We’ve seen some interesting posts recently surrounding the art of Chartered Accountancy vs the rise of strategic finance in Real Estate and whether traditional accountancy is becoming a dying skill.
Once upon a time, training as a Chartered Accountant was the golden ticket to a career in finance. Master the numbers, understand the tax codes, and you have a skill set for life.
But in today’s world, AI and automation are changing the game. The repetitive, rules-based tasks – audit, compliance, financial modelling – are being taken over by machine learning algorithms that process data faster and with fewer errors than any human could.
So, does this mean finance professionals are becoming obsolete?
In real estate finance, the shift is already happening. Investors, developers, and lenders don’t just want accountants; they need commercially minded finance professionals who can interpret market trends, structure deals, and drive profitability.
The future of finance isn’t in ticking audit boxes—it’s in strategic thinking, deal-making, and value creation.
We’re seeing more professionals moving away from traditional accountancy routes and into roles where they can shape investment strategies, negotiate capital structures, and influence major investment decisions. Real estate firms are looking for CFOs, fund managers, and investment analysts who understand the numbers but also know how to leverage them for competitive advantage.
So while AI might be making old-school accountancy a dying art, it’s also paving the way for a new era of finance—one where strategic insight is more valuable than ever.