THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DIGITALIZATION - PREMISES OF THE INTELLIGENT FUTURE

Abstract

Being responsible not only for the financial transactions recording, financial data analysis and financial statements preparation, but also for providing essential information used at key points in the proper functioning of the company s activity, such as decision-making and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, accountants represent important actors of the economic sphere. Nevertheless, the way accountants work and the nature of the profession itself have undergone numerous changes over time, while the concurrent, sustained, and continuous overall transition of the modern economy and society to digitalization representing an important determining factor. In fact, under the strong influence of the digital evolution, similar to many other fields of activity, the whole accounting area benefits from new perspectives, also determining new outlooks on the accounting profession, especially in relation to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption. Therefore, the current paper aims to firstly identify notable aspects regarding the nexus between digitalization and the accounting profession, mainly considering existing scientific directions and themes of interest related to the phenomenon in question, that have been highlighted over the last decades. Moreover, the article explores the intelligent future premises, focusing on how the accountant, as a distinct entity of the business world, can adapt to the changing market conditions towards streamlining and improving its activity while taking advantage of the AI technology, among others. The obtained results reveal the increased interest on the addressed topic, but also the fact that the accounting profession could certainly benefit from an intelligent evolution, instead of replacement. Intended to bring undeniable advantages on the accounting activity results, the adaptation and continuous embrace of new technologies can undoubtedly lead to keeping the accounting profession relevant, while also providing added value in the digital age.