Tech focus in firms is ‘coming with the age’

Speaking to Accountants Daily after winning Accounting Student of the Year at the 2017 Australian Accounting Awards last month, Arlen Dabinett said that the use of technology in firms is something that will accelerate as more millennial accountants join the forces.

“Technology is obviously going to play a large part in the future of firms, that's a given,” Mr Dabinett told Accountants Daily.

“I think it's something that is just coming with the age. With younger generations moving forward it's probably just a natural shift toward being more technology savvy and something that will evolve. I think younger generations coming in will assist with that change.”

Recently, Pitcher Partners Sydney managing partner Rob Southwell warned that firms mustn’t get preoccupied with technology.

“The word 'disruption' is probably the most overused word in our industry right now. At the end of the day it's all about relationships,” Mr Southwell said.

“There will be changes in the way we deliver things that we do for clients but at the end of the day people want to talk to someone and they want someone across the desk who understands what they're going through and who can help them find solutions to what's going on in their businesses and in their lives.”

Mr Southwell admitted that that may well change as the younger generations move up the ranks.

“Over time that might change because as more of the millennial or the generation after comes through they may prefer to work in a different paradigm but the here and now says that at the end of the day it’s still really important that the relationship is key,” he said.