Hayleys Aventura FD Sashi Jayakody FCCA has ensured that her career as an accounting professional in Sri Lanka is one that empowers others to take responsibility to grow and realise their ambitions. Leading a team of 60 young professionals, she champions mentorship, inclusivity and self-care, and observes that the ‘values and colour you bring to your team define you as a leader’. You can read about her leadership journey and why emerging tech and adopting sustainable practices have transformed her into a ‘futuristic CFO’ in this month’s interview.
In our practice section, we consider the need for accountancy firms in South Asia to expand their ESG capabilities as demand grows for expert advice. Momentum is building across the region, with neighbouring countries at different stages of their ESG reporting initiatives. We also find out how the growth in wealth management in India is fuelling an interest in investment vehicles and succession planning, and why family offices are stepping up to offer advice.
Changes to tax laws are giving practitioners pause for thought as they grapple with the impact of regulation on their clients. India’s new income tax law has simplified filing but comes with challenges as tax practitioners get up to speed with understanding and implementation.
Our article on marine risk considers the impact that corporates have on the health of the seas. Recent guidance on measuring nature-related financial risks has broadened to include ocean-related data so that direct, or indirect, interactions with marine ecosystems are transparent. What challenges do businesses face in disclosing their dependencies on aquatic biomes?
Elsewhere we ask whether UAE staff will be tempted back to the office as workspaces are reimagined, with PwC’s regional headquarters in Dubai serving as an example of how to do a refit that prioritises natural light, open collaboration zones and quiet spaces.
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.
