A student tries on a virtual reality headset at the inaugural Technology in Accounting Expo hosted by the School of Accountancy & MIS in May 2022.
The School of Accountancy & MIS hosted two inaugural events during the 2022 spring quarter that featured needs and trends in the accounting profession: the Virtual Tax Symposium and the Technology in Accounting Expo.
The symposium, hosted by the Master of Science in Taxation (MST) program, focused on the use of data analytics, process automation and related technology in the tax profession. Held online over five consecutive Friday mornings from April through May, it brought together experts in the field to present on topics such as automating the tax process, designing a data analytics framework for the tax function, and the importance of data analytics in tax.
“The experts shared different perspectives on how technology and data analysis impact the role of tax professionals,” says Kent Klaus, associate director of the MST program. “In addition, this event influenced the design of our new data analytics in tax course, which will launch in spring 2023, as a required course for an MST degree. This is part of our effort to incorporate more data analytics and technology in the MST program and better equip students for successful careers in tax.”
The Technology in Accounting Expo was the second big spring event that took place, this one on the Loop Campus on May 4. It drew a strong turnout as students gathered to meet with representatives from nine of the largest accounting firms— BDO, Crowe, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, KPMG, Plante Moran, PwC and RSM—for the first annual Technology in Accounting Expo.
Sponsored by the school’s Office of Student Success & Engagement, the expo was an opportunity for students to network, meet practice personnel and learn about the latest technology and software being used in audit, tax, advisory and consulting. The firms’ demonstrations of how they use technology in each of their service lines was eye-opening for students and included the use of virtual reality, artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge tools.
The expo drew a strong turnout from students who enjoyed technology demonstrations as well as networking opportunities.
“For many of the firms, this was their first event showcasing accounting technology on a college campus, and they were pleased with the energy and excitement of the students,” says Hui Lin, director of the School of Accountancy & MIS. “We hope they will return next spring.”
By Nadia Alfadel Coloma