THE INAUGURAL ICPAK AUSTRALIA CHAPTER ANNUAL SEMINAR
DATE: 19th – 23rd SEPTEMBER 2017
VENUE: INTERCONTINENTAL, SYDNEY
THEME: GLOBAL THINKING FOR COMPETITIVENESS
Background
This is an innovative seminar created in response to a gap that has existed for long between the Kenyan CPAs in Australia and their counterparts in Kenya. In tune with the Institute’s vision of being “A world class professional accountancy Institute”, ICPAK is committed to supporting its members wherever they are in the world while at the same time support Kenyan CPAs in accessing business and professional growth opportunities abroad. We believe there is greater benefit in cross pollinating ideas and creating synergies as a way of wholesomely improving the accountancy value chain. This event is deliberately planned to encourage participation of the accountancy body in Australia, members of ICPAK working / resident in Australia and their counterparts from Kenya. Further, this seminar provides an opportunity for benchmarking in and out of Australia.
Thematic Areas of Learning:
The areas to be addressed include:
- The Digital CFO: Trends of Automation in Accountancy
According to various research reports, the development of intelligent accounting systems is the top issue set to impact accountancy over the next 3 to 10 years. Big data analytics capabilities, the internet of things, AI, machine learning and advancement of web 2.0 among other technological trends have strongly and persistently called for transformation of business approaches and the CFO has to be central to the emerging trajectory of business processes and strategic focus. This session will thus focus on the compelling and emerging technological trends and the role of the CFO in driving this change as well as how accountancy profession all the way from training to practice should transform not only to harness the change but also to be part of the drivers of the change.
- Update on Financial Reporting & Accounting Standards:
The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has published amendments to its ‘International Financial Reporting Standards’. The amendments are the result of the first comprehensive review of the standard, originally issued in 2009. Accounting update summarising the new IASB pronouncements and amendments, that are in issue and effective in 2017 sets of financial statements of entities and thereafter, is now available. Preparers should take note of these amendments during the preparation of their financial statements or when planning forthcoming data capturing requirements. In this session, we shall look at the Accounting Standards updates issued, interpretation, application and their effective dates.
- Emerging Governance and Financial Management Issues in Public Sector: Challenges and Cure
“Justice without strength is helpless, strength without justice is tyrannical. Unable to make what is just strong, we have made what is strong just.” –Pascal, Pensees (1670)
In recent years, the strengthening of good governance in developing countries has become both an objective of and a condition for development assistance. However, combining these two is a daunting challenge for development institutions. This session sets out to examine the efforts in place to strengthen good governance and improving its effectiveness in Financial Management. The session will also explore the challenges that both public and private entities and the regulator have faced in enforcing good governance. Thereafter, the session will be dedicated to coming up with solutions to the challenges.
- Comparative Tax Justice and Key Lessons: Kenya Vs. Australia
Tax justice seeks to restore taxes to whom they are due. This occurs through mechanisms which are both legal (tax avoidance) and illegal (tax evasion). Tax Havens however facilitate tax evasion by permitting both individuals and businesses to trade free from taxes and financial regulations under systems of guaranteed secrecy. It should be noted that tax havens are ingrained in the global financial system. This session will examine the issue of tax justice; doing a comparison of Kenya with Australia. The session shall culminate in documentation of key lessons.
- Business Continuity Today: Scope, Key Consideration and Necessity
Aside from natural calamities, global security threats are prime threats to global business today. Conditions that begin as local competitions and battles soon grow out of proportion to become regional and international challenges with far reaching consequences on business and the economy at large. How are organizations prepared for these random unpredictable events? This session will examine the scope and key considerations when dealing with business continuity plans.
- Focus on Competitiveness in Public and Private Sectors: Lessons from Australia
According to the resource based theory of the firm, the basis of sustainable competitive advantage of a firm stem from its capabilities such as value, rareness, inimitability and organization or more generally reputation, innovation, architecture and strategic assets. Of concern is how both public and private entities can apply such theories and models in delivering strategic value to customers and stakeholders.
- Corporate Culture and Performance Management: Reformation Vs. Transformation
Among the many factors that affect an organization’s ability to innovate, compete, and engage employees and customers is corporate culture. The focus will be on the impact of corporate culture on performance management. Delegates shall also explore alternative and emerging performance management tools globally acceptable.
3.0 About Accounting in Australia- a snap short
Australia’s accounting industry is regulated and accredited by three professional accounting bodies – the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), CPA Australia (CPA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia (ICAA). The minimum qualification for entry into CPA and ICAA is a Bachelor degree in Accounting, such as a Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting. The IPA requires at least a Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Accounting. Without a tertiary qualification you may be able to work in accounting, but will not be qualified to produce financial reports as any financial reporting requires sign off by an Accountant accredited by one of the three professional bodies.
3.1 About Sydney
Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its distinctive sail-like design, tourist attractions sites as well as a number of beaches, bays and a couple of national parks, the world famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge to the sandy shores of Bondi Beach. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360- degree views of the city and suburbs. Sydney has many influences upon its style. A shopper’s dream, Sydney’s Central Business District is home to some of the best shopping centres in the city. There is something for everyone with over 400 specialty stores in just 8 retail centres. Sydney is the country’s largest city and, with its magnificent harbour and strategic position, is one of the most important ports in the South Pacific.
4.0 CPD Units
Members of ICPAK and reciprocating professional bodies will be awarded 20 CPD Units upon successfully attending all seminar sessions.
5.0 Target Audience
All members of ICPAK in Australia, Kenya and neighbouring nations, board members, CEOs, MDs, board committee members, consultants, heads of government units/parastatals, county executives, professionals interested in leadership, audit, risk management and financial management, among others.
6.0 Your Financial Commitment
The seminar charges for the Inaugural ICPAK Chapter Annual Seminar – Sydney, Australia are as follows:
Category | Early Bird Registration | Normal Registration |
Booking & Payment on or before 31st August 2017 | Booking & Payment or LSO/LPO received after COB 31st August 2017 | |
Members | 94,950.00 | 99,950.00 |
Non-Members & International Delegates | 99,950.00 | 104,950.00 |
6.0 Installment Payments
Delegates may pay in consecutive monthly installments using the early bird rate provided the final installment is by end of the early booking period, in this case 31st August 2017
6.1 Group Discount
Registering multiple participants? Group-rate discounts offer maximum savings for firms with multiple registrants. Contact us to book your group registration at Judith.wambura@icpak.com .
7.0 Travel Information
Delegates from other nationalities are requested to check with their Australian High Commission for their travel requirements. We shall however assist on letters of invitation or any other confirmations that may be needed to facilitate issuance of VISAs. Please note that Visa processing takes about 14 to 20 working days.
DRESS CODE
Business Casual
8.0 Special Needs
If you have special dietary or religious requirements, or should you need any assistance kindly refer to the event coordinator on Judith.wambura@icpak.com
9.0 Online Booking and more information
We call on seminar participants to note that booking for the Inaugural ICPAK Chapter Seminar – Australia is available only online at www.icpak.com/events and will close on the 8th September 2017. Delegates are reminded to note that online booking for events is mandatory. For more information or enquiries please email memberservices@icpak.com or visit www.icpak.com