Because People Count

Sustainability will never do without Governments

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 09:38:49 GMT

In our third episode of season three we continue our discussion on sustainability reporting standards with Accountancy Europe's senior manager Paul Gisby, this time with a focus on governments, mainly excluded from our last debate.

Governments make up a major part of the world economy with currently no internationally accepted standard for sustainability reporting, or for other elements of NFI reporting. Therefore it is crucial for the public sector to be held accountable through sustainable reporting standards tp help us reach our global climate goals. Tune in to hear how this necessary change for the public sector is a pillar of Accountancy Europe's Green Recovery Counts campaign and how we are working on pushing for more action from national governments in public sector NFI and sustainability reporting.

Have a listen to what would happen if governments were obliged to do sustainability reporting and what kind of difference that could make in helping us achieve global climate goals. And how can we go about putting the wheels in motion for this?

Stay tuned to hear more about updates on EU financial and non-financial matters and follow us on iTunes, Spotify and more!

For further information on the podcast, please contact: news@accountancyeurope.eu

Photo Credit: Accountancy Europe, 2021

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There’s no Creation like Co-creation: Sustainability Reporting Standards

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 13:31:49 GMT

Season three continues with our very own Jona Basha, Senior manager at Accountancy Europe, and a look into sustainability reporting standards. She answers crucial questions about the sustainability reporting standards and how they make a difference.

Unlike financial reporting, which is based on a globally trusted set of standards, sustainability reporting is still fragmented. Many competing options of what to report on emerged over the years. These varying ‘standards’ allowed companies to cherry pick the standard that would show them in the best light. But where does this leave the global debate? Is the EU striking out on its own?

Jona takes us on a deep dive into the political debate around how and who should develop these standards. We also look at where the process stands and how it could best achieve its goals.

Stay tuned to hear more about updates on EU financial and non-financial matters and follow us on iTunes, Spotify and more!

For further information on the podcast, please contact: andrea@accountancyeurope.eu

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Reporting beyond the Financials: Sustainability on the Books

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:21:48 GMT

We kick off season three with a look at how our sustainable future begins with corporate reporting. How can that be, you might ask?

Nadja Picard, Global Reporting Leader at PwC Germany joins us to answer some crucial questions about the future of corporate reporting.

Many companies are already going beyond the financials, but without harmonisation in non-financial reporting standards, this can very easily lead to greenwashing, as companies choose to report only the non-financial information that makes the company look good.

We spoke with Nadja on how financial and non-financial reporting has to come together to give a more accurate picture on company performance. She also discusses how EU efforts and global non-financial reporting standards will have to be aligned and why.

Stay tuned to hear more about updates on EU financial and non-financial matters and follow us on iTunes, Spotify and more!

For further information on the podcast, please contact: andrea@accountancyeurope.eu

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A 360 view on Sustainable Corporate Governance

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 08:48:40 GMT

Before the summer break, we present you a special episode at the end of this season: On June 21 Accountancy Europe held a virtual fireside chat between European Parliament Vice-President Heidi Hautala and Olivier Boutellis-Taft, CEO of Accountancy Europe, which we turned into a podcast episode.

In anticipation of the Commission’s proposals on Sustainable Corporate Governance, Heidi Hautala and Olivier Boutellis-Taft discussed the expected reform and how it can drive the transition to a sustainable economy.

They touched on what the European Parliament is doing and why it’s now the duty of the Commission to be more ambitious and make the corporate governance revolution a success in this crucial final decade of climate change.

Hear now how the charismatic Heidi Hautala also puts the accountancy profession in the hot seat to answer how our profession can make the next “Brussel moment” happen!

Watch the video of the Fireside chat here.

For further information on the podcast, please contact: andrea@accountancyeurope.eu

Photo Credit: European Union, 2021

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Do accountants hold the key to changing our flawed economy?

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 12:04:00 GMT

The modern economy is flawed. It tends to ignore non-financial ‘externalities’, like the environment, when considering a company’s bottom line. As a result, our planet is at risk of massive environmental degradation.

However, accountants can adapt and flip the balance sheet. We speak with Andrew Watson, co-founder of Rethinking Capital, about how this shift in accounting practices could hold the key to changing our economy. Listen now to hear how simple it is to bring sustainability into the heart of business.

Links to check out:

Rethinking Capital

Rethinking Capital paper: Constrained by Accounting

Rethinking Capital paper: Constrained by Economics

For further information on the podcast, please contact: andrea@accountancyeurope.eu

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The shift to sustainability: A CFO’s journey

Fri, 21 May 2021 06:38:18 GMT

We’ve covered the shift to sustainable corporate governance from a variety of angles on the podcast so far, and now we turn to the private sector to see what companies are doing. After all, they are a major player to get us beyond “business as usual”.

