Review of Management Accounting in a Digital Economy

Abstract

The paper gives an overview of the transformation in management accounting practices in a digital economy. Advanced technologies such as big data analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain digitised traditional accounting ways by providing real-time data processing, enhanced decision-making, and strategic insights. The review focuses on how technological innovations have changed data collection, analysis, and reporting links, moving attention away from record-keeping to predictive and prescriptive analytics. Discussions are the automation of routine tasks, real-time financial reporting developments, and increased involvement of management accountants in strategic planning and risk management. The review talks about cloud accounting systems, machine learning in managing costs, blockchain for financial transparency and security, and how digital transformation opens up some critical challenges related to data privacy concerns, security risks, and massive upskilling on the part of accounting professionals. The paper addresses these issues by examining strategies to mitigate identified risks and bridging skill gaps through specific training and educational efforts. It further reviews the emerging trends in predictive and prescriptive analytics and discusses their potential applications in Management Accounting. The review sheds light on changing regulatory scenarios that will impact digital practices in accounting. The implications of this digital transformation are huge and thus require a rethink in the role of management accounting within organisations. It calls for management accountants to reposition themselves in the field and stay relevant by embracing new technologies while attaining strategic competencies, enabling them to drive value creation against the drastic changes in the digital age.