ACCA UAE Event Highlights Skills Needed to Future-Proof Finance Careers in the Age of AI

The growing role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in the finance sector is driving demand for digital capabilities, adaptability and continuous professional development, according to discussions at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants’ (ACCA) flagship Financially Speaking event in Dubai.

Held last week under the theme Career Paths Reimagined: Future-Proof Finance Skills to Adapt, Pivot & Lead, the second edition of the event brought together government representatives, industry leaders and finance professionals to examine how technological developments are changing the profession and creating new career opportunities.

ACCA Highlights Changing Skills Requirements in Finance

Drawing on ACCA’s Career Reimagined research, the event provided a platform for discussions on emerging industry trends, professional development and the changing expectations of finance professionals.

Speakers highlighted the need for professionals to combine technical accounting and finance expertise with digital and data capabilities, strategic thinking, commercial understanding, ethical judgement and effective communication.

As AI increasingly influences business operations and decision-making, participants emphasised that continuous learning and the practical application of new skills will be essential for navigating changes in the profession.

Kush Ahuja, Head of Eurasia and Middle East at ACCA, said that AI, longer working lives and increasing environmental, social and governance (ESG) demands are reshaping expectations of finance professionals.

He noted that as technology takes over more routine tasks, professionals will need to focus increasingly on interpreting information, challenging assumptions and providing ethical judgement and strategic insight.

Ahuja also highlighted a shift from traditional career pyramids towards a more diamond-shaped structure. As automation reduces some routine entry-level responsibilities, demand is expected to place greater emphasis on specialist expertise and the ability to transition between roles.

He added that professionals must continue developing new capabilities throughout their careers, while employers need to reconsider how they nurture talent and create career progression opportunities.

UAE Government and Industry Leaders Join Discussions

The event featured a keynote address by Abdullah Saleh Al Hammadi, Director of the Auditors Department at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

Other speakers included:

• Amna Hassan Alshamsi, Director of Financial Policies and Government Accounting Standards at the UAE Ministry of Finance.

• Waleed Shahnawaz, Group CFO at Abu Dhabi Marine Holding and ACCA Global Council Member.

• Marwa Shata, Director of International Relations and Training at the Union of Arab Securities and Commodities.

Their contributions formed part of wider discussions on the changing finance landscape and the skills required to respond to technological and business developments.

ACCA Recognises Longstanding Members

The programme also recognised FCCA members marking 25 years of membership, acknowledging their longstanding commitment to accountancy and contributions to the wider finance community.

Through initiatives such as Financially Speaking, ACCA aims to strengthen collaboration between finance professionals, employers and industry leaders while encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous professional development across the region.