IAESB Roundtables in Kenya: Information and Communications Technology

The International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB) Information Communications and Technology Task Force recently hosted two roundtable discussions in Nairobi, Kenya. These roundtables provided input to the IAESB’s deliberations about how technology is shaping the skills needs of current and future professional accountants. This was part of the IAESB’s ongoing efforts to obtain input and feedback from a broad array of stakeholders, and coincided with the IAESB and IAESB Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) meetings in Nairobi.

Attendees included the Kenyan academic community, learning and development professionals, practitioners and accountants in business—nearly 20 in total. Participants provided their insights on a range of issues related to the information and communications technology skills that accountants need, or may need in the future, to perform their role in the digital age. They also provided input on current and emerging technologies as well as the complimentary skillsets needed to succeed and meet the demands of an ever-evolving business landscape.

While analysis of the sessions continues, preliminary insights center on a wide range of skillsets and emerging technologies and how these technologies will impact accountants’ ability to perform their roles more effectively. Participants also stressed the continued need for strong analytical and critical thinking skills, using technology to communicate effectively and the ability to adapt to ever-changing technologies.

The IAESB and ICT Task Force would like to thank the roundtable participants:

Dominic Ojwang	KCA University
Michael Ingutia	KCA University
Paul Sang	Kenyatta University
Nebart Avutswa	Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya
Mirie Mwangi	University of Nairobi
Raphael W. Matu	Royal Business School
Kalundu Kimanzi	JKUAT (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology)
Joshua Aura	Regional Center of Management
Catherine Cynthia Malinea Ndambuke	Strathmore University
Evans Moturi	National Social Security Fund
Evanson Nganga	Mazars
Peter Kioko	National Bank of Kenya
Nancy Nuhoya	EY
Grace Kamau	Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya
James Nduati	Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board
Kaumbuthu M. Josphat	Kenyan Government
Nebart Avutswa	Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya

Additional outreach is planned over the coming months. If you have thoughts on technology’s impact on accounting education, please contact DavidMcPeak@iaesb.org.