ISCA Conference 2024 returns, bigger, better and bolder than ever before
Breaking boundaries, this year will feature a two-day event on 14 and 15 November to fulfil the needs of the accountancy and business professionals, offering more content, more networking and more activities along with more space!
Aptly themed Accountancy Renaissance - Leading Positive Disruptions to set Future Foundations, each day of the conference will showcase the rebirth of the Accountancy Industry where we strive for positive and creative disruptions to build new foundations without forgetting our fundamentals.
- Day 1: Accountancy Renaissance: Setting Future Foundations
o Track 1: Private Sector Track - Championed by various ISCA Committees
o Track 2: Public Sector Track - with AGD as a Strategic Partner
- Day 2: Practitioner Renaissance: Leading Positive Disruptions
14 Nov 2024, Accountancy Renaissance: Setting Future Foundations
8.30am - 9.30am | Registration and Networking Breakfast Conference door will be opened at 9.00am |
9.30am - 9.40am | Welcome Address by ISCA |
9.40am - 10.30am | Thought Leadership Keynote Address |
10.30am - 11.30am | From Classroom to Career: Setting Future Foundations for Singapore's New Economy |
Launch of ISCA research report: Accountancy Education – Making it Fit-for-Purpose for the New Economy
Discover how the accountancy programmes will need to evolve to incorporate important soft skills, sustainability skills, and digital and AI skills that are needed for Singapore’s new economy. Speaker: Prof Ho Yew Kee, FCA (Singapore) Deputy Dean, Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies Professor of Practice (Accounting), College of Business City University of Hong Kong Chairman St Luke's Eldercare Ltd Chairman, Audit Committee Singapore Re-Insurance Corporation | |
11.30am - 12.00pm | The Rise of Human-Centred AI: Policies and Regulations Shaping the Future of Accountancy |
Launch of ISCA research report: Championing Human-centered AI Policies and Regulations for Accountancy in Business
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12.00pm - 1.30pm | Networking Lunch |
1.30pm - 2.00pm | Money Combat: Fighting Singapore's Rising Fraud Threat |
Championed by ISCA Financial Forensic Accounting Oversight Committee
From simple credential theft to complex, multi-layered schemes, fraud has transformed into an ever-adapting adversary. Are you equipped to identify these emerging threats before they compromise your organisation and clientele? The recent exposure of a staggering $3 billion money laundering operation stands as a stark reminder of the escalating dangers that organisations confront. This session delves into the pivotal challenge of fraud prevention amidst adversaries
who are ceaselessly refining their strategies. Equip yourself with the knowledge to counter these shifting threats through real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and behavioural analytics. Gain insights from case studies and industry best practices on robust defence mechanisms. Strengthen your safeguards and maintain a competitive edge in the ongoing battle against fraud. | |
2.00pm - 2.45pm | Staying Ahead of Transformations in Financial Reporting |
Championed by ISCA Financial Reporting Committee IFRS 19 is also set to be an impactful new standard as it seeks to reduce the costs of reporting by simplifying financial reporting for subsidiary companies. This segment will provide you with a comprehensive overview of these new and upcoming standards and other trending developments in financial reporting. Speaker: | |
2.45pm - 3.30pm | Panel Discussion: The Renaissance of a Finance Leader's Role - From CFO to Beyond |
Championed by ISCA CFO Committee Hear from our panel of experienced leaders as they share how the expectations and roles of finance leaders have evolved. Starting by delving into how modern finance leaders have expanded their responsibilities beyond traditional accounting and reporting. Today's finance leaders engage in sustainability, data analytics, technology, and AI, adapting to a dynamic business environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, macroeconomic disruptions, and climate risks. The panelists will share their war stories and upcoming expectations, highlighting the challenges faced, such as integrating new technologies, managing talent shortages, and fostering leadership development. Progressing beyond the role of a CFO, our panelists will offer valuable tips for Chartered Accountants to leverage their unique skill set to support the business and transition from CFO to roles like CEO and Executive Directors. Emphasizing
the importance of business acumen, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnership, this discussion will provide interesting points for finance leaders aiming to drive their careers to new heights. | |
3.30pm - 4.15pm | Networking Tea Break |
4.15pm - 4.45pm | The Profession Equation for Ethical AI |
Championed by ISCA AI for AI Taskforce Research Network Ethical considerations and responsible application of AI technology are paramount to maintaining the integrity of financial practices and upholding public trust. This session seeks to dissect the complex issues at the intersection of AI and accountancy. Drawing from a comprehensive study, we will unveil a robust framework designed to guide the ethical deployment of AI within the realm of accountancy. Join us as our expert speaker illuminates the path forward, fostering a dialogue on how to embed ethical principles into the fabric of AI-driven accountancy.
Speaker:
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4.45pm - 5.30pm | Insights into the Review of Financial Statements |
Championed by ISCA Financial Statements Review Advisory Panel Find out the areas of review focus for the FY2024 financial statements. With a Q&A segment, attendees will also have the opportunity to ask their burning questions from subject matter experts and regulators on their insights and
suggestions in complying with the financial reporting standards. Panelist: |
1.30pm - 1.45pm | Keynote Address Speaker: |
1.45pm - 2.15pm | Finance Renaissance: Lesson from International Best Practices |
Hear from our international speaker on their successes and lesson learned from their finance transformation journey. Gain insights into international best practices within the evolving financial landscape.
