The role of an
accountant is often "task-led" rather than strategic, new research has revealed.
According to a study by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), charted accountants (CAs) need to be more pro-active in business plans rather than simply carrying out basic administration.
The research showed that on the whole, the general public perceive the profession in a positive and ethical light and believe that those in
accountancy jobs carry out work with integrity.
"We are not resting on history," said ICAS chief executive Anton Colella. "We are identifying the challenges of the 21st century in order to develop the business leaders of tomorrow."
The body has published a report entitled Bean Counters or Business Leaders? which aims to address any problems its research has raised.
It will develop a DVD and information pack concerning the dangers of debt for school children, introduce an ethics exam for final year students and also highlight its new strategy Clearly Ahead which aims to supply CAs with positive values of integrity and innovation.
A recent CA Business Courses Accountants in Business Conference in Edinburgh addressed the role of an
accountant in delivering operational change in enterprise.
© Adfero Ltd