Accountants urged to embrace digital transformation as Advip, Zoho, ACCA WNN train MSMEs

The changing realities of Nigeria’s business environment are redefining the role of accountants, with experts insisting that finance professionals must evolve from traditional record-keepers into strategic business partners equipped with digital and analytical skills.

This was the focus of the maiden edition of the Strategic Accountants Workshop (SAW 1.0), organised in Lagos by Advip Professional Services in collaboration with Zoho Corporation and ACCA Women’s Network Nigeria⁠.

The workshop, held on May 2, 2026, gathered more than 40 accounting and finance professionals, SME operators, and members of the ACCA Women’s Network Nigeria and SWAN to discuss digital finance transformation, automation, artificial intelligence, and the future of accounting practice.

Speakers at the event stressed that businesses can no longer depend on fragmented spreadsheets, manual records, and delayed reporting systems if they hope to remain competitive in a fast-changing economy.

Opening the session, Victoria Abiola Ajayi, Convener and Chair of ACCA Women’s Network Nigeria, urged accountants to adapt to emerging realities in the profession.

According to her, “Once the music changes, the dance must change,” noting that the finance profession must embrace innovation, automation, and strategic thinking to remain relevant.

Representatives of Zoho Corporation⁠ led practical demonstrations on cloud-based finance solutions designed to improve efficiency and support real-time business decision-making.

Gururajan Krishnamurthy introduced participants to the Zoho Finance Suite and its artificial intelligence capabilities, while Ramesh Subramanian discussed developments in Zoho Books and related applications.

Participants were exposed to digital tools including Zoho Books, Zoho Invoice, Zoho Commerce, Zoho Practice Management, and Zia AI, all aimed at helping businesses automate accounting processes, improve visibility, strengthen internal controls, and reduce manual workload.

Organisers noted that many Nigerian MSMEs continue to struggle with disconnected systems, delayed reporting, poor visibility into cash flow, and overdependence on manual bookkeeping processes.

According to Advip Professional Services⁠, the company is working to bridge this gap by helping SMEs deploy structured finance systems powered by Zoho technologies.

Speaking during the workshop, Obianuju Nwaobi-Onyekwere said accountants must become builders of business systems rather than merely processors of transactions.

She explained that the digitalisation agenda goes beyond software adoption and focuses on helping businesses achieve stronger controls, improved visibility, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

“One empowered accountant can transform many businesses,” she said, adding that the organisation’s goal is to accelerate the digitalisation of 1,000 MSMEs by 2030.

A major highlight of the workshop was the introduction of the AGIF framework, Automate, Generate real-time data, Improve efficiency, and Free up time, which participants described as highly relevant to the realities of modern accounting practice.

Attendees also explored opportunities for accountants to transition into implementation consultants, automation advisers, and digital transformation partners for SMEs.

Participants at the event commended the workshop for providing practical insights into technology adoption and for reinforcing the need for accountants to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Organisers disclosed that future editions of SAW would focus on practical training, artificial intelligence in finance, automation, and MSME digitalisation support.

They added that Advip Professional Services would continue to offer Zoho readiness assessments, advisory services, implementation support, and digital finance training for SMEs across Nigeria.

The workshop concluded with networking sessions and renewed calls for accountants to embrace innovation as businesses increasingly demand real-time reporting, stronger financial controls, and scalable digital systems.

Industry stakeholders at the event agreed that the future accountant must function not only as a compliance officer, but also as a systems builder, technology adviser, and strategic partner in enterprise growth.