MTN Urges Accountants to Embrace Innovation or Risk Becoming Irrelevant

Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has called on accountants across the country to embrace digital transformation and continuous innovation or risk becoming obsolete in an era dominated by emerging technologies and automation. The company made this appeal during a recent professional development event organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), where it emphasized the need for finance professionals to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape.

Speaking at the event, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Financial Officer, Modupe Kadri, underscored the evolving nature of accounting practice and how digital tools, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are redefining traditional accounting roles. He noted that while accounting principles remain relevant, the methods of applying them are undergoing significant transformation due to technological advancements.

Kadri stated that the modern accountant must move beyond routine bookkeeping and financial reporting to become strategic partners in decision-making. According to him, “Accountants today must develop strong digital skills, understand emerging financial technologies, and adopt data-driven approaches to stay relevant. The future of the profession depends on our ability to evolve with technology.”

He explained that as businesses increasingly rely on automation for data entry, reconciliation, and reporting, accountants who fail to upgrade their skills could find themselves sidelined. The CFO stressed that financial professionals must invest in continuous learning to master tools such as cloud computing, blockchain, and predictive analytics, which are now integral to corporate financial management.

MTN, which has built a reputation for innovation in the Nigerian corporate landscape, said it remains committed to supporting the capacity development of professionals across various sectors. Kadri revealed that MTN’s digital transformation journey offers lessons that accountants can learn from, particularly in leveraging technology to drive efficiency and accountability.

He said, “At MTN, we have seen firsthand how digital transformation enhances transparency, speeds up financial reporting, and supports strategic growth. Accountants must see technology not as a threat but as an enabler of better performance.”

The company also used the occasion to encourage accountants to take a more proactive role in sustainability reporting and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) accountability. Kadri emphasized that the accounting profession must evolve beyond traditional financial metrics to include sustainability indicators that measure corporate impact on society and the environment.

According to him, “The world is moving toward sustainability-conscious business practices. Accountants should be at the forefront of designing frameworks that measure and report ESG performance. This is not only about compliance but also about ensuring that organizations remain responsible corporate citizens.”

Participants at the event agreed that the accounting profession faces both opportunities and threats in the digital age. While automation can handle repetitive tasks, professionals who acquire new skills can take advantage of technology to focus on high-value functions such as strategic planning, risk assessment, and data interpretation.

A senior member of ICAN, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Fashina, commended MTN’s position, noting that the message aligns with ICAN’s mission to produce globally competitive accountants. She stated that the institute has incorporated technology-driven courses and digital accounting tools into its curriculum to ensure its members are adequately prepared for the modern financial environment.

Fashina also emphasized that accountants in both the public and private sectors must learn to integrate technology into their work to maintain credibility and efficiency. She said, “The accounting world is no longer about manual ledgers and calculators. Those who refuse to adapt will be left behind, but those who embrace change will remain leaders in the profession.”

Industry experts argue that technological disruptions such as blockchain, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence will continue to shape how financial information is processed, audited, and presented. In this context, the role of accountants is shifting from record-keeping to strategic analysis and advisory functions.

MTN’s advocacy reflects the company’s recognition of the role financial professionals play in the digital economy. The telecommunications firm noted that as Nigeria transitions to a more data-driven marketplace, accountants must align their competencies with global trends.

Furthermore, the company highlighted that digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness are now essential for accountants. With the rise of digital financial systems, fraud prevention and data protection have become critical elements of accounting practice. Kadri advised professionals to stay informed about cyber threats and adopt measures to safeguard financial systems.

He also noted that technology offers accountants a chance to create more value for businesses through real-time analytics and strategic forecasting. “The ability to interpret data quickly and provide meaningful insights is what will differentiate tomorrow’s accountants from the rest,” he said.

The event concluded with a call for greater collaboration between the private sector and professional institutions like ICAN to provide training opportunities and digital upskilling programs. MTN pledged to continue supporting initiatives that enhance digital competencies among financial professionals and promote financial inclusion in Nigeria.

In his closing remarks, Kadri reiterated that the accounting profession’s relevance depends on its willingness to evolve. “We are in a world where artificial intelligence and automation are becoming standard tools. Accountants who resist digital adoption risk being replaced by technology. The only way forward is to embrace innovation, stay curious, and keep learning,” he said.

As Nigeria’s economy becomes increasingly digitized, experts believe that the message from MTN serves as a wake-up call for professionals across all industries. The need for retooling, continuous learning, and technological adaptability has become the cornerstone of success in the modern business world.

 

In summary, MTN’s message to accountants is clear — the digital era is here to stay, and professionals who fail to adapt may lose relevance. Those who retool, embrace innovation, and leverage technology, however, will not only remain valuable but also drive the next wave of growth and transformation in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.