Athabasca University Faculty of Business, with support from the CPA Education Foundation, is hosting a significant accounting conference on May 30, 2025, in Edmonton, focused on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in the accounting profession. The event, titled ´Transforming Accounting with Artificial Intelligence: Fraud, Ethics, and the Future of Learning,´ features presentations and discussions highlighting both the opportunities and risks Artificial Intelligence presents for fraud detection, ethical practices, and education in accounting.
The conference will showcase insights from leading professionals. Timothy Chong discusses how Artificial Intelligence-powered transaction monitoring enhances fraud prevention in real-time while addressing the challenges posed by unethical use within financial systems. Chong emphasizes the necessity for accounting and finance professionals to remain vigilant as criminals adopt increasingly sophisticated Artificial Intelligence methods, and notes the dual-edge inherent to deploying such technologies within high-stakes financial environments. Graham Quast, a forensic accounting expert, explores how Artificial Intelligence is making advanced fraud protection accessible to small and medium-sized businesses. His session focuses on the application of Artificial Intelligence tools to detect anomalies, identify fraud patterns, and support forensic investigations without the extensive resources previously reserved for large firms.
Beyond the implications for industry, the conference also addresses the evolving landscape of education. Dr. Levina Yuen from Athabasca University examines policy developments for Artificial Intelligence in higher education, noting their impact on accounting instruction and assessment, particularly in distance learning environments. Her presentation will provide examples of how academic institutions and professional bodies are deploying Artificial Intelligence in responsible, innovative ways to improve teaching and learning outcomes while maintaining ethical standards. The event features multiple sessions throughout the day, including expert talks, a panel discussion, and networking opportunities, all designed to foster dialogue around technological innovation, policy, and ethical responsibility in the modern accounting field.
