The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the global organization for the accountancy profession with 173 members and associates in 129 countries, today released the results of its 2012 IFAC Global Leadership Survey of the Accountancy Profession.
The survey elicited respondents’ opinions regarding perceptions of the accountancy profession and the most significant issues facing global accountancy in 2013. Of the 22 issues that were presented for consideration, respondents identified five top concerns: the needs of small- and medium-sized practices and small- and medium-sized entities; the reputation and credibility of the profession; issues related to the European Union (EU) draft legislation; public sector financial management and sovereign debt issues; and the difficult global financial climate.
“The sovereign debt crisis and the current financial climate have contributed greatly to the changing role of the accountancy profession,” said IFAC Chief Executive Officer Fayez Choudhury. “Professional accountants are now more visible, and the profile and responsibility of the profession will only continue to grow. Similar to last year, respondents continue to express their view that IFAC should seek to maintain and improve the public’s perceived views of the accountancy profession; reputation and credibility of the global profession was ranked as one of the most significant issues for 2013.”
About the Survey
The 2012 IFAC Global Leadership Survey of the Accountancy Profession asked officers (most frequently presidents and chief executive officers) from IFAC’s member bodies, associates, affiliates, regional accountancy organizations and acknowledged accountancy groupings, and Forum of Firms members a variety of questions regarding the accountancy profession. The survey results include data from 113 respondents from 72 countries and jurisdictions who took the survey from October 10, 2012 to December 10, 2012.
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. It is comprised of 173 members and associates in 129 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
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