Abstract
Fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is a massive paradigm shift in industries, businesses and professions. It brings about revolutionary changes in almost all areas of business operations and professional practices. The accounting profession is especially under the disruptive influence of new technologies related to 4IR. The adoption of smart technologies is changing conventional accounting jobs and practices, and the role of the accountant has to be redefined in accordance with the changing practices and work processes. The current paper seeks to discuss the skills that future accounting students need by studying the available literature on the implications of 4IR to the accounting field and the graduate preparedness to work in the new environment. Past studies indicate the disconnect between the graduate competencies and the ones required to be successful in the long term. By conducting a thorough literature review, this paper finds ways that universities can use to fill this skills gap. These findings are particularly informative to institutions of higher learning that want to incorporate the concept of 4IR in their curricula, hence yielding graduates who are competent and workforce ready.
Keywords: Accountants, Accounting skills, Career readiness, Fourth Industrial Revolution, University