“Chief Accountant for A Day 2026” Kicks Off: When AI Joins as a Real-World “Colleague”
On April 25, 2026, the Faculty of Business at Hoa Sen University officially launched the “Chief Accountant For A Day 2026” competition. Entering its fifth season, the competition continues to expand nationwide, is conducted entirely in English, and draws participation from a wide range of university students.
Accounting transformation in the AI era
Organized by the Accounting and Auditing Club (AAC) at Hoa Sen University (HSU), the program is supported by the expertise of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and partners in the finance and accounting sector. This cooperation ensures alignment with professional practice while providing contestants with access to international standards.
Under the theme “AI-Driven Accounting: The Digital-Age Chief Accountant”, this year’s competition opens up a new approach to the profession by positioning AI as a “colleague” in the working process.
“Chief Accountant for a Day” contestants are expected not only to process data but also to evaluate information, manage risks, and make decisions in a technology-driven environment. From this perspective, the role of accountants extends beyond technical expertise to encompass strategic thinking and management skills.
Moreover, the competition delivers a clear message: AI is not replacing accountants; instead, it is empowering professionals to create greater value.
Strengthening students’ practical experience
At the opening ceremony, Ms. Do Thi Hong Ha, M.A., Associate Dean of the Faculty of Business, highlighted that the Chief Accountant for a Day 2026 enabled students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts, helping them shape a clearer professional mindset.
Representing ACCA Vietnam, Ms. Dang Thi Thanh Hang shared her expectation that the “Chief Accountant for a Day” competition would help discover young talents and contribute to the development of a high-quality workforce for the accounting and finance sector.
From its initial launch, the competition has attracted participation from students representing 15 universities nationwide. Registration remains open until May 12, 2026.
Notably, round 2 will be organized on-site at HSU, marking a shift from the online format of previous seasons toward a more immersive and practice-oriented experience. This format enables contestants to engage in simulated professional scenarios that assess their knowledge, skills, and confidence in conditions closely reflecting real workplace environments.
A career-oriented academic playground
Through each season, “Chief Accountant for a Day” has extended beyond the role of an academic competition to become a professional development journey for students. From technical data processing to strategic managerial thinking, and from personal skills to collaboration with technology, each experience helps shape the competencies needed for the future workplace.
Through its strong connection between education and real-world practice, HSU continues to develop practical academic playgrounds that empower students to explore, adapt, and grow in a constantly changing professional environment.
