The future of accounting profession lies with digital competence – says Ondo chartered Accountant
The Chairman of Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria, (ICAN) Ondo & District Society, Mr. Muritala Steve Oluwanife Shittu, has stressed the need for practicing and aspiring accountants to embrace digital technology stating that the move would enhance their competence and global competitiveness.
Shittu made the statement on Thursday August 20, 2026, while speaking at a programme organised in the University by the National Association of Accounting Students (NAOAS), Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo Chapter.
Identifying important roles which technology plays in contemporary society, the Chairman Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN) Ondo District Society, advised practicing Accountants, who still engaged in what he described as the use of traditional record keeping, to stop the practice, so as not to be left behind in the scheme of things.
According to him, since “the accounting profession is undergoing rapid digital transformation and technology is reshaping how financial information is captured, processed, analysed and reported, today’s accountants must evolve from traditional record keepers to strategic digital professionals”, he stated.
The guest speaker define digital transformation in accounting as “the integration of digital technologies into accounting processes, automation of manual tasks, use of data analysis for decision making, adoption of cloud based systems for real time experience, data storage, enhanced accuracy, speed and transparency in financial reporting.
He listed some digital tools newly introduced into accounting profession between year 2021 and 2026 to include Rillet, DOSS, Campfire, Dual Entry, Receptor AI and Pilot meridian. He also highlighted various key technology devices such as Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), cloud Accounting platforms, block chain and Distributed ledger technology which he said has added values to the accounting profession.
While admonishing members of NAOAS to take their studies seriously, the Accounting expert, listed various opportunities available to them after graduation to include digital auditing, data analysis, forensic technology among others.
On current challenges facing Accounting profession in Nigeria, Shittu identified them to include problems associated with cyber security and data breaches, high cost of technology, skills gap among accounting graduates, resistance to change in traditional Accounting firms as well as ethical issues concerning use of AI in financial decision making.
Speaking on future of accounting profession, shittu admonished the students to seek constantly for more knowledge on the discipline saying “accountants who thrive tomorrow are those who embrace technology today, let us prepare, innovate and lead the future of accounting in Nigeria”. He remarked.
Also in her presentation, the Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, AFUED, Dr. Mrs. Oluseto Abidemi Olatuyi, advised the students to be of good behaviour, good brand and ambassador of the University, and be mindful of what they wear. According to her, “the way you dress, is the way you will be addressed”.
In his own remarks, one of the lecturers in the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, AFUED, Dr. Akinwumi Sarimakin urged the students to study harder saying, “he who fails to prepare, prepares to fail”.
In addition, the renowned scholar admonished the NAOAS members not to be distracted by campus activities but pay more attention to their primary assignment in the University, “which is their education”.
The event which was held at Adesina Lecture Hall in the University, was attended by eminent personalities which included: Dean, Faculty of Social and Management Science, Prof. Tope Ozeigbe, Mrs. Akinboyewa Gladys, Mr. Awogbemi Ola, Dr. Adebayo Sunday, Dr. Mrs. Oluseto Abidemi Olatuyi as well as Dr. O. S. Agun to mention but a few.
