IFAC—the International Federation of Accountants—announced today that, after an extensive global search, Mr. Kevin Dancey, FCPA, FCA—former President and Chief Executive Officer of CPA Canada—has been selected as IFAC’s next Chief Executive Officer. He will succeed current IFAC Chief Executive Officer, Fayez Choudhury, whose term expires at the end of the year.

Kevin has a long history of leadership in both the accountancy profession and public service. In addition to leading CPA Canada and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, he has served as PwC’s Canadian Senior Partner and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to the firm’s global merger with Price Waterhouse, Kevin was Coopers & Lybrand’s national tax practice leader. Beyond the profession, Kevin has served Canada’s citizens in a variety of public service roles. He currently chairs Finance Canada’s Departmental Audit Committee and is National Coordinator of the CPA Canada Martin Family Initiative, which mentors Canadian indigenous youth. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hon.) in Mathematics & Economics from McMaster University.

“Kevin’s deep experience running large and complex membership organizations and an accountancy firm provides outstanding foundations to take IFAC forward,” IFAC President, Rachel Grimes said. “His leadership qualities, and his global relationships, will help ensure IFAC continues to grow its leadership role on the world stage.”

“To be selected as the next IFAC Chief Executive Officer is a singular honor—a career capstone,” said IFAC Incoming Chief Executive Officer Kevin Dancey. “Accountants positively influence the global economy in a multitude of ways. I’m looking forward to being a passionate advocate for the 3 million professional accountants represented by IFAC’s more than 175 member organizations in over 130 jurisdictions.”

“IFAC is a vital organization representing the interests of an essential profession,” said IFAC Chief Executive Officer Fayez Choudhury. “I’ve known Kevin for a number of years and I’m delighted that someone with his stature, acumen and experience will take IFAC forward.”

Mr. Dancey joins on May 14, 2018, and will work closely with Mr. Choudhury to ensure a seamless leadership transition.

About IFAC
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

The 2018 IFAC Global SMP Survey will launch on March 22 and be open until May 21. As in past years, your support and promotion to your members is vital to its success, and importantly, provides an opportunity for your members to contribute. The survey helps your member organization and IFAC gain an understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities faced by SMPs and SMEs and as a result, better serve this critical constituency. Individual country results will be available to enable you to compare to regional and global findings.

The survey, which is issued every two years is designed to be completed by senior professionals of small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs), whose clients are predominately small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs). It is intended to take a snapshot of key issues, and track important trends and developments, facing this sector. The 2016 Survey revealed interesting insights in these areas with responses from more than 5,000 respondents from 164 countries. This year, the survey includes new questions on talent management, technology developments, as well as marketing and branding.

We will be in contact shortly with ways to promote the survey, including:

• Support Materials: This month, you will receive an email announcement with tools to help you share the survey through your membership and network, including, a survey link, messaging (that can be translated), social media suggestions, and infographics.
• Events: We encourage you to use upcoming events and conferences to promote the survey by mentioning it during in speeches and, when appropriate event materials and presentations. IFAC will provide a promotional PowerPoint slide.
• Social Media: IFAC will provide suggested text for Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin. Follow the conversation at #SMPSurvey

In July 2017, more than 80 representatives representing 15 professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) in the ASEAN region and neighboring Asia-Pacific countries, regional bodies, and donor and development agencies gathered in Hanoi, Vietnam to participate in a Statements of Membership Obligations (SMO) workshop, co-organized by the IFAC Quality & Development (Q&D) staff and the Vietnam Association of Certified Public Accountants (VACPA).

 Under the theme of Realizing the Power of PAOs: Credibility, Competency, and Collaboration, the one day workshop provided PAOs and key stakeholders the opportunity to take stock of the current state of the accountancy profession in the region and discuss challenges and successes affecting the profession. The main discussion points and conclusions from the workshop are available, which will be helpful to those working to strengthen PAOs.