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Press release ACCA - SOEL



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ACCA and SOEL Host highlevel Roundtable on the Future of Audit Talent
 
Athens, Greece – The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Greece (SOEL) held a high-level roundtable in Athens, bringing together CEOs, Managing Partners, and Heads of Assurance from Greece’s largest accounting and auditing firms. The event also featured participation from the Chairman of the Hellenic Accounting and Auditing Standards Oversight Board (HAASOB). Discussions centered on the critical issue of attracting and retaining talent in the auditing profession amidst evolving expectations and challenges.

This timely roundtable addressed key themes such as work-life balance, career satisfaction, remuneration, and the profession’s appeal to younger generations. Participants also explored the role of technology and sustainability in shaping the future of the profession.

Key Discussions and Insights

  • Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
    Participants underscored the importance of offering more flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and remote options, to meet the expectations of younger professionals. Transparency in workload management and investments in technology to reduce manual tasks were identified as crucial strategies for improving employee retention.
  • Remuneration and Career Progression
    Competitive salaries, timely recognition for additional efforts, and creating diverse career paths were highlighted as priorities. Adopting a “career-lattice” model, which allows lateral movements and specialization, was seen as a promising approach to address the traditional rigidity of audit career structures.
  • Technology and Upskilling
    As automation and Artificial Intelligence reshape the profession, firms acknowledged the need for continuous upskilling and early exposure to advanced technologies for new entrants. This ensures professionals remain relevant and confident in a tech-driven landscape.
  • Sustainability and Purpose
    Sustainability reporting is emerging as a significant draw for young talent. By emphasizing the role of auditors in ensuring transparency and accountability in sustainability practices, firms can align the profession with the values of Millennials and Gen Z.
Strategic Recommendations

The roundtable concluded with actionable recommendations to make the profession more appealing to younger generations:

  • Engaging with students at an earlier stage, including high school, to build awareness of the profession’s societal impact.
  • Advocating the profession’s purpose-driven contributions, such as promoting accountability, transparency, and sustainability.
  • Enhancing inclusivity, diversity, and mental health support within audit firms to foster a more empathetic and modern workplace culture.
Looking Ahead

Commenting on the event, SOEL and ACCA representatives agreed that collaboration between national and international associations enables everyone to address the pressing challenges of the audit and accounting professions. This roundtable provided an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas and develop strategies that will shape the future of accounting and auditing in Greece. The insights gathered from this roundtable reflected the global dynamics of the profession based on ACCA surveys.

For further details on the discussions and conclusions from the roundtable, please see the article.
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