The Role of Factors Influencing the Future of the Accounting Profession in the Digital Age Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Azhar Majli Hassan Hassan 1
Abdolreza Mohseni 2
Ebrahim Abd Mousa Al-Saeeri 3
Afsaneh Soroushyar 4
1 PH.D Student Department of Accounting, Isf.C. Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Accounting, Bu.C. Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting, Al-Mustaqbal University, Babylon, Iraq
4 Associate Professor, Department of Accounting, Isf.C. Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
10.22034/jmaak.2025.78540.4559
Abstract
Purpose – This study examines the role of influential factors on the future of the accounting profession in the digital age using structural equation modeling.
Design/Methodology/Approach – This research has applied objectives and is descriptive-correlational in nature. It employs a survey-based methodology and collected data in 2025 from accounting professors, certified accountants, and doctoral students engaged in accounting. From the survey, 350 valid responses were selected for analysis. Data analysis was performed using a structural equation modeling approach with Smart PLS software. This approach ensured a robust examination of the relationships among the constructs of the proposed model.
Findings – The results confirmed the relationships between the influential components affecting the future of the accounting profession in the digital age. Moreover, significant relationships were found between variables such as intelligent automation and production process optimization, achieving competitive differentiation in the digital space, sustainable development, modern accounting approaches, digital computing technologies, intelligent decision-making processes relying on data analytics, information cybernetics, brand accounting, and the development of creative digital-based solutions with the future of the accounting profession in the digital age. Conversely, no significant relationships were found between variables such as more precise financial planning and strategy, implementation of customer-centric strategies based on digital technologies, the impact of new technologies on organizational structural performance, and startup revenue generation with the future of the accounting profession in the digital age.
Originality/Value – This research enriches theoretical and practical understanding of how the presence of influential factors enhances the future of the accounting profession in the digital age. It highlights the synergy between these influential factors and the success of accounting, providing key insights for accounting in facing the electronic future. To date, no comprehensive study has been conducted in this area, particularly in Iraq. This study attempts to examine the impacts of influential factors on the future of the accounting profession in the digital age.
Keywords
Future of the accounting profession
digital age
structural equations
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