IBSS hosts AI accounting technology event and digital auditing cooperation ceremony

The event was hosted by Dr Ziyin Li, Assistant Professor in the Department of Accounting at IBSS. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the transformative impact of AI on the accounting profession, noting that emerging technologies are not only creating new opportunities for the industry, but also reshaping professional expectations and introducing new challenges. She added that the event aimed to bring together perspectives from academia and industry to explore how AI is influencing accounting practice, talent development, and the future direction of the profession.

During the keynote session, Chen Wang, Senior Partner at Pan-China, delivered a presentation on the growing role of AI in accounting and auditing. Drawing on industry cases, he analysed the application trends of technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, intelligent auditing and AI agents in the fields of finance and auditing. He highlighted that AI is expected to significantly improve industry efficiency in areas including data processing, risk identification, intelligent analysis, and process automation.

He pointed out that traditional work models based on manual experience and standardised procedures are being rapidly transformed. Future accounting and finance professionals will require not only strong professional foundations, but also the ability to utilise AI tools, conduct data analysis, and collaborate across disciplines. He further emphasised that, despite the rapid advancement of AI, professional judgement, creative thinking, and awareness of data security and compliance will remain essential competitive advantages in the industry.

Following the keynote session, a panel discussion was moderated by Dr Samuel Kwok, Senior Associate Professor in the Department of Accounting at IBSS. The discussion featured Wang Chen, Senior Partner at Pan-China; Mr. Christopher Tan, Ex-PwC Senior Partner and Financial Advisor on M&A; and Zhang Wujiang, Senior Partner at Pan-China. The speakers discussed the impact of AI on mergers and acquisitions, auditing, due diligence, risk management and industry regulation.

The panel explored the trends and challenges associated with the application of AI in accounting, auditing, M&A and professional services. The discussion highlighted that AI technologies are rapidly transforming traditional professional service models. From basic data processing and text analysis to due diligence and risk identification, an increasing number of repetitive and standardised tasks are being replaced by digital tools and intelligent systems. At the same time, AI has demonstrated significant potential in data integration, information retrieval and analytical efficiency, driving the industry towards greater intelligence, digitalisation, and operational efficiency.

The speakers emphasised that current AI technologies still face challenges related to explainability, hallucination risks and data security. While AI can support analysis and improve efficiency in highly specialised areas such as mergers and acquisitions, auditing, and risk management, professional judgement remains essential in areas including complex business decision-making, fraud detection, management assessment, compliance review, and professional accountability. A key theme emerging from the discussion was the concept of “Human in the Loop”, highlighting that AI is unlikely to replace professionals entirely. Instead, the continued development of AI is expected to place even greater value on human judgement, ethical responsibility, and strategic decision-making.

The discussion further noted that, as regulatory systems continue to strengthen and corporate data becomes increasingly interconnected, expectations regarding data governance, risk control, and compliance management are continuing to rise. In the future, the accounting and auditing profession will rely more heavily on data analytics capabilities, technology integration skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration, leading to growing demand for multidisciplinary talent.

The speakers also shared perspectives on students’ future career development, highlighting the importance of building a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and auditing while developing capabilities in AI applications, data analytics, and digital literacy. They noted that, as the industry continues to evolve, students will also need a solid understanding of data security, risk management, and regulatory compliance, alongside strong critical thinking, problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills. The discussion concluded that the profession is increasingly seeking talent who can bridge business and technology, work effectively alongside AI and adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing digital environment.

Following the discussion, IBSS and Pan-China Certified Public Accountants held the signing ceremony for the “Digital Audit Capability Development Collaboration Agreement” and the unveiling ceremony for the “Industry–Education Talent Development Base”, further strengthening collaboration in talent development, industry research and university–industry partnership.

Professor Eddy Fang, Dean of IBSS, highlighted the School’s commitment to working closely with industry partners to explore innovative approaches to business education in the AI era. He noted that IBSS aims to strengthen university–industry collaboration to better prepare students for the evolving demands of the future workplace. He also emphasised that AI is not only transforming business practices, but also reshaping the future of education, and that IBSS will continue to advance the integration of AI into business education.

Chen Wang, Senior Partner of Pan China, emphasised that the rapid development of AI is lowering the barriers to technology adoption and creating new opportunities for professionals from non-technical backgrounds to participate in AI-driven innovation. He expressed his expectation for further collaboration and exploration with IBSS in the fields of AI and digital auditing.

Then, Xiujuan Zhu, HR Manager of the Shanghai Branch of Pan-China, introduced the firm’s 2026 recruitment and internship programmes. She stated that Pan-China places great importance on developing young talent and aimed to attract outstanding students with professional expertise, innovative thinking and AI application awareness. She also introduced the 2026 graduate recruitment programme and the 2027 summer internship scheme, encouraging students to stay informed about industry developments and continuously enhance their overall competitiveness.

This event further strengthened collaboration and exchange between IBSS and industry partners while also providing faculty members and students with an important platform to better understand the development trends of AI and the accounting profession. Looking ahead, IBSS will continue to promote industry–education integration and university–industry collaboration to support the cultivation of multidisciplinary business talent for the digital and intelligent era.