California-based writer Cheryl Meyer recently published an op-ed on the AICPA's site titled, 'Should accounting learning students learn to code?' In it, Meyer argues that by learning coding, students will be able to become more well-rounded in today's technology-driven world.
"Coding, in essence, is logic," Meyer writes. "It teaches students how to do things in sequence and create a clear yet creative road map for organizing and problem-solving—skills that will give them a leg up in the logical world of accounting."
Meyer further notes that firms like KPMG are already seeking out dual majors in accounting and technology when recruiting for its advisory services groups. One of said groups focuses on post-merger accounting work wherein CPAs need to be highly technical, with skills in Visual Basic programming. For its forensic technology practice, KPMG also looks for candidates who have Visual Basic programming, as well as .net programming and SQL skills.
“Writing code is a tool, and if you have that tool, it provides you an opportunity to do things that others can’t,” notes assistant professor at Brigham Young, David Wood. “Would coding benefit an accountant? There’s no question it can help."
For the full piece, head to the AICPA's
