Big Data Technologies and the Development of Accounting Professionals

ABSTRACT

This study aims to investigate the impact of big data technologies on the development of accounting professionals, with a focus on the role of big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence as component variables. The research seeks to explore how these technologies can enhance the skills and competencies of accounting professionals, improve their performance, and transform the accounting profession as a whole. The study regressed the dependent variable – Development of accounting professionals and the Independent variables – Big data, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and training and development programs as the control variable. A sample of three hundred and eighty four (384) questionnaire was administered to selected banking firms in Benin city using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to achieve the study's objectives. The empirical results revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between big data, cloud computing, and training and development programs while artificial intelligence has an insignificant relationship with development of accounting professionals. The study recommends amongst others that Professional accounting bodies should prioritize continuous professional development (CPD) initiatives tailored to the needs of accounting professionals in the digital age. CPD programs should encompass training modules on emerging technologies.