The growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in business is set to reshape the accounting profession, requiring accountants to develop stronger analytical, technological and interpersonal capabilities as machines take over more routine and transactional tasks.

Former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Onome Adewuyi, raised the concern at the 2026 ‘A Day With a VIP’ programme organised by the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) in Lagos.

She urged female accountants to continuously upgrade their skills to remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

Adewuyi, who is a board member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and former Executive Director, Risk Management at Fidelity Bank Plc, said AI was changing the tools used in accountancy but could not replace the professional judgment, ethics and relationships required for critical business decisions.

She said accountants who failed to evolve with technology risked losing relevance as organisations increasingly deployed AI to automate routine accounting functions.

According to her, the emergence of AI is shifting the value proposition of accountants from routine calculations and transaction processing to areas requiring professional judgment, ethical decision-making and relationship management.

Adewuyi said the development had significant implications for accountants working in businesses, financial institutions and other organisations, as employers would increasingly require professionals capable of interpreting data, assessing risks and providing strategic insight rather than simply processing financial information.

She said global standard-setters were already incorporating data analytics, sustainability reporting under the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and technology competence into the evolving accountancy profession.

She therefore urged accountants to acquire competencies in these emerging areas, saying continuous professional development had become essential to remaining competitive in the changing business environment.

The former ICAN president identified formal, social and self-directed learning as key approaches through which professionals could continuously acquire new skills.

he said learning and upskilling should be treated as an ongoing professional discipline rather than an occasional career decision.

Beyond technical skills, Adewuyi urged female accountants to develop emotional intelligence, build professional networks, learn from mentors and establish value-driven relationships.

She also advised them to take responsibility for their mistakes, remain open-minded and focused, and develop the resilience required to navigate leadership responsibilities.

Adewuyi said these qualities would become increasingly important as accountants seek to move beyond traditional financial reporting roles into strategic decision-making and boardroom leadership.

The National Chairperson of SWAN, Blessing Osakwe-Ogo, said the programme was designed not only to celebrate Adewuyi’s professional achievements but also to expose members to opportunities for growth and leadership.

Osakwe-Ogo noted that Adewuyi’s career, including her leadership of ICAN and representation of the Africa and Middle East region on the IFAC Board, demonstrated the opportunities available to women who combine professional competence with continuous development.