Evolving needs of SMEs: the profession’s role?

2019-10-24 - 11:47

SCAAK representatives are attending the joint event of the European Federation of Accountants and Auditors for SMEs (EFAA) and Accountancy Europe on the topic "Evolving needs of SMEs: the profession’s role?", in Brussels.

During the event the keynote speech was held by Salvador Marin - President of EFAA, continuing with Chris Austin - Former Chair of the International Accounting Education Standards Board.

Among the agenda items of this event was the stakeholders panel consisting of: Jens Poll – Accountancy Europe Board Member and Vice President in Germany, Martin De Bie – Chair of EFAA’s Digital Working Group and Advisor New Technology and Innovation in The Netherlands, Luc Hendrickx – Director Enterprise Policy and External Relations, SMEsunited in Belgium , Esther Ortiz Martinez – Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Murica in Spain.

Panelists discussed how SMEs in Europe are facing rapid digitization, changing stakeholder expectations, a shifting marketplace, intense pressure to embrace sustainability, and more. The panel raised issues on how can the accountancy profession help the SME sector navigate these changes and do professional accountants / auditors need to change their skillset and services in order to meet the evolving needs of SMEs.

The event continued with discussions of  assurance, accounting, auditing and digitalization expert groups.

Closing Remarks was held by Olivier Boutellis Taft - Accountancy Europe CEO