So what will the future accountant do?
According to Mr Hamilton-Smythe, the
Managing Director of KHZ Enterprises,
the large international manufacturing
company, accountants will be employed
“to help companies change the numbers.
Their expertise, and knowledge of the
business will be called upon to prepare
strategies. They will become consultants
and advisers. And their skills will need to
change accordingly. They will be involved
in international meetings, in giving presentations,
running international teams,
writing reports and making decisions.”
This is going to require a significant
change in the general public’s opinion of
accountants, who in turn will need to
develop skills not traditionally associated
with the job. The image of the guy in the
corner with the stacks of paper will
change to one of a high flyer, someone
who is critical to the success of the
organization.