THE 40th ANNUAL SEMINAR EDITION 2 (Virtual Option)

INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS OF KENYA
(Established under the Accountant Act, Laws of Kenya)

THE 40TH ANNUAL SEMINAR EDITION II
Hybrid Event: Sarova Whitesands Beach Hotel, Pride Inn Paradise Hotel- Mombasa and Virtual
Dates: Monday 20th November to Friday 24th November 2023
Theme: Towards a future ready accountancy profession
Time: 09.00am-03.30pm

ABOUT ICPAK – THE HOST

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) is a regulatory body mandated to regulate and coordinate the activities of qualified and registered Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in Kenya – including promoting research into the subject of accountancy and finance and related matters, publication of books, periodicals, journals and articles in connection therewith; promoting the international recognition of the Institute, advising the Examination Board on matters relating to examinations standards and policies, advising the Minister for Finance on matters relating to financial accountability in all sectors of the economy and setting and enforcing standards of professional practice such as accounting, auditing and ethical standards. The Institute is established by an Act of parliament – The Accountants Act No. 15 of 2008 and has been in existence since 1978.  Over its long history it has registered over 30,000 members. Its members work in diverse sectors of the economy as accountants, financial experts, auditors and financial consultants. Over 800 of our members have emigrated and are working beyond the borders of Kenya. Members of the Institute are present in 41 different countries around the globe.

ANNUAL SEMINARS – A BRIEF HISTORY

Each year for the last 40 years, ICPAK has maintained a rich tradition of congregating once a year to reflect on the profession and emerging issues affecting the nation.  The last seminar followed the same pattern as it sought to reinforce the role of professional accountants in safeguarding public interest.  The first edition of the 40^th Annual Seminar attracted an average of 3,500 participants on both physical and virtual attendance, largely drawn from Kenya but with representation from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Mozambique.  The current event is targeted to attract a wider representation of East Africa and the continent at large.

Due to limited seats the Institute has held two Annual Seminars since 2021to enable participation by most embers. This year, the Institute shall also hold two Annual Seminars dubbed Edition 1 and Edition 2 to accommodate all the professionals that had expressed interest to attend the Annual Seminar. The first edition was held on 22^nd -26^th May 2023 while the second one for this year shall be held on 20^th– 24^th November 2023.

This year’s events mark 40 years since the time when the Institute held its first Annual Seminar in 1984. This demonstrates resilience and commitment towards the Institute’s mandate and the Accountancy profession. Throughout these decades, the Annual Seminar has acted as a beacon of hope to the profession.

Occasioning from the limited seating space and to provide comfortable delegate experience, the Institute shall hold the Seminar in two physical venues i.e Sarova White sands and Pride Inn Paradise Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya with an option of live streaming and allocation of speakers and panelists across both venues. The delegates’ allocation to both venues shall be done based on date of payment, with the first venue being allocated the early paying delegates. The seminar shall also be streamed on the virtual platform where some delegates shall be participating.

 THE 40^th ANNUAL SEMINAR EDITION II SUB-THEMES AND ORGANIZATION

• Day One: Monday 20^th November 2023- Arrival and Registration
• Day Two: Tuesday 21^st November 2023- The Future of Work: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
• Day Three: Wednesday 22^nd November 2023- Financial Wellness and Economic Resilience
• Day Four: Thursday 23^rd November 2023- Technology, Ethics and Sustainability
• Day Five: Friday 24^th November 2023- Personal Branding & Etiquette

OVERVIEW OF SEMINAR THEMES

The future of accounting is likely to be shaped by various technological advancements, evolving business models, and changes in the regulatory environment. While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, some key trends and developments that are expected to shape the accounting profession in the coming years include; Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics and Big Data, Cloud Computing, Evolving Regulatory Environment, Sustainability and ESG Reporting, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Advisory Services, Remote and Flexible Work and Lifelong Learning & Skill Development.

In summary, the future of accounting will be characterized by rapid technological advancements, evolving business needs, and regulatory changes. To thrive in this environment, accountants will need to adapt, continuously learn, and develop new skills to stay relevant and provide value-added services to clients.

The world is changing fast, and so are the roles of finance and accounting professionals. Professional accountants need to have the capability to strengthen organizations’ corporate governance and must also be fully equipped to deal with the rapidly changing environment in which they operate. The automation of many traditional accountancy tasks means that the role of the accountant is evolving. Sweeping disruption of the accountancy profession is imminent. Massive technological changes and shifting consumer trends demand a new approach to how the industry creates value for clients. Some services are more vulnerable to disruption than others. Compliance will be increasingly automated going forward and limited advisory services will follow that trend. Automated processes can provide the bulk of services with oversight, while accounting professionals will focus on offering expert advice and insight, strengthening customer relationships in the process.

