According to the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), Big Data, robots, cognitive computing, and other emerging technologies are changing everything accountants dofrom tax preparation to audits to M&A activity. Technology and automation will replace many accounting jobs in the next decade. Emerging skills needed include data governance and life cycle, programming, business analytics, data visualization, and more. The status quo wont cut it.

Think back on what you have learned this quarter. Much of it has to do with Balance Sheet presentation, calculations, and analysis. How much of this work do you think is or will be automated for accountants? What is the future role of accountants as technology evolves? What will you do to keep yourself marketable?