Accountancy Profession Strategic Forum 2015 Programme

Transcription

1 Accountancy Profession Strategic Forum 2015 Programme In cooperation with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Greece Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens Thursday 23 April 2015 BUSINESS WITH CONFIDENCE icaew.com

2 Summary programme Thursday 23 April :30 Registration, coffee and networking 09:00 Welcome and introduction 09:30 The long-term future for Professional Accountancy Organisations (PAOs): after the EU reforms and audit exemption 10:30 Quality assurance and relations with Public Oversight Boards: how international cooperation can help 11:40 Coffee and networking 12:00 Attracting new talent and equipping members for new roles: how international cooperation can help 13:00 Buffet lunch 14:00 PAOs and the public sector: an expanding public interest remit 15:10 Coffee and networking 15:30 Transformation of PAOs: insights, lessons and inspiration 17:00 Concluding tour de table 17:30 Close 19:00 Coach tour and transfer to APSF dinner (meet in hotel reception) 19:45 for 20:30 Drinks reception and and APSF dinner 2 APSF 2015 programme

3 Detailed programme 08:30 Registration, coffee and networking 09:00 Welcome and introduction Welcome to APSF 2015 and introduction to agenda Martin Manuzi, APSF Chairman SOEL s contribution to Greece s economic recovery Harilaos Alamanos, President, SOEL 09:30 The long-term future for Professional Accountancy Organisations (PAOs): after the EU reforms and audit exemption The session will focus on the long-term implications for PAOs of the national implementation of EU legislation in audit and accounting and the increasing use of thresholds to exempt small companies from statutory audit. The aim of the session is to deepen understanding of the structural implications over time for PAOs and to encourage PAOs to begin re-configuring their roles in their national markets to ensure long-term viability. The reconfiguration relates both to PAO roles in the compliance sphere and in the market sphere. The former refers not only to future reporting and assurance roles but also to new regulations in financial services, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption policies. The latter concerns facilitating access to capital for companies and business advisory roles, particularly for SMEs. The discussion will necessarily also consider the impact of the implementation of EU legislation on firms and individual members of PAOs, but the primary focus will be on PAO roles and structures in the long-term. In relation to audit exemption, it is recognised that not all countries will use the maximum audit exemption permitted under EU legislation: however, a significant degree of audit exemption appears to be a likely challenge for all PAOs. The session will be initiated by a presentation: Petr Kriz, President, FEE Following the presentation, all participants will be invited to share views. Key issues likely to be Replacement of PAO funding streams lost through regulatory and market changes by new funding streams to secure long-term viability. Development of new services to meet the needs of regulators and business, where PAO members may not have reserved activity status. Redefinition of PAO relevance for members and firms as well as government and other stakeholders. APSF 2015 programme 3

4 Detailed programme 10:30 Quality assurance and relations with Public Oversight Boards: how international cooperation can help This session will focus on PAO quality assurance roles and relationships with Public Oversight Boards and other regulators, with particular attention paid to how PAOs can enhance their national positions through international cooperation. Subject to appropriate continuing investment and professionalism, PAOs should be able to retain delegated responsibilities for quality assurance in the statutory audit sphere outside of PIE audits. Quality assurance in other areas of accountancy services, including tax, can also constitute key PAO contributions to the functioning of markets and protection of the public interest. International cooperation between PAOs can be a very effective and cost-efficient way of building and strengthening quality assurance systems. It can also signal to Public Oversight Boards and other regulators PAO commitment to achieve international best practice, thereby enhancing confidence in the delegation of responsibilities to PAOs. The session will be initiated by presentations: The perspective of Public Oversight Boards: George Venieris, Chairman, Hellenic Accounting and Auditing Standards Oversight Board (ELTE). Two proposed new initiatives of international PAO cooperation designed to enhance quality assurance in accountancy services and in statutory audit and to strengthen cooperation with Public Oversight Boards. The presentations will be given by representatives of the two APSF working groups established since the 2014 APSF meeting. Following the presentations, all participants will be invited to share views. Key issues likely to be Potential areas for improvement in carrying out regulatory roles and partnership working between PAOs and Public Oversight Boards. Opportunities to participate in the proposed initiatives of international PAO cooperation or to develop similar initiatives. 11:40 Coffee and networking 12:00 Attracting new talent and equipping members for new roles: how international cooperation can help This session will focus on overall PAO strategy with regard to PAO roles in education and training, concerning both entry-level education and training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Both areas require considerable investment and infrastructure to ensure appropriate quality and innovation over time. They also raise critical questions regarding the long-term structure and mission focus of PAOs. In this context, the session will consider how international cooperation between PAOs can strengthen capacity at national level to attract new entrants into the profession and support members throughout their careers to provide services valued by regulators and business. 4 APSF 2015 programme

