Backbone is proud to be the first accounting tech firm in Singapore to qualify as an Authorised Training Organisation with ISCA.
Imagine a future where bot accountants handle tedious accounting tasks. What does this mean for us as human accountants? Our roles shift towards guiding machines, validating outputs, and analysing results.
In Backbone’s vision, bot accountants will handle bulk of the accounting work of today, while human accountants like Ash will focus on:
- Evaluating stakeholders’ information needs and balancing them against confidentiality and ethical considerations (similar to what a controller does today)
- Translating these needs into machine-readable accounting process triggers (recognition criteria), calculation logic (measurement requirements), and summarising logic (disclosure requirements) for consistent execution (similar to drafting internal accounting policies and procedures)
- Walking through sample transactions with bot accountants to verify proper functioning (like guiding junior staff through initial transactions)
- Reviewing results and continuously improving accuracy—not just numerical precision, but accuracy in reflecting the facts
To become Ash, one needs:
- Strong ethical principles to ensure trust and integrity
- Critical thinking to evaluate and define information requirements
- Deep technical knowledge of accounting, tax, and sustainability rules—where any errors in judgment when guiding bot accountants can cascade into systemic issues with far-reaching impact
- A process and data-driven mindset
- A “leverage machines” mindset—including moderate proficiency with technology
Backbone is small but we dream big. We hope to nurture both Ash (human accountants) and Luca (bot accountants), enabling a future where technology empowers human accountants to focus on where we are needed most.
