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.