In this episode, we spoke with Karim Hajjar, Chief Financial Officer of Solvay. He shared with us not only Solvay’s experience of integrating sustainability into its business practices, but also his own personal story of why he believes that value must include more than just the financial bottom line.

On June 21 we will also hold an event on corporate governance with MEP Heidi Hautala as a guest. Further information and registration can be found here.

But first listen to our latest episode, in which we embrace corporate vulnerability as it could mean the end of greenwashing!

Links to check out:

Sustainable Corporate Governance - A fireside chat with MEP Heidi Hautala

Paper: 10 ideas to make corporate governance a driver of a sustainable economy

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An inside look into the BEIS consultation

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 07:31:48 GMT

Everyone is talking about the BEIS consultation into "Restoring trust in audit and corporate governance" in the UK.

To dig deeper into this consultation, we invited Mark Babington, the Executive Director of Regulatory Standards from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to share with us what is in the consultation and the work that FRC has done in the area of audit reform.

Listen now and find out more about how the consultation addresses all aspects of corporate governance!

Links to check out:

BEIS consultation: Restoring trust in Audit and Corporate Governance

FRC website

FRC: webinars, blogs, podcasts

Podcast Episode: Get your seat at the top table

Podcast Episode: The EU & the fight against financial crime (Part 1)

Podcast Episode: Accountants & the fight against financial crime (Part 2)

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Accountants are the key for IP

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:15:53 GMT

The core of every business is its ideas, concepts and know-how. Protecting this intellectual property (IP) is standard for large companies, but is often still a mystery for SMEs. In this episode, we speak to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), whose mission is to help businesses register their IP. Our guests Andrea Di Carlo, Deputy Executive Director and Inge Buffolo, Director of the Customer Department, explain to us why so few SMEs protect their IP and how the new EUIPO program “Ideas powered for business” can be the solution.

But where does the accountancy profession fit in?

According to data from EUIPO, accountants are the most trusted advisor for SMEs and they can play a critical role in setting SMEs up for success through the protection of their IP. At the same time, this offers new opportunities for the accountancy profession, to become holistic business advisors to their clients.

If this episode has piqued your interest, we would like to welcome you to our joint event with EUIPO on May 4th. Further information on the event and registration will follow shortly.

Links to check out:

EUIPO program “Ideas powered for business”

EUIPO website

Follow-up paper: SME risk management - Insolvency

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Get your seat at the top tables

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 09:19:40 GMT

For the first time we interview two guests for the podcast: Myles Thompson, President of Accountancy Europe and Mark Vaessen, Deputy President of Accountancy Europe. Myles is our go-to expert on audit and has been leading our work on fraud and going concern. Mark is focused on making harmonised, integrated non-financial information reporting standards for corporate reporting a reality.

We talked about the momentum and the speed of change in both audit and corporate reporting, both are in the global spotlight and are more relevant than ever.

Myles and Mark are challenging the profession to become bolder. They call on auditors to get outside of their comfort zone. After this episode one thing is sure, it has never been more exciting to be a part of the accountancy profession! Listen now.

Links to check out:

Going concern: recommendations to strengthen the financial reporting ecosystem

Fraud: recommendations to strengthen the financial reporting ecosystem

Podcast: Without human capital, there is no capital

Follow-up paper: Interconnected standard setting for corporate reporting

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Without human capital, there is no capital

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 08:35:44 GMT

As the Covid-19 pandemic and remote working continue into 2021, we cover mental health at work in this episode. We spoke to Vic Petri, CEO and Founder of Performance Innovations and former Partner at PwC, to learn about how to maintain motivation and drive. He was a global lead on human capital, focused on resolving mental health issues to guide teams to better performance and a healthier work environment. He discusses how to face mental health issues during an ongoing worldwide pandemic and also how the accountancy profession must embrace change to be ready for the future. He urges a fundamental shift in the leadership paradigm, where the leader serves the team, not the other way around.

Tune in if you want to know what the accountancy profession can learn from the military and sport teams, and why our biggest goal should be to be ‘in flow’.

Links to check out:

Performance Innovations

Vic Petri on LinkedIn

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Time to build back better corporate governance

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 11:14:37 GMT

In our first episode of 2021, Mathilde Mesnard, Deputy Director for Financial and Enterprise Affairs at the OECD, discusses the global debate around corporate governance. She breaks down the incremental changes that businesses have made to become more responsible and sustainable, but she sees now, that a more fundamental shift is necessary. She sees the need for system change, re-focusing corporate purpose on environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters . We also touch upon the work being done at EU level to advance this discussion and create new norms for businesses.

