Professional accountants in business (PAIBs) play a crucial role in advancing sustainable business practices, promoting transparency, and enhancing the economic and social prosperity of communities across the globe.
In its final meeting of 2024, IFAC’s PAIB Advisory Group explored the transformative role of PAIBs in tackling global challenges and seizing new opportunities to strengthen the role of accountants in driving business success and resilience. Discussions focused on navigating systemic risks, fostering innovation, and advancing sustainability to position PAIBs as key enablers of transformational change.
Key themes included:
- Embracing AI for Innovation: Generative AI is revolutionizing the work of PAIBs. A case study on internal audit highlighted its use, saving time and enhancing strategic insights.
- Driving Climate Resilience: PAIBs are crucial in improving sustainability information and disclosure and mobilizing investments to support low-carbon transitions.
- Integrated Thinking and Decision-Making: Breaking silos to enable holistic decision-making and creating long-term value requires integrated thinking capabilities which can vary by career stage or role.
- Supply Chain Management and Procurement: PAIBs can partner with procurement, operations, and compliance teams to achieve ethical and sustainable procurement and supply chain management practices.
Sanjay Rughani, PAIB Chair, said: “In this era of transformation, professional accountants are uniquely positioned to drive change and create value across organizations. By embracing innovation and integrated thinking, PAIBs can lead the way in shaping a resilient, sustainable future.”
Explore their discussions in Enabling Global Transformation: Opportunities for Professional Accountants in Business.
IFAC remains committed to equipping PAIBs with the tools and resources to thrive in a dynamic global landscape. The next PAIB Advisory Group meeting will take place in April 2025 in Tokyo, hosted by the Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA).
About IFAC’s PAIB Advisory Group
Formed in 1977, the PAIB Advisory Group is comprised of volunteers with experience and expertise in the world of business and the public sector, nominated by the professional accountancy organizations that make up IFAC’s membership.
By bringing these experts together, IFAC delivers thought leadership, fosters collaboration, and equips its member organizations with tools and strategies to support their members in navigating complex, evolving business landscapes.
About IFAC
IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.
IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.
IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.