Inaugural Accounting Day empowers students for digital future

The Tshwane University of Technology's inaugural Accounting Day, themed Empowering Digitally Ready Accounting Professionals, provided students with valuable industry exposure and practical insights into the rapidly evolving accounting profession. Hosted by the Department of Accounting, the event brought together industry leaders, professional bodies and exhibitors to prepare students for technology-driven careers.

Auditor General of South Africa, Tsakani Maluleke delivering her keynote address at the TUT Accounting Day. Opening the event, Head of Department Fezile Ncongwane encouraged students to engage with industry representatives and highlighted the growing importance of digital agility, innovation and adaptability in accounting.

Delivering the keynote address, Auditor-General of South Africa Tsakani Maluleke described accounting and auditing as professions that drive accountability and economic transformation. She encouraged students to pursue excellence, uphold ethics and integrity and seriously consider becoming chartered accountants.

While acknowledging the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on the profession, Maluleke stressed that technology cannot replace human judgment. “Technology will change how we audit, but it will never change why we audit,” she said, adding that AI should be embraced as a tool that enhances the profession while remaining subject to professional scepticism and oversight.

Maluleke also highlighted the Auditor-General South Africa's ongoing digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving audit efficiency and quality.

Delegates from various organisations at the TUT Accounting Day. Representing the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Portia Mkhabela emphasised the importance of lifelong learning, adaptability and developing both technical and interpersonal skills to remain competitive in a changing workplace. She noted that ACCA has accredited TUT's Advanced Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting.

A panel discussion on The Future of Accounting Careers in a Digital Economy explored emerging opportunities in the profession and reinforced the importance of critical thinking, professional judgement and scepticism, skills that technology cannot replace.

The event concluded with the Department of Accounting recognising top-performing students for academic excellence. Awards sponsored by professional bodies accrediting TUT's accounting qualifications were presented by Prof Polly Mashigo, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Finance, who encouraged students to remain committed to excellence.

TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Interim Campus Rector Dr Elikanah Lumadi and Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning Prof Nebbel Motubatse also attended the event.

Students ready to receive insightful information from the various speakers and discussion.