"It’s a five-year degree for accounting versus four years for finance, and finance graduates often earn more."Accounting Influencerswith Rob BrownAs technology reshapes the accounting landscape, professional qualifications must evolve to keep pace. In a compelling episode of the Accounting Influencers Podcast, Brian Hock, founder of HOCK International, argues that accounting certifications and qualifications are more important than ever in an era of automation and artificial intelligence.Complete episode notes hereMore Accounting Influencers with Rob Brown hereHock says the rapid shift in accounting standards is spawning a host of new specialty skills, including data analytics, cybersecurity, and automation. "When I took the CPA exam almost 30 years ago, it was paper-and-pencil," Hock recalls. "Now, technology is embedded in every aspect of accounting."