Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) 

This session showcased a possible example how Small and Medium Sized Practitioners (SMPs) can employ data analytics solutions to add value to their Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) clients and shared further insights and relevant considerations for SMPs in the area of audit data analytics. The session also provided preliminary insight into the responses to the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) Data Analytics Working Group (DAWG) on its Request for Input “Exploring the Growing Use of Technology in the Audit, with a Focus on Data Analytics”.

The overall aim of the series is to increase the audit profession's capacity to deliver high-quality training and continuing professional development (CPD) programs based on the Standards of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board® (IAASB®). In particular, the workshop series focuses on the needs and challenges of Small and Medium-sized Practices (SMPs) to implement International Standards. The series is conducted with the support of the International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®).

The private equity market in the Western Balkans is at a very early stage of development and there is currently limited investment opportunity. The main source of financial capital available for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) throughout the region currently is through banks; by obtaining lines of credit, bank loans and other forms of debt. Alternative sources of capital are either non-existent or in very low supply.

This virtual workshop allowed participants to gain further insights into Integrated Reporting , learn about the important advocacy role that the global accountancy profession has while supporting theimplementation process, and learn about available tools, resources and examples to help adoption.

Objectives

The overall aim of the Audit Training of Trainers workshops is to increase the audit profession's capacity to deliver high-quality training and continuing professional development (CPD) programs based on the Standards of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board® (IAASB®). In particular, the workshop series focuses on the needs and challenges of Small and Medium-sized Practices (SMPs) to implement International Standards.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), with the support of the Small and Medium Sized Practices (SMPs) Committee that acts as its strategic advisor, supports the SMP sector through a number of initiatives. These initiatives are designed to raise the profile and build the capacity of SMPs globally, as well as increase awareness about their role and value, especially in supporting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

During the first week of May, the regional "Strengthening Auditing and Reporting in the Eastern Partnership" program hosted several knowledge and capacity events aimed at strengthening accounting and auditing profession in Georgia. Joining forces with the Service for Accounting, Reporting and Auditing Supervision (SARAS) and IFRS Foundation, the World Bank’s CFRR delivered two roundtables dedicated to the accounting education and professional development, as well as IFRS Workshop.

The conference on October 2nd featured speakers from the World Bank, the Professional Accountancy Organization Development Committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), as well as representatives from Professional Accountancy Organizations (PAOs) in Poland, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Georgia. The discussions focused on changes in Accounting Law, how to achieve smooth transition by learning good international practices and overcoming challenges, as well as the implications to the accounting profession.

About 300 delegates including ministers of finance, senior government experts, and representatives of the business, professional and academic communities gathered today to discuss the role financial information plays in supporting economic development, regional and global integration of economies, and convergence of income and living standards between poorer and richer countries. The conference took place under the auspices of the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and was organized by the World Bank’s Centre for Financial Reporting Reform (CFRR).