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Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how businesses manage their finances, analyse data and prepare financial reports. Tasks that once required hours of manual work can now be supported by automation and AI-powered tools.
For students considering an accounting degree, this raises an important question. Is accounting still worth studying, and are universities preparing graduates for a more technology-driven industry?
If you are planning to study abroad from Singapore, here are four universities in Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) worth exploring.
How Is AI Changing What Accounting Students Learn?
AI is increasingly used in accounting and finance to support tasks such as:
- Financial data analysis: Identifying patterns and trends across large amounts of financial information.
- Automated bookkeeping: Processing transactions and reducing repetitive administrative work.
- Fraud detection: Highlighting unusual transactions that may require further investigation.
- Financial forecasting: Supporting businesses when analysing financial performance and planning budgets.
- Reporting: Helping organise financial information and generate preliminary reports.
However, accounting is not simply about processing numbers. Professionals still need to interpret financial information, understand regulations, identify risks and make informed decisions.
This is why universities are incorporating subjects such as data analytics, accounting information systems and digital business into their programmes. These skills help graduates understand how technology supports accounting work. They also build the judgement needed to assess its results.
RMIT University, Australia
Bachelor of Accounting
Duration: 3 years full-time
Location: Melbourne
At RMIT University, accounting students develop practical knowledge across financial accounting, taxation, auditing and business decision-making. The degree also includes subjects such as Accounting Data Analytics and Visualisation, which introduces students to the use of data in accounting.
This is particularly relevant as accounting teams increasingly work with large datasets and digital systems. Understanding how to organise, analyse and interpret financial information can help students prepare for roles where technology supports everyday accounting tasks.
RMIT also offers students opportunities to apply their knowledge through authentic assessments, case studies, business simulations and work-integrated learning subjects. These activities connect classroom learning with practical business situations.
In addition, students can explore business minors such as Business Analytics, Data Insights, Business and Technology or Cyber Security. These allow them to build extra skills alongside their accounting studies.
RMIT is worth considering if you want an accounting degree with practical learning opportunities and options to explore the relationship between accounting, business and technology.
Monash University, Australia
Bachelor of Accounting
Duration: 3 years full-time
Location: Melbourne
Monash University’s Bachelor of Accounting covers key areas such as financial reporting, auditing and assurance, corporate finance, accounting information systems and data analysis.
One relevant area is Accounting Information Systems, which explores how businesses use information systems to manage financial processes and support decision-making. Through this subject, students can develop an understanding of how accounting software, databases and business systems work together.
Monash also places emphasis on preparing students for changes in the digital business environment. Its accounting study pathways highlight the responsible use of digital systems, data analytics and AI frameworks.
Beyond the accounting curriculum, Monash provides university-wide AI learning resources, including its Foundations in Artificial Intelligence learning initiative. This introduces students to generative AI, effective prompting and the responsible use of AI tools.
These opportunities are useful for future accounting professionals. They will need to know how to use technology and how to evaluate information produced by digital tools.
Monash may suit students looking for a traditional accounting foundation alongside opportunities to build their understanding of information systems, data and emerging technologies.
University of Leeds, UK
BSc Accounting and Finance
Duration: 3 years full-time
Location: Leeds
The University of Leeds offers a BSc Accounting and Finance that combines accounting principles with financial analysis and business knowledge.
Students study areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, financial management and auditing. The programme also offers opportunities to develop analytical and technical skills through subjects such as Statistics and Data Analytics for Finance and Financial Analytics for Decision Making.
Depending on the available module choices, Python Programming for Finance may also be available.
Learning programming and data analysis can help students understand how financial information is processed and interpreted. These skills are increasingly relevant as AI and automation become more common in finance.
Another feature is access to Bloomberg Trading Rooms, where students can work with real-time financial market information. The university also offers opportunities for a work placement or study abroad, depending on the course pathway.
The degree does not centre on a dedicated AI module. Even so, its focus on analytics, data and programming builds a useful foundation in finance and technology.
Leeds may appeal to students who want to combine accounting knowledge with broader financial analysis and technical skills.
University of Bristol, UK
BSc Accounting and Finance
Duration: 3 years full-time
Location: Bristol
The University of Bristol’s BSc Accounting and Finance focuses on the relationship between accounting, financial decision-making and business performance.
Students explore areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, economics and financial management. The programme also offers opportunities to study topics such as corporate reporting, sustainability and financial crises through its available module options.
Although the BSc Accounting and Finance does not list a dedicated AI module, students can still develop analytical skills through its accounting, finance and quantitative subjects.
Want a more direct connection to AI and technology? If so, consider Bristol’s related BSc Accounting and Management degree. One example of its final-year options is Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence for Business. Module availability should be checked for the intended intake.
Bristol also offers opportunities to connect with industry through its Professional Liaison Network, which provides access to mentoring, insight talks and internship opportunities.
The university may suit students who want a broad foundation in accounting and finance, with opportunities to explore business-related topics and industry experience.
Is Accounting Still Worth Studying With the Rise of AI?
AI may change how accounting professionals work, but it does not remove the need for people who understand finance, business regulations and financial decision-making.
Automation can support repetitive tasks. However, businesses still need professionals who can interpret results, investigate unusual transactions, communicate financial information and make decisions based on context.
There are also benefits of AI in accounting, including improved efficiency, faster data processing and additional support for financial analysis. However, there are challenges too. AI-generated information can be inaccurate, financial data must be handled responsibly, and professionals still need to check that outputs are reliable.
For students, this means an accounting degree should provide more than technical knowledge. Look for programmes that develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication and an understanding of digital systems.
How AUG Student Services Can Help
Choosing an accounting degree involves more than comparing university rankings. You should also consider the subjects offered, course structure, entry requirements, tuition fees and future career opportunities.
AUG Student Services provides free overseas education guidance to help students planning to study abroad from Singapore explore suitable universities and courses.
Our team can assist with:
- Comparing accounting and finance degrees across universities.
- Understanding entry requirements and possible study pathways.
- Exploring scholarships and tuition fee options.
- Preparing and submitting university applications.
Not sure which accounting degree is right for you? Speak with AUG Student Services for a free consultation and explore your study options.
