Global Ethics Day is celebrated annually in October to raise awareness of what ethics means to society and how organisations and individuals can feel empowered to act in the interests of all.
So, this month, we delve into ACCA’s new report on the ethical challenges for professional accountants. As leaders navigate the growing complexity of doing business today, how important is it for an ethical culture to be embedded within an organisation? We look at how an international ethics standard for sustainability assurance will be crucial in building public trust in companies’ non-financial reporting. And we find out why greater scrutiny of companies’ tax arrangements has meant that businesses need to rethink how they conduct their tax affairs through an ethics lens.
In our main interview this month, we meet Mohanad Khaled FCCA, managing partner of one of Egypt’s leading firms, BDO Khaled. He discusses the evolution of the audit and accounting profession in the country, along with talent challenges and the importance of reputation. We also interview Hira Jalal FCCA, chief strategy officer at Accloudant Pakistan and the only woman to be included in Ignition’s Top 50 Women in Accounting 2023, about why financial literacy is crucial to personal and national growth.
Also for practitioners, we look at how digital tools and AI are transforming the business landscape for auditors – particularly those in smaller practices – flagging ACCA’s new playbook for practitioners.
Elsewhere, we have an article on the challenges facing India’s small businesses as they grapple with the country’s complex GST requirements.
Leading with empathy is the topic of our CPD article from business psychologist Dr Rob Yeung. In an era when making tough decisions and driving results are the modus operandi of doing business, is there a place for an empathic approach to leadership?
Finally, a reminder about ACCA’s upcoming annual conference, Accounting for the Future. With the theme of ‘Embracing the disruption’, the three-day event looks at trends and developments affecting professional accountants around the world, including opportunities in new technology, imperatives for sustainability, and the skills needed in this fast-moving landscape. Register to attend live on 26-28 November or on demand.
