Virginia’s Accounting Faculty Discuss Emerging Technologies

In the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), Principles of Accounting I and II serve future accounting majors and non-majors, and these are the only accounting courses that transfer to four-year institutions. To properly prepare accounting majors and to help non-accounting majors develop an appreciation for accounting, faculty are beginning to incorporate emerging technologies (including data analytics, robotic process automation and blockchain). Our community college transfer courses should be relevant, current and forward looking to set the appropriate foundation for future success.

On Friday, Oct. 23, Jill Mitchell, professor of accounting at the Annandale Campus, hosted the Emerging Technologies in Accounting Forum for faculty to discuss the appropriate content to incorporate in introductory courses to expose students to the technology that is changing the accounting profession.

Over thirty attendees participated, including accounting faculty from NOVA, VCCS schools including Blue Ridge, Tidewater, Southside Virginia, and Virginia Western, as well as four-year institutions, including Christopher Newport University, George Mason (GMU), Longwood, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia and nearby Towson University.

Two guest speakers kicked off the forum to inspire the discussion. Omer Hassan, a NOVA and GMU accounting graduate, shared his experience at Freddie Mac as a data analyst within their Office of Inclusive Engagement. Then, Eric Negangard, Ph.D, CPA, CFE, from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, shared an academic perspective of the importance of exposing accounting and business students early to emerging technologies and encouraging them to become lifelong learners in order to have successful careers.

Attendees left the virtual event filled with ideas to consider and possibly implement in their Principles of Accounting courses. Students should look forward to learning how the accounting profession is changing and the exciting career opportunities that lie ahead.