Accountants have a strategic role to play in Nigeria’s quest of addressing economic challenges and repositioning the nation for growth as well as local and foreign investments, executive director, Sahara Group, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, has said.
Speaking in Abuja at the just concluded conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Adedoyin-Adeyinka, FCA, pointed out that the expertise and insight of accountants are attributes needed to transform the nation.
She spoke on the topic titled, ‘Future-Ready Professional Accountants: Emerging Skills and Opportunities.’
“Nigeria faces an array of pressing economic challenges: endemic poverty, escalating unemployment rates, pervasive insecurity, and a glaring infrastructure deficit.
“Amidst these challenges, professional accountants are the beacon of hope. Our expertise provides the insights, analysis, and foresight necessary for informed decision-making.
“We have the potential to steer both businesses and governments toward sustainable growth and inclusive development,” she stated.
Adedoyin-Adeyinka observed that as Nigeria navigates the vast complexities of the 21st century, from technological revolutions to socio-economic challenges, the role of accountants has never been more pivotal.
She outlined some of the emerging skills and opportunities for accountants to include innovation and creative thinking, technological literacy/proficiency, strategic thinking, cross functional collaboration, among others.
For opportunities in the new landscape, she said, “Advisory services: The accountant of the future is not just a number cruncher but a strategic advisor.
“Businesses and governments alike seek our expertise to navigate complex financial terrains, optimise operations, and achieve sustainable growth.
“Sustainability reporting: As global consciousness shifts towards environmental sustainability, there’s a rising demand for transparent sustainability reports.
“Accountants play a central role in ensuring businesses adhere to global standards and communicate their environmental impact effectively.”
Adedoyin-Adeyinka also talked about public sector transformation, stressing that “the public sector remains a goldmine of opportunities.
“Accountants can drive reforms, champion transparency, and instill fiscal responsibility, thus reshaping the public finance landscape for the better.”
In collaboration with other professions, the Sahara Group official explained that the multifaceted challenges of today had necessitated interdisciplinary solutions.
“Collaborating with IT professionals, economists, and other experts can lead to innovative solutions that address the complexities of our time,” she stated.
She said a professional accountant could do a number of things to develop their emerging skills and opportunities.
“Here are a few tips: Take online courses or workshops on data analytics, digital transformation, cybersecurity, sustainability and ESG reporting, and strategic consulting.
“Attend conferences and industry events to learn about the latest trends and developments in the accounting profession.
Network with other professional accountants who have the skills and knowledge you are interested in developing.
“Find a mentor who can help you to develop your skills and knowledge. Volunteer your time to non-profit organisations that are working on issues that you are passionate about.
“By developing the emerging skills and opportunities discussed above, you can position yourself for success in the future-ready accounting profession,” she stated.
In her concluding statements, she pointed out that the horizon is filled with challenges, but for the well-prepared, it’s rife with opportunities.
“Embracing adaptability, championing continuous learning, and fostering collaborations are the keys to ensuring that accountants remain not just relevant but indispensable.
“As we forge ahead, let us remember our collective responsibility: to harness our skills and expertise for the betterment of Nigeria and to drive her towards a brighter, prosperous future,” Adedoyin-Adeyinka stated.
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