Neo is the Accountancy Education Standard Setting Lead at IFAC. He is a Chartered Accountant (South Africa), who holds a master’s degree in accounting sciences from the University of South Africa (Unisa). He previously worked at the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), in regularity audit, then in the learning and development space, primarily coordinating workplace-based initial professional development initiatives for prospective accountants, as well coordinating the specialized program for prospective registered auditors.

Neo serves on a South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) working group that coordinates practical experience requirements for membership. He most recently worked as the Technical Director for the African Professionalisation Initiative. In his various roles, Neo has had the opportunity to exercise his deep passion for capacity building and to contribute to the next generation of accountancy leaders.

International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 705 (Revised), Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor's Report

Completed

International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 701 (NEW), Communicating Key Audit Matters in the Independent Auditor's Report

Completed

Doug Withington joined the IFAC PAODAG in 2026, nominated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Doug is currently the International Relations & Operations Director at ICAEW and has over 10 years’ experience growing the international activities of Professional Accounting Organisations through stakeholder engagement, global partnerships and relationship building. Doug has worked across both business and education, supporting membership growth, capacity building and partnerships in the UK, Africa, the Middle East, North America and South Asia. He sits on the ICAEW International Leadership Team, represents ICAEW at IFAC, CAW and the GAA, and has been working at ICAEW for the past 6 years.

Doug has a BA (Hons) degree in Classics from the University of Exeter and holds the CIMA Cert. Business Accounting.

International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 700 (Revised), Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements

Completed

Why is this Important?

Technology is reshaping how professional accountants work and how professional services are delivered. Artificial intelligence (AI), agentic AI systems, digital assets, and cloud-based platforms are increasingly embedded in how firms operate, how decisions are made, and how trust is built with clients, investors, and the public.