A Study of the Effect of Robotic Process Automation on the Role of the Accountant and the Finance Professional from the Perspective of the Postgraduate in Accounting and Finance in the Irish Job Market.

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to explore the competencies required to work with robotic process automation in the Irish job market (RPA). RPA is software that has been a trendy topic in the accounting/financial sector due to its ability to perform repetitive and rule-based processes with high efficiency and efficacy. This research work was based on a literature review and interviews made with two groups of professionals: postgraduates in accounting and finance based in Ireland and, experienced professionals in the accounting industry. The findings underscore that there is a foreseen change in the competencies required in the Irish job market (e.g. programming, mastered analytical thinking, SQL query, IT knowledge) for accounting and finance professionals; however, it is not here yet. The main conclusion to be formed from this work is that regardless of the stage that RPA adoption is in the Irish job market, professionals must prepare themselves to achieve a high level in technological, human, and any other competencies that are perceived as fundamental to remain relevant and build a sustainable and successful career in the RPA era.