An interview by Leana Van Der Merwe, Technical and Standards Executive at the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)

The accountancy profession has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years, with the emergence of new technologies, as well as various changes in regulatory and business environments. While the profession has weathered many storms, there is much to be optimistic about as we look towards the year ahead. From digitalisation and consultancy to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, 2024 is set to be a year of growth and possibility for the accountancy professional ready to tackle the opportunities it presents.

Article by Karl Smith: SAIPA Senior Manager – Education, Training and Member Support.
In the current business landscape, small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs) face an array of challenges, including operational complexities, competitive markets, and ever-evolving regulations. These challenges also extend to their small- and medium-sized entity (SME) clients. To help SMPs navigate these hurdles and thrive in their endeavours, here are seven essential tips for successful practice management.

An interview by Alta Prinsloo, Chief Executive of the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA)

Elena Churikova, Senior Manager at IFAC spoke to Alta Prinsloo, the CEO of the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), a visionary leader with an extensive global experience and expertise in strategic planning, capacity building, and partnership development.

An interview by Shahied Daniels, Chief Executive of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)

By now, accountancy professionals and entrepreneurs are well aware of the ongoing changes in the industry as a result of technological advancements, such as automation and AI. These changes have long been a daunting prospect for some, who are often of the belief that technology spells doom for their professional futures.

However, the changing tides necessitate a shift in perspective, approach and practice for the accountancy professional operating in the current environment and this must also include a shift in how accountancy professionals, leaders and entrepreneurs view ethical practice.

Accounting professionals, work working for you?

ACCA is delighted to invite you to take part in the biggest annual global work survey in accountancy.

The ACCA Global Talent Trends survey 2024 explores key trends at work in the accountancy profession and seeks your views on issues such as working patterns, mental health, equity, diversity and inclusivity issues, as well as your career development aspirations.

An interview with Professor Rashied Small, Chairman of the PAFA Accountancy Learning & Development Advisory Group

While artificial intelligence (AI) is by no means new technology, its parameters are constantly shifting thanks to the introduction of new AI tools, thereby revolutionising what AI makes possible. It’s for this reason that headlines across the media have recently been awash with mention of ChatGPT and all its ramifications, including its impact on accountancy professionals.

Much like most other industries, professionals in the accountancy world have questioned how AI tools like ChatGPT will impact their roles, specifically whether the technology is a threat to their jobs. It is important to acknowledge that AI, like any other advancement in technology, is simply a tool that can and should be used by Professional Accountants (SA) to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of their services.

While AI does have the ability to take on some aspects of an accountancy professional’s role, there’s no reason to fear the worst just yet. AI and technology in general are not going to take over the work of Professional Accountants (SA) in a hurry. It’s important that we see them as enablers to providing clients and the industry at large with more value-added services.

An interview with Shahied Daniels, Chief Executive at the South African Institute of Professional Accountants

Far from its historic reputation as mere financial bean-counting, accountancy has transformed into a multi-faceted profession that tackles a full range of duties in the world of finance and business. According to Shahied Daniels, Chief Executive at the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), the accountancy profession is in the process of reinventing itself. Fittingly, as accountancy continues to enjoy increasingly wider relevance, a number of challenges and opportunities have emerged that Professional Accountants (SA) are well-equipped to expertly navigate.  We spoke to him recently to gather his insights on what lies ahead for the accountancy profession as it embraces digitalisation, drives sustainability, and tackles issues of transparency and integrity head-on.

African accountancy profession is broadly optimistic about the economic future

#Stateofprofession report presents a compelling and unique picture of the accountancy and finance ecosystem in Africa.

Organisations with strong governance provide discipline and structure; instill ethical values in employees and train them in the proper procedures; and exhibit behavior at the board and executive levels that the rest of the organisation emulates.

The objective of API is to realise an African public sector capacitated by competent, influential and ethical accountancy professionals who support good finance governance towards realisation of accountability and transparency in the use of public resources.