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I recently had the opportunity to present at the Chartered Accountants Annual Technology Conference, where the theme centred on ‘the transformative impact of AI on the accountancy profession’.
We are very aware that technology, regulation, and workforce expectations are reshaping the role of Chartered Accountants. From Gen AI to automation, regulatory changes like the CSRD, evolving career aspirations, and expectations of our workforce, these shifts are redefining opportunities in our profession.
While there is some uncertainty and ambiguity about these changes, they also present new possibilities. What can be challenging is how we can categorise ourselves as accounting professionals and defining our ‘vertical’ or ‘area of expertise’ and identifying the opportunities that exist within each vertical. Even more so as technology solutions impacting finance are changing and evolving so quickly. Let’s take a closer look at that now.
During the conference I set out to define and explore three key verticals in accounting and how opportunities in our profession will evolve within these verticals over the coming years. Broadly these verticals are
- Strategic Business Partner
- Finance Technologist
- Subject Matter Expert
Over the next 3 weeks we’ll explore these verticals in more detail, starting this week with Finance Technologist.
Finance Technologist
What is it?
Finance Technologists operate at the intersection of finance and technology. Typically, these professionals begin their careers as accountants but transition into technology-focused roles. They play a crucial part in leveraging technology to drive efficiency, streamline processes, and deliver strategic insights.
Why is it important?
Finance Technologists collaborate across multiple functions. From ERP implementations to data transformations, they are integral to ensuring seamless integration between finance and technology. They ensure the solutions being implemented for Finance offer real value and deliver critical process optimisation. Being the conduit between finance and technology allows them to deliver optimal solutions for finance.
What do they do?
The skills required for opportunities in this vertical go beyond traditional accounting. Depending on your area of specialism in this vertical you need proficiency in areas such as data analytic tools like Power BI, Tableau & Alteryx, familiarity with coding languages, understanding of IT infrastructure in the finance domain and experience with automation tools such as RPA, machine learning and Finance system expertise.
The Finance Technologist vertical encompasses several key roles, some examples include:
Transformation & Optimisation Roles
- Finance Automation Specialist – Automates repetitive finance tasks using tools like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and workflow automation solutions like Alteryx.
- Finance Systems Specialist – Implements, optimises, and maintains financial systems (e.g., ERP platforms like SAP, Oracle, Workday), acting as a bridge between finance and IT. Responsibilities include system upgrades, new releases, and full migrations.
- Finance Transformation – Leads digital transformation initiatives within the finance sector, whether in consulting or industry. Often, organisations will leverage a hybrid model, combining a dedicated internal group with external consultants and implementation partners to work on the project.
- ERP Implementation Specialist – These professionals often transition into ERP roles with an accounting background due to their deep understanding of finance processes, controls, and reporting requirements.
Data & Analytics Roles
- Data Scientist, Data Architect, and Data Analyst – These roles focus on leveraging data to provide insights, improve governance, and drive financial decision-making.
- Data Governance Specialists – With the increasing scale of available data, accountants transitioning into data roles ensure accuracy, compliance, and strategic insights.
The growing prominence of Finance Technologists highlights how technology is becoming integral to finance. These roles provide accountants with opportunities to pivot into high-impact positions that blend traditional finance expertise with technology enablement.
Catherine Drysdale, FCA & member of Technology Committee Chartered Accountants Ireland. Connect with Catherine on LinkedIn or at catherine.drysdale@barden.ie