., S.M.S., A.T., N.R. and M.S.H.; data curation, Y.A. and A.T.; writing—original draft preparation, Y.A.; writing—review and editing, Y.A., S.M.S. and A.T.; visualization, Y.A., A.T. and N.R.; supervision, Y.A. and N.R.; project administration, Y.A., S.M.S., A.T., N.R. and M.S.H.; funding acquisition, Y.A., S.M.S., A.T., N.R. and M.S.H. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by the Research Collaboration Fund 2020 (600-UiTMCTKD (PJI/RMU 5/2/1) Jld. 4).

Institutional Review Board Statement

The research participants were provided with sufficient information to assist in an informed decision as to whether to take part in research (informed consent) through the cover letter of the questionnaire.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Table
Table 1. Opportunities and risks in digitalization.
Table 1. Opportunities and risks in digitalization.
OpportunitiesRisk
Creation of new jobs Destruction of jobs
Working time reduction and increased work autonomyWorking-time extension—an increase of ‘anytime, anywhere’ work
New forms of collaboration and cooperation between workers and machinesWeakening of workers’ representation and bargaining coverage
Better ergonomics due to support in performing heavy and complex workIncreased competition between workers to reduce costs
Smart factories—jobs that have been offshored to low-pay countries will come backWork intensification, dependence on ‘data masters’ and surveillance
More gender equalityIncreased inequality between workers
Sharing economyErosion of tax base and social insurance financing
(Source: [18]).
Table
Table 2. List of items.
Table 2. List of items.
Opportunities for1. Digitalization creates more new jobs.
Future Accountants2. Digitalization reduces working time.
3. Digitalization raises more work autonomy.
4. Digitalization provides better agronomics.
5. Digitalization enhances gender equality for women in work.
Risks for Future1. Digitalization introduces challenges to the work.
Accountants2. Digitalization raises job instability.
3. Digitalization expands working time
4. Digitalization would increase the
5. Digitalization increases competition among employees.
(Source: adapted from [18]).
Table
Table 3. Reliability statistics.
Table 3. Reliability statistics.
Cronbach’s Alpha Cronbach’s Alpha Based on Standardized ItemsN of Items
The opportunity for the digitalized accounting profession0.7340.7485
Risk of the digitalized accounting profession0.8480.8485
Table
Table 4. Mean score.
Table 4. Mean score.
NMinMaxMeanS.D.
1. Digitalization creates more new jobs.187153.670.925
2. Digitalization reduces working time.187153.840.896
3. Digitalization raises more work autonomy.187253.910.731
4. Digitalization provides better agronomics (support in performing heavy, dangerous, or complex work).187253.940.752
5. Digitalization enhances gender equality for women in work.187153.760.804
The opportunity for the digitalized accounting profession 1872.4053.820.574
1. Digitalization introduces challenges to the work.187153.870.747
2. Digitalization raises job instability.187153.630.860
3. Digitalization expands working time (work from anywhere and at any time).187154.000.823
4. Digitalization would increase the workload (work intensification, dependence on ‘data masters’ and surveillance).187153.810.877
5. Digitalization increases competition among employees.187153.870.833
Risk of the digitalized accounting profession 1871.0053.840.653
Note: N = population size; Min = Minimum; Max = Maximum; Mean = Average of a dataset; S.D = Standard Deviation. (The first highlighted row represents the opportunity and the second highlighted row represents the risk).
Table
Table 5. Independent t-test results.
Table 5. Independent t-test results.
Group Statistics
GenderNMeanStd. DeviationStd. Error Mean
The opportunity for digitalized accounting profession (D1OFA)Male383.93160.688560.11170
Female1493.79600.540510.04428
Risk of digitalized accounting profession (D2RFA)Male383.97890.589620.09565
Female1493.79870.665560.05452
Independent Samples Test
Levene’s Test for Equality of Variancest-test for Equality of Means
FSig.tdfSig. (2-tailed)Mean DifferenceStd. Error Difference95% Confidence Interval of the Difference
LowerUpper
D1OFAEqual variances not assumed3.9270.0491.12949.2390.2650.135610.12016−0.105830.37704
D2RFAEqual variances assumed2.5590.1111.5241850.1290.180290.11832−0.053150.41373
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MDPI and ACS Style

Awang, Y.; Shuhidan, S.M.; Taib, A.; Rashid, N.; Hasan, M.S. Digitalization of Accounting Profession: An Opportunity or a Risk for Future Accountants? Proceedings 2022, 82, 93. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2022082093

AMA Style

Awang Y, Shuhidan SM, Taib A, Rashid N, Hasan MS. Digitalization of Accounting Profession: An Opportunity or a Risk for Future Accountants? Proceedings. 2022; 82(1):93. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2022082093

Chicago/Turabian Style

Awang, Yunita, Shazalina Mohamed Shuhidan, Azuraidah Taib, Norfadzilah Rashid, and Mohd Sidki Hasan. 2022. "Digitalization of Accounting Profession: An Opportunity or a Risk for Future Accountants?" Proceedings 82, no. 1: 93. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2022082093

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