14 November 2014

ACCA and IMA: The accountancy profession needs a clear vision for the future

ACCA and IMA stated that a new vision for the future role of professional accountants is vital to the ongoing development of the profession.

This has been a period of significant evolution for the profession as a whole, driven by new technological capability, an expanded responsibility for finance professionals, and increasing demand for real-time data and insights.

The first three projects will focus on technologies and data use, looking at social, mobile and cloud computing, Cyber Security, and the flow of data and its management through business. Additionally, an international call for proposals to identify topics for further research in 2015 will engage major global businesses, academics, educators, members and employers.

Ewan Willars, director policy at ACCA said: 'The pace of change has shifted up a gear, and developments that we could see in the distance are now more rapidly approaching us. This future is full of big opportunities - and some major threats - for the finance profession. This research, and sessions like those at the World Congress, will educate, inform, and elicit debate. After all, research is a powerful tool to advance the value of the profession to all stakeholders.'

Raef Lawson, IMA vice president of research and policy, said: 'Credible independent research can change the profession - it can transform opinions, inform policy and help to engage the profession itself, businesses, politicians, regulators and the public. What we aim to do with these three projects - and our ongoing work examining the global economy - is to examine current and future issues, challenge opinions, and also offer practical advice and insights for those working in the profession or with them.'

Press release

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