Last November, we discussed the work at EU level to embed sustainability at the heart of business decision-making when we interviewed Olivier Boutellis-Taft CEO at Accountancy Europe. That episode is a good companion to this discussion, and I suggest you give it a listen.

Links to check out:

10 ideas to make corporate governance a driver of a sustainable economy

The OECD's work on corporate governance

OECD Business and Finance Outlook 2020 - Sustainable and Resilient Finance

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Ethics, digitalisation and accounting

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 16:42:39 GMT

In our final episode of 2020, we speak with Brian Friedrich, board member of the International Ethics Standards Board (IESBA). Brian focuses on the digitalisation of the accountancy profession and the role of ethics in the digital transition. During this episode, Brain delves deeper into how IESBA interacts with the work of accountants and auditors and how working with an international code of ethics provides support for new technology-driven services. We also discuss the importance of transparency, accountability and data privacy more broadly within the profession.

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Corporate governance for a sustainable economy

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 10:42:46 GMT

In this episode, we speak with Accountancy Europe’s CEO, Olivier Boutellis-Taft, on the importance of corporate governance in paving the way for a sustainable economy. Olivier emphasises the urgency of the current environmental social and governance crises, which have become even more apparent since the Covid-19 pandemic began. He explains how sustainable corporate governance can be instrumental in keeping businesses and the economy functioning. Olivier makes reference to the European Commission’s Action Plan on Corporate Governance and notes the role that accountants can play at all levels in corporate governance.

Links to items referred to in this episode:

10 ideas to make corporate governance a driver of a sustainable economy

Consultation response: EC roadmap on sustainable corporate governance

Blogpost: What COVID-19 made clear: corporate governance needs to focus on the right risks

See all of Accountancy Europe's work on corporate governance

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Sustainable finance – an inside look

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 10:40:25 GMT

Our latest episode is an exclusive discussion with the Chair of Accountancy Europe’s Sustainable Finance Group, Wim Bartels and the Vice-Chair of the same group, Rami Feghali. In this episode, we learn about how the accountancy profession is preparing for the EU’s shift to sustainable finance. Specifically, they address what is being done on the side of accountants to accommodate sustainability into corporate reporting. They discuss the practical challenges and opportunities for the profession which includes non-financial reporting & assurance and non-financial reporting standards. Please note that there are 3 key acronyms frequently mentioned throughout: ESG (Environmental, Social & Government), NFRD (non-financial reporting directive) and IAASB (International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board).

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The European Commission’s take on ESEF

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 10:22:01 GMT

In this episode, we bring you highlights from a speech made by the European Commission’s Alain Deckers about the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF). He is the Head of Unit for Corporate reporting, Audit and Credit Rating Agencies in DG FISMA at the European Commission and he spoke at our Implementing ESEF webinar. Alain discusses the importance of sustainability and digitisation for the EU agenda and how ESEF fits into this larger picture. He further explains the possibility of a delay with ESEF, how it fits into the capital markets union (CMU) action plan and the European Single Access Point (ESAP). He mentions the Commission’s interpretive communication, and notes that this will likely provide more clarity on the audit of ESEF.

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SMEs: What's next?

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 07:12:07 GMT

In this episode we speak with the digital expert of the Accountancy Europe SME team, Martin de Bie. Martin talks to us about the digital transition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and how going digital is the best chance for SMEs to stay competitive in a modern economy. He further discusses the main challenges between SMEs and digitalisation, the risks involved with insolvency and SMEs as well ways in which accountants can best adapt to the evolving environment. Have a listen to also find out about what can be done to avoid an SME crash post-Covid-19 and how Accountancy Europe can help support SMEs across Europe.

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Accountants & the fight against financial crime (Part 2)

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 08:53:50 GMT

In Part 2 of our conversation with the Chair of Accountancy Europe's anti-money laundering (AML) working party, Angela Foyle, we discuss the role of accountants in the fight against financial crime. Angela discusses the public responsibility of accountants in AML, the need for a multidisciplinary supervisor to regulate the financial sector as well as the importance of ensuring cooperation continues between the EU and the accountancy profession. Angela also explains how the Covid-19 pandemic has directly impacted the fight against financial crime and how accountants can help mitigate the new risks.

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The EU & the fight against financial crime (Part 1)

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 10:20:54 GMT

Accountancy Europe’s podcast Because People Count is back! With the European Commission President citing anti-money laundering (AML) as a priority in her state of the union letter of intent, we delve into the fight against financial crime with Angela Foyle, Chair of Accountancy Europe’s AML working party.

The first part of this interview focuses on AML within the European Union, specifically the European Commission’s AML action plan and why it is important for the EU to implement this. Angela further explores the reasons behind the push for an AML focused agenda, as well as a background of the development of AML from a EU perspective and broader implications of money laundering for EU financial markets.

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Public sector and the coronavirus (Part 2)

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:26:30 GMT

In part 2 of our conversation with the Chair of Accountancy Europe’s Public Sector policy group, Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger, we discuss the long-term actions required to help overcome the Covid-19. Thomas discusses the importance of high quality financial reporting standards which can lead to greater consistency and comparability for the public sector. He also discusses how the Coivd-19 crisis highlighted the lack of investment in the public sector which now requires the proper tools in order to move forward with recovery which will also be crucial to ensure a successful transition towards a sustainable economy.

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Public sector and the coronavirus crisis

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 09:37:19 GMT

In our fifth coronavirus bonus episode we talk to Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger, Chair of Accountancy Europe’s Public Sector policy group. Thomas discusses with us how the Coivd19 crisis differs from the 2008/09 financial crisis and the wider repercussions of the global lockdown across the economy. He also talks to us about the need for good governance across the public sector and the importance of transparency when dealing with government expenditures in light of the coronacrisis. Stay tuned to hear more about updates on EU financial and non-financial matters!

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Europe and the coronavirus crisis: what’s next?

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:43:05 GMT

Our fourth coronavirus bonus episode looks at how a post Covid-19 Europe might look like in an interview with Eleni Kanelli, Head of Advocacy at Accountancy Europe. Eleni discusses with us her predictions for Europe following the recent EU recovery plan announcement and the particular importance of sustainability in the recovery efforts which she argues is now even more crucial. She also explores the role of accountants and how they can help companies broaden their approach to risk management and help assess their relationship with the environment in the long term.

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Corporate reporting and the coronavirus crisis

Fri, 15 May 2020 08:24:30 GMT

In our third bonus coronavirus episode we speak with Ben Renier, Senior Manager at Accountancy Europe. Ben explores the repercussions of the corona crisis for corporate reporting and particularly focuses on banks. He also discusses how IFRS 9 can incorporate the irregularities of the current situation and outlines other accommodations that have been made for both companies and banks to report on this period.

Stay tuned to hear more about the updates on EU financial and non-financial matters!

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Reporting and Auditing during the coronavirus pandemic

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:23:03 GMT

In this special coronavirus episode, we talk to Hilde Blomme, Deputy CEO of Accountancy Europe. Hilde discusses the broader impacts that the pandemic is having on financial reporting and auditing. She discusses the ways in which the reporting will need to adapt and the practical implications for the auditing profession. She also touches on the future, post-crisis, and what structural changes may need to be introduced. Stay tuned to hear more about updates on EU financial and non-financial matters!

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Accountants helping SMEs during coronavirus

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 11:32:14 GMT

In this special coronavirus episode, we talk to Accountancy Europe's President Florin Toma. He works at an SME accountancy firm and is on the front line, helping SMEs survive the coronavirus crisis. He discusses how SMEs can protect themselves in the face of the global pandemic and the relationship between accountants and SMEs. Stay tuned to hear more about updates on EU financial and non-financial matters!

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Reforming the tax system

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 10:16:05 GMT

In the third episode of ‘Because People Count’ we are joined by MEP Paul Tang(S&D, NL), Mia D’Adhemar (GRI), Femke Groothuis (the Ex’Tax Project), Christophe Pourreau (Director of tax legislation at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, France) and Chiara Putaturo (Oxfam EU). Our speakers, who range from both the private and public sector, discuss reforming the tax system by tackling tax avoidance, incorporating sustainability and adjusting to a digital economy. Stay tuned to hear more about updates on EU financial and non-financial matters!

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The European Commission's approach to tax

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 12:58:12 GMT

In the second episode of ‘Because People Count’ we hear from highlights from the speech of Benjamin Angel (Director, DG TAXUD European Commission) at Accountancy Europe’s Tax Day. Angel discusses with us the European Commission’s response to challenges to the tax system including their work at OECD level to modernise the tax system. He discussed the possibility for an EU framework on cooperative compliance and the possibility of legislative action to ensure that online platforms transfer information to tax authorities. Stay tuned to hear more about updates on EU financial and non-financial matters! Subscribe today on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud and more!

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Because People Count

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:55:33 GMT

In this first episode of ‘Because People Count’ host Andrea Campbell interviews Accountancy Europe’s tax policy manager Johan Barros about the EU’s upcoming tax agenda for 2020 and beyond.

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