The challenge of the accounting profession is increasing in the digital era with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), prompting a call for accounting education to adapt to evolving technologies.
This was highlighted during the kick-off of the Aspiring Professional Accountants Festival (APAFest) 2025, held at the Sukadji Ranuwihardjo Auditorium, MM FEB UGM Campus, on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
UGM Vice-Rector for Human Resources and Finance, Professor Supriyadi, emphasized that the challenges confronting the accounting profession are inevitable and require concrete actions to prepare for them.
“To address these changes, accounting education must remain dynamic and keep pace with developments to produce competent graduates,” said Professor Supriyadi.
Ardan Adiperdana, Chair of the National Executive Board of the Institute of Indonesia Chartered Accountants (DPN IAI), affirmed IAI’s commitment to shaping accounting education.
He noted that AI and data analytics are transforming the accounting profession, calling for it to evolve into a dynamic field that continues to attract future talent.
Chair Adiperdana also expressed appreciation for the large number of participants from various universities in Yogyakarta attending the event.
According to him, the presence of accounting students and lecturers reflected the universities’ commitment to advancing accounting education.
He acknowledged that young people often view accounting as rigid and overly technical, but student participation helps revitalize the profession.
“We hope accountants will continue to play a key role in business strategy, financial management, and regulatory compliance,” he said.
APAFest 2025 also served as the occasion for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IAI and the Higher Education, Research, and Development Council of Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP Muhammadiyah).
This collaboration aims to strengthen capacity building, research, and professional development within academic ecosystems.
This year’s APAFest is themed “Future-Ready Accountants: Navigating Global Challenges.”
Attended in person by IFAC President Jean Bouquot, the event is expected to make a significant contribution to enhancing accounting education and advancing the profession.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Lazuardi & FEB UGM