5 The session will be initiated by presentations: Two proposed new initiatives for international cooperation on education and training designed to enhance PAO initial education and training and CPD while securing greater efficiencies for PAOs. The presentations will be given by representatives of the two APSF working groups established since the 2014 APSF meeting. The perspective of the World Bank Centre for Financial Reporting Reform: Alex Fawcett, Consultant, World Bank CFRR Following the presentations, all participants will be invited to share views. Key issues likely to be Degree of alignment of current PAO education and training with expected future needs of members to serve regulators and business. Opportunities to participate in the proposed initiatives of international PAO cooperation or develop similar initiatives. 13:00 Buffet lunch 14:00 PAOs and the public sector: an expanding public interest remit This session will focus on the opportunities for PAOs to incorporate within their long-term strategies for national relevance and sustainability new roles to assist government reform of public sector accounting and financial management. The need for reform is increasingly recognised in Europe as a direct consequence of the financial crisis and this trend is also evident across the world. There is also growing international recognition that PAOs engaged in private sector accounting and auditing can and do assume major roles in the public sector. Public sector-specific PAOs are not necessary. A clear vision of the ways in which existing PAOs can contribute to public sector accounting and financial management is however critical. The session will seek to provide inspiration for PAOs to develop this clear vision. The session will be initiated by presentations: Alexandre Makaronidis, Head of Unit, Task Force EPSAS - European Public Sector Accounting Standards, European Commission Eurostat Alexandre Makaronidis is leading the European Commission's work on the harmonisation of public sector accounting in Europe. Following the presentations, all participants will be invited to share views. Key issues likely to be Opportunities for PAOs to undertake public policy engagement to support the case for improved public sector accounting and financial management. Practical ways in which PAOs can be of direct assistance to government, for example through training/ certification, guidance for members providing accounting/auditing services to the public sector, acting as regulator of public sector auditors. 15:10 Coffee and networking APSF 2015 programme 5

6 Detailed programme 15:30 Transformation of PAOs: insights, lessons and inspiration This session will focus on the challenges encountered by PAOs in implementing new strategies with the aim of exchanging views on how to overcome them to successfully implement transformational change. PAOs have unique characteristics especially when compared to business and other commercial entities which often act as barriers to the timely development and implementation of strategies to innovate and ensure long-term relevance. The session will seek to develop a deeper understanding of how to tackle these barriers through an inclusive approach to generate momentum in favour of transformational change. The discussion will also draw from experience of PAOs from across the world which can also be of use for APSF participants. The session will be initiated by presentations: The perspective of the World Bank Centre for Financial Reporting Reform: Henri Fortin, Head, World Bank CFRR. PAO experience of change and innovation: Michael Izza, CEO, ICAEW International trends and insights: Gary Pflugrath, Director, Public Policy & Regulation, IFAC Following the presentations, all participants will be invited to share views. Key issues likely to be Balancing of immediate member concerns and the demands of longer-term change: communication, engagement and generating consensus. Development of PAO infrastructure: the case for PAO permanent staffing to support volunteer input. Balancing of income generation and the public interest: developing the PAO funding base. Embracing of technology as an opportunity. Ensuring relevance for 'internal' stakeholders such as large and medium-size firms: how PAOs can add real value. Ensuring relevance for external stakeholders, why public policy engagement is critical. PAO cooperation in national contexts: overcoming fragmentation and duplication. 17:00 Concluding tour de table All participants will be invited to provide final observations, particularly with regard to the following questions: What specific areas could be addressed in more detail by existing / new APSF working groups? How can the APSF outputs (synopsis and other materials) be of greater use to PAOs? Are there any new areas which APSF 2016 should focus on? 17:30 Close 6 APSF 2015 programme

7 Notes APSF 2015 programme 7

8 About the Accountancy Profession Strategic Forum The Accountancy Profession Strategic Forum (APSF) was initially conceived by ICAEW following discussions with professional accountancy organisations in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. These discussions identified many common challenges and, above all, a common interest in sharing experience and developing strategic thinking. The APSF has since generated wider geographical interest. It is based on a partnership approach with an annual meeting organised by ICAEW with a host professional accountancy organisation. The APSF pursues an open and constructive discussion and the format is designed specifically to encourage active engagement by all participants. A meeting summary is published and circulated to attendees and other parties. The APSF encourages proactive strategic planning and innovation among professional accountancy organisations so that they continue to be relevant and contribute to market needs and the public interest. ICAEW has organised APSF 2015 in cooperation with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Greece icaew.com/strategicforum twitter.com/icaew_europe Join the twitter conversation #APSF2015 ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports over 144,000 chartered accountants worldwide. We provide qualifications and professional development, share our knowledge, insight and technical expertise, and protect the quality and integrity of the accountancy and finance profession. As leaders in accountancy, finance and business our members have the knowledge, skills and commitment to maintain the highest professional standards and integrity. Together we contribute to the success of individuals, organisations, communities and economies around the world. Because of us, people can do business with confidence. ICAEW is a founder member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and the Global Accounting Alliance. ICAEW ICAEW Europe 227 Rue de la Loi 6th Floor 1040 Brussels Belgium T E europe@icaew.com icaew.com linkedin.com find ICAEW twitter.com/icaew_europe facebook.com/icaew ICAEW 2015 TECFTF /15