Two decades of teaching information systems courses in the accounting curriculum : predictions for the next two decades

Based on his experience during the past two decades of research, teaching, and administration in a department composed of Accounting and Information Systems, the author makes several observations as well as some predictions for the next two decades based on trends that suggest accounting students need strong technology and analytics skills, as well as understand how new forms of trust mechanisms can impact their work. Predictions, in the absence of having a crystal ball, is a difficult task and can merely rely on technological trends and developments. Some trends can have a high likelihood of finding traction and have transformational power to fundamentally change the nature of work for accounting and auditors responsible for information assurance even beyond financial information, to other types of real-time streaming information. The potential transformation of the accounting profession has implications for teaching and curriculum development that can prepare students for new work paradigms.