RMIT Online aims to future-proof accountants with Airwallex, Xero and BlueRock
New program upskills accounting practitioners with technology, analytics and strategic capabilities to navigate industry evolution.
RMIT Online today announced the launch of its Graduate Certificate of Accounting Advisory & Tech created in partnership with Airwallex, Xero, and entrepreneurial advisory firm BlueRock. The program aims to help accounting professionals and companies meet expectations in the face of ongoing disruption and harness growing technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning, alongside Single Touch Payroll and automation.
As one of the top employing occupations among Australia’s professional services sector, accountancy is facing major changes as a result of digitisation, evolving customer expectations and market maturity as new products and services are introduced.
The program will empower accountants to become their clients' trusted advisors – equipping students with cutting edge data, technological know-how as well as critical strategic and relationships management skills.
The Graduate Certificate of Accounting Advisory & Tech program will offer multiple pathways and stacked credentials to flexibly cater to student needs and can be used for practitioners to fulfil their annual CPD point requirements for CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Courses in the program include “Emerging Technology in Accounting”, “Financial Analytics, Visualisation and Insights,” and “Strategic Advisory for Accounting”.
Helen Souness, CEO of RMIT Online, said, “As technology continues to evolve, almost every accountant will see the ever growing impact on their day-to-day tasks, making the case for a need to implement upskilling programs within organisations to work towards maintaining their current workforce.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with such strong industry leaders to offer this program to accounting professionals across Australia who are facing an increased need to upskill to expand their practices outside of traditional accounting services.”
- Helen Souness, CEO RMIT Online
Xero Australia’s Jared Baker, Director of Sales said, "The accounting industry has been riding a wave of digitisation for some years now, particularly as governments around the world digitise aspects of compliance and as small businesses move to complete digital systems of record. This movement is providing accountants the opportunity to transform the way they work with their clients, generating greater efficiencies and assisting them to become trusted advisors. By partnering with RMIT Online, we're looking to continue our support of industry professionals embracing new technologies."
Neil Luo, VP, Global Head of SME at Airwallex said, “We’ve seen a growing number of businesses become digital-first and as a result, enter new markets, reach more customers and capitalise on the global economy. Together with RMIT online, we’re excited to help accounting professionals strengthen their careers with the tech skills needed to thrive in the modern digital ecosystem.
“With Australia’s fintech sector growing rapidly - spurred on by industry innovation, new technology, and growing consumer trust - accounting professionals have an important role to play in guiding businesses towards technology that saves time and money, while also providing a competitive edge in the market.”
-Neil Luo, VP, Global Head of SME at Airwallex
Jacqui van Ruiswyk, Commercial Manager from BlueRock, which provides advisory solutions and intelligent digital strategies, said, “We recognise the importance in developing future-focused finance professionals ready to embrace digital shifts. We’re pleased to partner with RMIT Online to ensure the accountants of tomorrow are ready to harness the power of technology to create meaningful growth and efficiencies for business."
For more information on the program, which is open for enrolment from today, please visit the course page here.