Personal branding is the strategy of creating a brand around a person rather than a business entity. It’s commonly used to advance people’s careers by positioning them as an expert within a specific industry. By developing a strong personal brand, you can expand your social following, enhance your job prospects, and create more opportunities in your career. Building a personal brand doesn’t happen overnight. It requires thorough planning and several months of dedicated effort before one can start to see results, and sometimes, even after receiving feedback, one may need to refine his/ her  brand. Personal branding is important because it helps give a person more credibility. It’s never been more competitive to land a new job or earn a paycheck. With more people competing for the same positions, you need to differentiate yourself in order to get noticed.

In Kenya, we are guided by values found in Article 10 of the Constitution. The national values and principles of governance in Article 10(1) of the constitution bind all State organs, State officers, public officers and all persons whenever any of them applies or interpret the Constitution, enacts, applies or interprets any law and makes or implement public policy decisions. Values are important and lasting beliefs, standards, ethics or ideals shared by members of the same community, same culture, same society, same nation or same country. Values are morals and standards of what is good or bad, and what is desirable or undesirable. Values have a major influence on a person’s behavior and attitude and serve as broad guidelines in an individual’s conduct in all situations.

Kenya has made significant political and economic reforms that have contributed to sustained economic growth, social development, and political stability gains over the past decade. However, its key development challenges still include poverty, inequality, transparency and accountability, climate change, continued weak private sector investment and the vulnerability of the economy to internal and external shocks.  To eradicate poverty by 2030, Kenya will need a combination of higher growth, more inclusive growth, and growth that is increasingly driven by the private sector and translates into more rapid poverty reduction.  The role of national leadership will thus play a pivotal role in spurring growth both at the county and national levels through development and implementation of transformational policies.

KEY TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION DURING THE SEMINAR

The following key topics shall be discussed during the 40^th Annual Seminar Edition 1I:

1. Future of the accountancy profession: The move from numbers to value creation
2. Innovation and Disruption: Strategies for Success within the accountancy profession
3. Accountants challenging the status quo: Evolution of traditional accountancy roles
4. Leading multi-generational workforces
5. Beyond the borders: Opportunities for accountants globally
6. The role of leadership in steering the nation towards economic growth and stability
7. Accountants & Cents: Financial Wellness for Personal Prosperity
8. State of the nation: Overview of accountability reports and cross cutting issues
9. Technology as an enabler- Embracing systems and tools for efficiency in accountancy and audit
10. Impact of digital transformation to the accountancy profession
11. Overview of the code of ethics for professional accountants
12. Enhancing National Values and Ethical Conduct for Professionals
13. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility: Building a Better Future
14. Data Analytics & Business Intelligence: Tying the Duo
15. Engaging with the media effectively
16. Personal branding and etiquette
17. Leveraging on social media to enhance personal brand positioning.

CONFERENCE CHARGES

 Bookings Deadline: Bookings close on Friday, 17^th November 2023 at 17:00 pm

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNITS

Members of ICPAK and other reciprocating professional bodies will earn 20 Structured CPD points upon successfully attending the 40^th Annual Seminar- Edition 2.

NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AUTHORITY (NITA) REIMBURSEMENT

The Institute is registered as a trainer with National Industrial Training Authority. The Institute’s registration number is DIT/TRN/47. Participants who are registered levy contributors should apply to NITA for reimbursement of their fees. Please note that this is applicable for Kenyan citizens only and subject to NITA regulations. Remember that to qualify you should apply to NITA for approval prior to the date of the conference. Further details can be obtained from their website (www.nita.go.ke).

 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Annual Seminar presents a perfect opportunity for organizations to showcase their products and services to a target group with high purchasing power, both on personal and corporate levels. With over 2500 participants, you have a perfect opportunity for brand positioning for optimal visibility. Armed with significant purchasing power and decision-making authority, the audience are a key target group for businesses. Sponsorship/partnership opportunities range from cocktail, gala, media sponsorships, exhibitions, golf tournament and advertising. For more information or enquiries please email raphael.nguli@icpak.com

 CONTACT DETAILS

Please feel free to contact any of the following persons for any inquiries and/or confirmations: