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Recently, the School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised an industrial visit to Averis.

Coordinated by Ms Kavitha Arunasalam (Senior Lecturer, SoAF at APU) and accompanied by Mr Suresh Kumar (Lecturer, SoAF at APU), the visit provided Accounting students with first-hand insights into the operations of a leading Global Business Services (GBS) provider, while exploring how digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation are reshaping the future of the accounting profession.

Exploring the Digital Transformation of the Accounting Profession

The visit commenced with a warm welcome from the Averis team, followed by an introduction to the company’s history, business operations, and its role as a leading GBS provider.

Through this session, students gained insights into how Averis delivers finance and accounting, procurement, human resources, information technology, and other shared services to multinational organisations worldwide, while learning how the company leverages innovation and technology to drive operational excellence and continuous digital transformation.

Building on this understanding of technology-driven business operations, the session continued with an engaging knowledge-sharing presentation on AI and the future of the accounting profession.

Representatives from Averis shared how AI, automation, robotic process automation (RPA), data analytics, and other digital technologies are transforming traditional accounting functions, enabling professionals to move beyond routine tasks and take on more strategic responsibilities.

Through these discussions, students gained a deeper appreciation of the evolving role of accountants, particularly in areas such as business advisory, risk management, and decision-making.

Gaining Career Insights from Industry Experts 

Following the insights gained into the evolving role of technology in accounting, the next part of the session continued with a focus on career development and industry expectations.

Representatives from Averis introduced students to the diverse career opportunities available within the company, including graduate programmes, internship placements, and professional development pathways.

They also shared insights into Averis’ collaborative work culture, employee development initiatives, and the skills and qualities sought in future graduates, providing students with a clearer understanding of career pathways within the industry.

Complementing these insights, current Averis interns shared their experiences of transitioning from university to the workplace, offering practical perspectives on their daily responsibilities, learning journeys, and professional growth.

Their sharing provided valuable advice on adapting to a professional environment and encouraged students to pursue internship opportunities that strengthen both technical competencies and workplace readiness.

The session further supported students’ career preparation through an interactive resume review session, where representatives from Averis’ Recruitment Department provided constructive feedback on students’ resumes and shared practical guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, personal branding, and employability skills.

Through this engagement, students gained a better understanding of employer expectations and the importance of effectively presenting their skills and experiences in a competitive job market.

The visit concluded with a networking session, allowing students to engage directly with industry experts from Averis, discuss potential career pathways, and gain further insights into the future of the accounting profession, to which it enabled students to connect their academic knowledge with industry expectations, while gaining greater confidence in preparing for their future careers.

Strengthening Industry Readiness for future Accountants

The industrial visit to Averis provided students with valuable exposure to the changing landscape of the accounting profession, particularly the growing influence of digital transformation and emerging technologies in shaping industry practices.

Through meaningful interactions with industry experts, career sharing sessions, and employability-focused activities, students gained a deeper understanding of the knowledge, skills, and adaptability required to succeed in a technology-driven business environment.