Today over 175 delegates from 33 professional accountancy organizations in 30 countries convened in Kampala, Uganda, for the seventh annual IFAC Small and Medium Practices (SMP) Forum. Co-hosted with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) and the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), this year’s event featured a keynote address by Right Honorable Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda.
The SMP Forum brings together representatives from the regulatory community, regional and national professional accountancy bodies, standard setters, and thought leaders and experts in their fields to collaborate on solutions to the challenges and pressures facing SMPs, both regionally and globally. This year’s event focused on trends that may impact the growth of small business and the way SMPs deliver their services. In addition to the co-hosts, the event was made possible by the generous support of our gold sponsor, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants; and silver sponsors, Corpul Expertilor Contabili si Contabililor Autorizati din Romania (CECCAR), Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Hong Kong Institute of CPAs), and Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
IFAC CEO Fayez Choudhury noted, “The IFAC SMP Forum is an important event that allows us to learn how we can best support professional accountancy organizations in the development of their SMP members globally. The focus on innovative solutions to the unique challenges SMPs face is essential for helping SMPs to continue to adapt and create value. With this event, we aim to facilitate capacity development, which has long been a focus for IFAC, through the sharing of ideas and best practices on a global platform.”
Naru Thakkar, president of ICPAU, and Dr. Mussa J. Assad, president of PAFA, said, “We are proud to host this year’s SMP Forum with IFAC, as supporting the development of SMPs is at the core of our mission and values. Africa has sustained continued growth over the last fifteen years despite economic volatility and crisis elsewhere in the world. While parts of Africa have seen explosive growth and other areas are still developing, the accountancy profession is crucial to providing a sound financial infrastructure to support both.”
IFAC SMP Committee Chair Giancarlo Attolini added, “The world is changing and standard setters, practitioners, and regulators are responding. There are vast opportunities for SMPs, including internationalization and expanded business lines. Now is the time to position SMPs for growth so that by the time the economic recovery gains more momentum globally, SMPs and the small businesses they serve can lead the way.”
For more information on the IFAC SMP Forum, including the agenda and speakers, see www.ifac.org/2013SMPForum. Presentations will be made available in the week following the event. A Trainers’ Seminar was also held in conjunction with the Forum for a smaller group of attendees.
About PAFA
The Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) was established to accelerate the development of the accountancy profession in Africa and strengthen the voice of the profession within Africa and worldwide. PAFA believes that good governance, accountability, good financial management, and transparency are principal pillars in the acceleration of economic development and reduction of poverty.
About ICPAU
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) is the national body for professional accountants in Uganda. It currently offers two qualifications: the professional qualification (CPA Uganda) and the accounting technician certificate (ATC). These qualifications are based on IAESB standards thus providing graduates with an excellent foundation of core accountancy skills that meet international benchmarks. ICPAU’s focus is to produce individuals who exhibit professional excellence and integrity, who are committed to service and good governance, and who are socially responsive to the environment in which they operate.
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 172 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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