The Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) recently hosted the Bright Project Vol. 7, a collaboration between Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) Australia, Indonesia, and the Indonesian Institute of Accountants (IAI). Held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at FEB UGM, the event aimed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the skills required to succeed as future accountants.
Themed “The Next Gen Accountant: Unlocking Future Career Opportunities,” the program also allowed students to expand their professional networks by interacting with representatives from various companies. Hundreds of students and faculty from universities across Indonesia participated, including Atma Jaya University, HKBP Nommensen Medan University, Islamic University of Indonesia, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Mercu Buana University, Muhammadiyah University Jember, Muhammadiyah University Yogyakarta, Sarjanawiyata University, UPN Veteran Yogyakarta, and Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Arizona Mustikarini, Ph.D., the coordinator of FEB UGM’s CSDU, opened the event, noting that the Bright Project is a valuable opportunity for students to understand the challenges facing the accounting profession in the modern era. The event also encouraged students to develop critical thinking skills.
Dr. Hardo Basuki, M.Soc.Sc., CSA., CA, Head of IAI DIY, highlighted the critical role of technology in keeping the accounting profession relevant in the future. He explained that rapidly evolving technology is making the work of accountants more efficient.
Dessy Emastari Prihatiningtyas, CPA (Aust), shared her experience building a professional accountant career through CPA Australia certification. Although she worked in finance and accounting at Pelindo for many years, she also ventured into human resources management and held leadership roles in risk management, financial strategy, and procurement.
Dessy’s career journey has been challenging. Initially, she found it difficult to discover her passion for accounting, as it was not her first choice. Over time, she developed a love for accounting and significantly contributed to broader business processes.
In her discussion, Dessy highlighted how CPA Australia certification can help students and young accountants remain competitive in an evolving environment. “When studying at Airlangga University, I never imagined the impact of CPA certification on my career. At that time, the CPA’s slogan was ‘CPA as Business Leader’, which inspired me to shape my career path,” she said.
In response to students’ questions about the relevance of accounting and finance careers in today’s technology-driven landscape, Dessy assured them that the profession remains relevant, albeit transformed. “Accounting is not just about sitting in front of a computer and analyzing spreadsheets. It’s about understanding business processes and making strategic decisions. This is a critical skill for business leadership, especially in the global marketplace,” she explained.
Professor Syaiful Ali, MIS., Ph.D., Ak., CA, Professor of Accounting at FEB UGM, discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on accounting education. He highlighted various benefits of AI in accounting, such as improving transparency in financial reporting, speeding up bank reconciliation processes, and supporting audits by analyzing anomalies and potential fraud.
“AI has the potential to support business sustainability by supporting long-term decision-making and cost savings. However, he noted that we need to be cautious about data bias in AI training and ethical and privacy issues that require attention,” he noted.
Syaiful reminded attendees that technologies such as calculators, spreadsheets, and AI have significantly increased productivity in accounting. He encouraged students and professionals to prepare by developing AI skills to remain relevant in the future.
“AI won’t replace accountants, but accountants who master AI will have a competitive advantage in the job market,” he concluded.
Reportage: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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