The Auditor-General of Kwara State, Alhaji Alayande Fatai Olajide, has challenged accounting students to equip themselves with professional competence, uphold the highest ethical standards and embrace emerging technologies to be able to compete in the evolving accounting profession.

Olajide gave the charge on Monday while delivering the keynote address at a symposium organised by the Nigeria University Accounting Students Association (NUASA), Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete Chapter. The event was themed, “Preparing for the Future: Professionalism, Leadership, and Career Excellence for Emerging Accountants.”

Speaking before students, lecturers and other participants at the university’s Mini Convocation Arena, the Auditor-General said technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and data analytics are reshaping the accounting profession, making it necessary for future accountants to develop skills beyond conventional bookkeeping.

He stressed that the future of the profession would be driven by competence, integrity, sound judgement and the ability to create value.

“The future is no longer approaching—it is already here. Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, automation and digital reporting are redefining the accounting profession. The question is no longer whether change is coming; it is whether you are prepared to lead it,” Olajide said.

The Auditor-General, who described himself as a proud alumnus of KWASU, where he obtained his MBA and MSc degrees and is currently completing a PhD in Finance, said returning to the institution was both a personal joy and professional responsibility.

Highlighting the critical role accountants play in governance, Olajide noted that they serve as custodians of public resources, ensuring accountability in the utilisation of government funds meant for education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential services.

“As Auditor-General, my office does not audit the past alone. We audit for the future. The future of Kwara State will be safe only in the hands of accountants who are professionally competent, ethically grounded and excellent in leadership,” he stated.

He advised the students not to depend solely on their university degrees, explaining that academic qualifications only provide entry into the profession, while professionalism determines long-term relevance and career success.

Olajide encouraged aspiring accountants to obtain globally recognised professional certifications such as ICAN and ACCA and develop practical digital competencies in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Python and data analytics.

“The fact that you have your degree certificates does not make you accountants. Professionalism distinguishes an accounting graduate from an accountant. Skills may secure employment, but character sustains a successful career,” he said.

He further reminded the students that integrity remains the foundation of the accounting profession regardless of technological advancements.

“In our profession, reputation takes 20 years to build and 20 seconds to destroy. One false entry, one compromised audit opinion and your name is gone. In the future, integrity will be your scarcest and most valuable asset,” he warned.

On leadership, Olajide urged the students to begin demonstrating leadership qualities long before attaining senior positions, describing accountants as the final safeguard against financial waste and abuse.

“Leadership does not need a title. Every accountant is the last line of defence between waste and service delivery. Leadership is the courage to raise red flags and say no to illegality,” he said.

He also encouraged the students to position themselves as solution providers capable of improving systems and delivering innovation rather than merely processing financial records.

The Auditor-General further advised them to embrace lifelong learning, strengthen their communication and emotional intelligence skills, and build strong digital profiles that reflect their professional competence and interests.

According to him, employers of the future will place greater value on professionals who can solve problems, adapt to changing realities and work effectively with others.

“Prepare for the future now because the future is already auditing you,” he told the students.

Urging the aspiring accountants to take charge of their future, Olajide said professionalism, leadership and excellence should remain the guiding principles throughout their careers.

“Don’t try to enter the future because it is not something we enter; the future is something we create by the decisions we make today. Create your future by choosing professionalism when cutting corners is easier, leadership when silence is safer and excellence when mediocrity is acceptable,” he said.

He urged the students not to look for jobs to sign files but look for job to change the systems.

“Don’t just be accountants that counts Money. Be accountants that counts.

In his conclusion, Olajide urged the emerging accountants to be professionally competent, ethically grounded and excellent in leadership, saying Kwara state, Nigeria and the global community is waiting for them.

“Go and make Kwasu, Kwara state and Nigeria proud” he said