Machine Learning Will Become Reality In The Near Future

In the UAE, 40 per cent of accountants currently see AI as all or mostly hype, while 55 per cent say that in three years’ time it will become a reality.

The findings are published in a new report from ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Machine learning: more science than fiction which highlights how new tech developments have a massive potential for the accountancy profession. The report focuses on machine learning, which is the ability of computers to ‘learn’ and make decisions or predictions based on analysis of large sets of data.

Narayanan Vaidyanathan, the report’s author and head of business insights at ACCA says: ‘Machine learning is a critical area of development for accountants. Looking ahead it will be crucial to understand its value and benefits, as well as the ethical challenges it presents. In all this, the starting point has to be a legitimate business need with a clear understanding of what it can bring to the organisation.

‘AI and machine learning can add value to the work accountants do – from generating valuable insights for business decision-making, to fraud detection, risk assessment, understanding complexities in taxation and also with more effective non-financial reporting.  So the accountancy profession needs to understand how AI and machine learning works, especially given its role in influencing the trust we have in the decisions of these systems.’

Fazeela Gopalani, head of ACCA Middle East adds: ‘The UAE has invested heavily in tech capabilities ahead of Expo 2020, and is a thriving tech hub. But when it comes to AI, accountants are trying to see through the hype to understand the realities. As with all technology, with power comes responsibility and in the case of machine learning ethical considerations are never far away. Accountants need to consider and manage potential ethical compromise from decision-making by algorithm, such as the risk of bias in the data set that feeds them and the issue of accountability for decisions made.’

The results for the UAE sample show that 46 per cent have no plans for adoption of machine learning in their organisation, with only 12 per cent undecided about it. Twenty-seven per cent are having initial discussions or exploring concepts, compared to 24 per cent globally. Five per cent, one of the highest percentages compared to other markets, are at advanced testing stage, with ‘go live’ in three to six months, and five per cent are at full production mode dealing with live data.

For the UAE, the main barriers to adopting machine learning are cost implications at 56 per cent, with 49 per cent citing lack of skilled staff to lead the adoption. Nearly a third – the highest level - admits they see no clear benefit from using machine learning.

The report emphasises that at a minimum all finance professionals should know how AI is evolving and be alert to how the developing capabilities could overlap with their impact on their roles. To prepare for the digital future, ACCA already examines a range of digital topics within its Masters level ACCA Qualification. It has also enhanced the digital content across many of the exams for students, while also ensuring digital is weaved into members’ continuous professional development.

Fazeela Gopalani concludes: ‘Machine learning’s entrance into the accountancy mainstream is a huge opportunity here in the UAE, but also globally. This is an area where professional accountants have the chance to develop a core understanding of emerging technologies, building their digital skills alongside their communication skills so they can explain the results really well. They can then truly benefit from the ability of technologies like machine learning to support them with intelligent analysis of vast amounts of data.’

Notes to Editors                                                                   

About the research

Research for the report was conducted 18 January to 4 February 2019

The report can be found here: https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/professional-insights/technology/machine-learning.html

About ACCA

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants, offering business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

ACCA supports its 208,000 members and 503,000 students in 179 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 104 offices and centres and more than 7,300 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development. Through its public interest remit, ACCA promotes appropriate regulation of accounting and conducts relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.

ACCA has introduced major innovations to its flagship qualification to ensure its members and future members continue to be the most valued, up to date and sought-after accountancy professionals globally.

Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. More information is here: www.accaglobal.com