Professional accountants in business (PAIBs) occupy a pivotal position in driving sustainable business practices, fostering transparency, and contributing to the economic and social well-being of communities worldwide. Recognizing that in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing global economy, the role of accountants is evolving, the theme of our last PAIB Advisory Group meeting was Accounting for a Better World. The event was hosted by IFAC Member SAICA (South African Institute of Accountants) in Cape Town, South Africa, and the theme was inspired by the ACCA’s agenda for action.
PAIBs comprise a significant part of the profession working in commerce, industry, financial services, education, and the public and not-for-profit sectors, and the PAIB Advisory Group focuses on ensuring these accountants meet the future needs of business and the public sector by convening leaders, sharing their knowledge and insights, and identifying trends globally.
Informed by IFAC’s PAIB Advisory Group’s last meeting, our new article, Accounting for a Better World, outlines multiple opportunities where professional accountants can have an impact, including:
Enabling Africa’s transformation
Diversifying entry into the accountancy profession and strengthening the talent pipeline
Ensuring sustainability and excellence as a CFO Driving integrated thinking through strong corporate governance
Harnessing the transformative opportunities of AI
Nature-related accounting and financial disclosure
Sanjay Rughani, PAIB Advisory Group Chair said: “To IFAC’s members worldwide, I urge you to seize the momentum generated by our discussions and embark on a journey of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration. Our discussions were not merely exchanges of ideas but rather catalysts for action, igniting a sense of purpose and urgency. Professional accountants, now more than ever, have the opportunity to contribute to creating a better world.”
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 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
About the PAIB Advisory Group
Formed in 1977, the PAIB Advisory Group is comprised of volunteers with experience and expertise in the world of business and the public sector, nominated by the professional accountancy organizations that make up IFAC’s membership.
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) warmly welcomes the appointment of Eelco van der Enden as the new Chief Executive Officer of Accountancy Europe.
Lee White, Chief Executive of IFAC, said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with Eelco again and for the benefit of our global profession. His proven track record and visionary leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and evolution of the accountancy profession across Europe."
With his impressive background and extensive experience in the accountancy profession, bringing more than 20 years of experience in financial and sustainability senior management roles, Eelco van der Enden is set to lead Accountancy Europe into a new era of innovation and growth.
“I have personally had the privilege to work with Eelco for a number of years. He has been pivotal in leading GRI through increasing harmonization of sustainability reporting, working closely with partners towards a common baseline for globally applicable and comparable sustainability data. I am confident that he will now play a crucial role in advancing our shared goals,” Lee White commented.
“And as we welcome Eelco, I also want to praise the outstanding contribution of Olivier Boutellis-Taft during his tenure as CEO of Accountancy Europe," noted Lee White.
“Olivier's inspirational leadership over the past 18 years has been instrumental in navigating the organization through significant regulatory changes and advancing the role of accountants in the sustainability and digital transformations. His commitment to fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting transparency and accountability has left a lasting impact on the profession. Under his guidance, and thanks to Olivier’s “out-of-the-box” thinking and ability to take bold decisions, Accountancy Europe has solidified its position as a leading voice in the European accountancy community, and has become a key partner for EU policy-makers. I am deeply grateful for his dedicated service to our profession," Lee White added.
IFAC and Accountancy Europe share a longstanding commitment to promoting high-quality standards and practices within the accountancy profession, at all levels. Under Eelco van der Enden’s direction, both organizations are poised to further strengthen their collaboration to enhance the value for our members and serve the public interest.
"Our profession is at a critical juncture where the need for robust cooperation is more important than ever. Together, we can drive economic growth and sustainability transformation by enabling the necessary transparency and accountability that build trust in organizations," Lee White concluded.
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 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
