This month, our main interview is with Claudia Sosa FCCA. As one would expect of the FD of Adidas in Colombia, she firmly believes in the power of teamwork. Indeed, it is Lionel Messi, footballer extraordinaire and fellow Argentinian, that Sosa turns to as an example for how to be a leader of the finance department at the sportswear giant. ‘He’s a really good role model because he got to where he is while protecting his family and continuing to be humble,’ she says.
We also look at why Europe seems to be so disproportionately popular in the global liveability stakes. While the US may lead in AI and Asia may drive growth, European cities still dominate liveability rankings, according to a recent assessment by Deutsche Bank. This, and similar studies, are shaping how CFOs set allowances, choose hubs and retain talent. Found out where’s hot, and where’s not.
We hear from Salvador Marin, who as president of the European Federation of Accountants and Auditors for SMEs is fighting hard to make sure that small and medium-sized practices have a strong voice. As he points out, SMPs offer something unique in developing a deep, day-to-day understanding of their SME clients, and he is committed to ensure this knowledge informs regulators and standard-setters at the EU level. Read what he has to say.
Still in Europe, next year will see Bulgaria become the 21st member of the eurozone. The switch is designed to cut transaction costs, reduce currency risk and anchor the country more firmly within the EU’s capital markets. For companies and accountants, however, it marks a complex year of dual-currency reporting, recalibrated systems, training and new compliance rules. Find out more.
Finally, September saw the launch of ACCA’s annual virtual conference, Accounting for the Future. This year’s theme is ‘Trust and innovation in the new era of finance’. Register to attend live 25–27 November or on demand, and earn up to 21 free CPD units.
