Accountants must evolve beyond record-keeping – Dr Ali-Nakyea at Forvis Mazars Ghana launch

Tax consultant and senior lecturer, Dr. Abdallah Ali-Nakyea, has stressed the need for accountants to move beyond traditional bookkeeping and take on more strategic roles in business planning, risk management, and corporate decision-making.

Speaking at the official rebranding of Forvis Mazars Ghana at the Holiday Inn, Accra, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Dr. Ali-Nakyea highlighted the rapid transformation of the accounting profession and the increasing demand for accountants to become business advisors rather than just financial record keepers.

"The accountant has moved away from the score-keeping function. He is no longer waiting to announce the scores at the end of the period. Now, businesses need advice that will be implemented," he stated.

He pointed out that accountants are now key players in economic development, governance, and financial transparency. He referenced recent national debates over unaccounted public funds, questioning the effectiveness of financial oversight in public institutions.

"I’m sure those of you in Ghana have heard all the banter after the budget—‘this money cannot be accounted for’ and all that. But all these institutions have accountants, don’t they?" he remarked.

Dr. Ali-Nakyea urged accountants to embrace a global perspective, develop new skills, and integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing into their work.

"As technology takes over repetitive tasks, accountants are moving towards more strategic roles. The accountancy profession has come a long way from manual bookkeeping to artificial intelligence. We must embrace international accounting standards, stay up to date with technology, and ensure ethical integrity," he advised.

His call for transformation was echoed by the Managing Partner of Forvis Mazars Ghana, Dr. Ernest Toah Akonor Jnr., who underscored the firm’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

"It is with great excitement that we gather to mark the official launch of Forvis Mazars Ghana. This momentous occasion represents the culmination of tireless dedication, innovation, and professional work aimed at transforming the accountancy profession in Ghana," Dr. Toah Akonor said.

He emphasised that Forvis Mazars is driven by technology and innovation, positioning itself as a strong alternative to the global accounting giants.

"Our firm thrives on technology and innovation. We want to ensure that we provide the best services to our clients, leveraging cutting-edge solutions to improve efficiency and accuracy," he noted.

The rebranding of Forvis Mazars Ghana follows a global agreement between Mazars and FORVIS, forming an international partnership that specialises in audit, tax, and advisory services across over 100 countries.