Forbes Asia - October 2018

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CPA CANADA

THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION IS TAKING THE LEAD IN INNOVATIVE DISCUSSIONS

THAT WILL HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION.

Unprecedented digital disruption is
transforming the global business landscape.
New technologies, including blockchain and
artificial intelligence, are shifting societal
attitudes toward inclusion and sustainability
and blurring boundaries between industries,
with their effects felt in every sector.

With change coming from so many
directions, the ability to adapt quickly
is key. In fact, leading organizations are
not just embracing change, they are the
changemakers, constantly evolving to turn
today’s challenges into opportunities and
competitive advantage.

In this new world, the accounting
profession has an important leadership role
to play. As Joy Thomas, president and chief
executive officer of Chartered Professional
Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada),
explains: “These changes provide an
opportunity for the accounting profession
to reimagine its future. Along with change
comes opportunity, and the new business
landscape creates great potential to solidify
CPAs as leaders in the business world.”

OUTCOMES OF A REIMAGINED FUTURE

As one of the world’s largest accounting
bodies, CPA Canada has launched an
innovative project to help shape the
profession’s future—and it is calling on
professional accountants around the world,
as well as other members of the global
business community, to get involved.

“CPA Canada Foresight: Reimagining

the Profession” is a multi-stakeholder

consultation that combines in-person round

tables with an open digital conversation.

Discussions take place on a digital forum

where the community can come together to

share thoughts on different themes related

to the profession’s future.

At a time when the world is in constant flux,

professional accountants have an important

role to play in helping organizations to

become more innovative and resilient.

Rachel Grimes, president of the

International Federation of Accountants

(IFAC), adds that tapping into the power of

technology can lead to important insights

and bottom line results. “Accountancy

is a hugely dynamic career that involves

life-long learning, and technology is a

key component because it satisfies both

our thirst for knowledge and desire to

better serve our clients,” she says. “Losing

competitively because your systems can’t

compete is bad, but losing customers and

reputation because you didn’t take care of

their personal information is worse.”

GET INVOLVED

Many Canadian CPAs have already shown

engagement with the Foresight project

by participating in the online discussion.

CPA Canada encourages members of the

international accounting and business

community to join in and help shape the

profession’s future.

“By bringing multiple voices, ideas and

perspectives together, the Foresight project

provides a unique and innovative approach

to determining how best to respond to the

drivers of change,” says Tashia Batstone,

CPA Canada’s senior vice president, external

relations and business development.

“The changing business world offers an

opportunity for CPAs to fulfill their roles

as strategic leaders in addition to being

experts in finance and accounting,” she

adds. “Ensuring professional accountants

are prepared to continue adding value to

their organizations and clients is essential,

and that is why CPA Canada is excited to be

facilitating this important discussion.”

Join the Conversation.

Make Your Voice Heard.

CPACANADA.CA/FORESIGHT

Joy Thomas, President and CEO, CPA Canada

Rachel Grimes, President, IFAC