As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented sums of relief money moving across the global economy, the threat of financial crimes and malfeasance continues to grow. In this context, CPA Canada and IFAC publish this report exploring a key facet of uncovering and fighting illegal activities: beneficial ownership transparency.
Professional accountants in business and the public sector have important roles to play in leading their organizations through the current crisis and the challenging times ahead. IFAC and its members are focused on supporting accountants as they navigate these uncertain times, and as they address other ongoing opportunities and challenges facing the global profession.
To continue this conversation, the latest report from the IFAC Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee is now available: Supporting Accountants in Business & Public Sector Through Uncertain Times. It includes highlights from the 2-day virtual meeting of the PAIB Committee, which focused on key topics of relevance to accountants in business, including:
Value creation and integrated thinking;
Latest recruitment trends, evolving accountancy roles, and implications on learning and development;
Key areas of data for PAIBs;
Areas of innovation in public sector finance and accounting; and
IFAC has released the latest installment of its Exploring the IESBA Code educational series: Exploring the IESBA Code Installment 5 - Independence. The latest installment is live on a new landing page in the "Building Trust and Ethics" portion of the IFAC Website (click here).
Exploring the IESBA Code is a twelve-month series providing an in-depth look at the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code). Each installment focuses on a specific aspect of the Code using real-world situations in a manner that is relatable and practical. Readers will gain a better understanding of the thought process behind important aspects of the Code through storytelling and expert analysis from professionals involved in developing the standards.
A professional accountant can often come across complex or challenging situations that are not black and white. These challenging situations require ethical considerations, some of which are expressly dealt with in the Code. This unique and informational series was developed by IFAC in collaboration with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) to help explain how the Code assists in navigating some of these challenges.
To read and download this and future installments, visit the IFAC website.
Exploring the IESBA Code was published by IFAC and does not form part of the Code. It is non-authoritative and is not a substitute for reading the Code.
For more information about the Code, please click here.
Small businesses have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most organizations worldwide are small in size, and the importance of small businesses to the global economy is indisputable.
COVID-19 containment measures severely impacted cashflows, disrupted supply chains and put small business survival at risk on an unprecedented scale. Governments worldwide moved quickly to deploy supportive measures for small businesses and entrepreneurs to help them maintain short-term liquidity. However, many are still struggling.
Small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs) have in-depth knowledge of their clients and provide vital guidance for navigating these uncertain times. Research indicates the business advice provided to small businesses from their professional accountant is associated with improved rates of survival, growth, improved decision-making procedures and superior financial performance.
Poor financial management is a leading reason why businesses fail. The Checklist covers key financial management and strategic management tasks, helping businesses to proactively identify and consider essential and timely information.
Many businesses are looking for the “next normal” and a new approach to resilience. Early on, the pandemic accelerated digitization and transformed small businesses responding to drastic consumer behavior shifts. A small businesses ability to survive the current environment, and thrive in the future, will be greatly strengthened by support from their professional accountant.
The Checklist is included on IFAC’s dedicated COVID-19 web page with many other useful resources.
Small businesses have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most organizations worldwide are small in size, and the importance of small businesses to the global economy is indisputable. The Small Business Continuity Checklist will help small businesses navigate today's crisis and plan for tomorrow's "new normal".
Evolve the Firm Operating Model and Build Advisory Services
The Covid-19 pandemic is an accelerator for the adoption of technology. Many firms are now operating virtually and supporting employees through flexible work arrangements. These extraordinary circumstances also offer practitioners significant opportunities to adapt and service a rapidly changing world. As trusted business advisers, they are best positioned to provide clients with a range of services to help navigate these difficult and uncertain times.
SMPs may still be in a ‘fire-fighting’ phase but want to be proactive and ready to adapt to radical and unplanned changes. Effective transformation requires strong leadership, new approaches to training and continued learning, and an emphasis on providing relevant, value-added services.
The Plan was developed with advice and guidance from the IFAC SMP Committee and recognizes that every firm will be different. The actions taken will need to be tailored to each firm’s circumstances and objectives to be successful.
We’ve created a dedicated ‘practice transformation’ web page, featuring case studies, examples of how Member Organizations are supporting their firms to innovate and evolve, as well as additional tools and resources.
Now is the time for practitioners to lead and become part of the solution for their clients and for their own future as we enter a whole new world.
These extraordinary circumstances offer small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs) significant opportunities to adapt and service a rapidly changing world. IFAC has developed thought leadership on practice transformation, focused on how SMPs can embrace change, leverage technology, manage talent and have a renewed emphasis on providing relevant and value-added services.
