Impact of automation on Chartered Accountancy in India

Before we discuss the impact, we need to understand the concept of automation first. The ICAI Intermediate Study Material defines Business Process Automation as the tactic businesses use to automate processes to operate efficiently and effectively. It is the tradition of analysing, documenting, optimizing and then automating business processes. Let’s delve into it further.

The term automation means to integrate technology into processes in a manner which minimises human intervention and maximises cost-saving.

There are two kinds of automation. The first is when technology makes workers more productive (e.g., carpenters using pneumatic nail guns instead of hammers). The second, when technology replaces workers (e.g., automated voice calls replacing call centre operators). In terms of GDP, both are good, since both boost productivity. But the second kind of automation poses a threat to a lot of existing jobs in India. Companies are replacing blue-collar workers with robots because they are not only consistent and excessively efficient, they don’t ask for leaves when there is a wedding at home as well. While Hyundai had its automobile body and paint shop fully automated last year, textile giant, Raymond announced to replace 10000 workers in the coming years with machines. In the service sector, with the advancement in computer programming and artificial intelligence, a good number of white-collar workers are at risk as well.

Let’s take a look at the employment scenario in India. The World Employment and Social Outlook report released by the International Labour Organization in January 2018, stated that almost 32% of new jobs created in the South Asia region were in India. However, if we take a close look at the unemployment statistics of the same report, we will observe that despite the unemployment rate remaining at a steady 3.5%, the number of people unemployed has been rising over the years.

India has to tackle with job cuts as well as new job creation for the growing working population.

So, will there be a loss of jobs? Yes.

Will the impact of automation be the creation of a net loss in employment opportunities? No. Not necessarily.

The issue of job displacement with the advancement in technology is not new, it rises every time a radical change is made to the production structure. When America adopted automation in farming the 42% population involved in agriculture was reduced to a mere 2%. The remarkable part of modernisation was not the increase in production; it was the employment of that 40 % who lost their jobs. It was their movement to other jobs. While the employment in the primary and secondary sector fell, the jobs in the tertiary sector saw a massive boom, easily making room for the additional workforce. Thus, the key lies in the relocation of the workforce and making the transition as painless as possible.

While automation does kill certain professions, it also gives birth to several new ones. Machines need constant vigilance, maintenance and repair, hence, creating jobs for semi-skilled workers. Artificial intelligence dismisses the human labour from clerical jobs but in return opens up analytical fields such as data science, big data analysis and advanced programming consultancy.

Let us analyse this from the economics perspective as well, automation leads to cost reduction, whose benefit is passed on to the end consumer, which means extra cash for the consumer to spend, thus, creating demand in the economy. With an increase in per capita income, general standards of living rise. The demand for personalised and luxurious products and services is bound to increase, which in turn opens the scope for employment in various creative fields. The possibilities and potential of automation are boundless in theory. The only fear is if we adapt in time with it.

Let’s discuss the impact of automation on our profession, chartered accountancy in further detail. During statutory audits, I have observed plenty of CAs employed in the Finance, Works, Operation and Management divisions of big corporations doing data entry work. These jobs are highly susceptible to being replaced by software. As the supply chain gets streamlined and ERPs (Enterprise Resource Programmes) become more efficient, it will make judgement and skill in accounting irrelevant. Meanwhile, simultaneously, the requirement of professionals in the field of consultancy, audit and assurance will rise dramatically.

Automation is a double-edged sword, it is observed that automating efficient processes increases efficiency, however, if you automate an inefficient process you will only automate the errors. It is crucial to make sure that businesses processes remain efficient. And this is where we hold the expertise, ensuring that an entity is rid of any frauds and errors.

An anecdote I read said,

Almost every profession wishes ill will of its clients, for example,

a doctor hopes people fall sick more often,

a lawyer hopes that people break rules more often,

a software company hopes that your computer gets attacked by a virus more often,

but it is only a chartered accountant who hopes that everyone around him earns more.

It is the nature of our profession to welcome development in all forms. Automation will result in increased productivity across all sectors, thus simultaneously creating a demand for professionals, all we need to ensure is that we keep our skillset up to date with the changing technology and norms. It has been well said,

"Computers are magnificent tools for the realization of our dreams, but no machine can replace the human spark of spirit, compassion, love, and understanding."

- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., ex-chairman of IBM

I strongly believe in the well-known adage; we did not come this far to only come this far. Technology is changing and will keep on doing so. There is a need for the populace to adapt to these changes. There are plenty of opportunities in consultancy, data analysis, forensics and transition programming coming up for the future budding generation of Chartered Accountants. Continuous education and training, is the only way to maintain employability. It is a fast-paced world and it is time we all put our running shoes on.

17-Jun-2020




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