Speaker:
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2.15pm - 3.00pm | Panel Discussion: |
Since the launch of the Accountancy Workforce Report, the private sectors and accounting firms have responded with their strategies and talent development. Correspondingly, the accountancy workforce of the public sector is indispensable, contributing to the foundations of the success of every organisation while acting as guardians of trust.
Panelists: Ms Esther Wee, CA (Singapore)
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3.00pm - 3.30pm | AI Driven Sustainability: Pioneering the Future |
Discover how AI can help address emerging global sustainability issues, ranging from net zero to circular economy, from forecasting climate impact to building resilience, and from data measurement to efficient audits. Learn how integrating AI optimizes resource management and fosters innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Our speakers will share case studies where AI has been instrumental in predicting environmental trends and contributing to circular economies. Examples of AI-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiencies, reduce costs and open new revenue streams through sustainable initiatives will also be shared.
Speakers: | |
3.30pm - 4.15pm | Networking Tea Break |
4.15pm - 4.45pm | Future-Ready Governance: Harnessing Technology for Public Sector Innovation |
Explore how technology is revolutionizing the public sector, changing not only work processes but also working habits. Gain valuable perspectives on navigating digital transformation and innovation using emerging technologies. This session will provide you with the insights needed to lead successful tech disruptions.
Speaker: | |
4.45pm - 5.30pm | Navigating the Future of Sustainability Reporting and Assurance |
Hear our panel discuss their key takeaways on sustainability reporting and assurance for FY2024.
Panelists: |
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5.30pm End of Day 1. See you on Day 2!
15 Nov 2024, Practitioners Renaissance: Leading Positive Disruptions
8.30am - 9.30am | Registration and Networking Breakfast Conference door to be opened by 9.15am |
9.30am - 9.40am | Welcome Address by ISCA |
9.40am - 10.30am | A Fireside Chat with Guest of Honor Speaker: Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance, and Second Minister for National Development |
10.30am - 11.15am | Thought Leadership Keynote Panel Speaker: |
11.15am - 11.45am | The ESG Advantage: Unveiling Key Insights for Investment Risk & Opportunities |
Championed by ISCA Sustainability and Climate Change Committee
Drawing insights from recent discussions featuring leading figures in investment, real estate, and business valuation, this session will explore how ESG considerations are fundamentally reshaping the valuation landscape | |
11.45am - 12.15pm | Cybersecurity Shield: Protection of Professional Firms |
Professional services firms, with their vast repositories of sensitive client data, have become prime targets for ransomware attacks. Recent incidents involving law firms and other professional services highlight the urgency of this threat. How can these practices safeguard themselves, and what steps should they take in the event of an attack? Join us as our expert speaker delves into effective strategies for protection and response, offering insights on the latest defensive measures and practical steps firms need to implement to mitigate risks and enhance security. The speaker will also share about the unique cybersecurity threats faced by professional firms, sharing compelling real-world cases and insights. Join us to learn from experts about the most pressing challenges and effective strategies to protect your firm from digital threats. Gain valuable knowledge on how to bolster your cybersecurity defences and safeguard your critical data. | |
12.15pm - 1.45pm | Networking Lunch |
1.45pm - 2.30pm | Audit Quality Updates: Delivering Positive Impact through Quality Management |
ACRA’s inspection activities play a pivotal role in advancing the audit profession, raising audit quality, and fostering greater confidence in the financial reporting ecosystem. ACRA will be sharing observations from the new regulatory quality control inspections on accounting entities, which commenced on 1 July 2023, as well as opportunities for these accounting entities to enhance their system of quality management.
Under the Practice Monitoring Programme, ACRA continues to note recurring inspection findings and urges both accounting entities and public accountants to focus on analysing root causes of the inspection findings, so as to devise an effective remediation plan that will drive continuous improvement in audit quality. Speakers: | |
2.30pm - 3.00pm | The GST Discounts Controversy: Landmark Ruling in Direct Marketing |
In a pivotal landmark ruling, the Singapore’s High Court has redefined the GST framework for direct marketing entities. Central to this development was the decision of Herbalife International Singapore Pte Ltd v CGST [2023]
SGHC 54, which revolved around the application of GST on products sold at a discount by Herbalife to its affiliates. The crux of the matter is as follows: should GST be levied on the original or discounted price? Our speaker will delve into the intricacies of this groundbreaking judgment and its ramifications for direct marketing operations carried out in Singapore. He will also explain the arguments put forth by him that influenced the court’s verdict, thereby establishing a favourable benchmark for similar market players that have analogous disputes. Attendees will emerge from this session with an enhanced understanding of the GST intricacies and strategic insights into navigating tax disputes and ensuring tax compliance within their business ventures. Speakers: Mr Vikna Rajah Chairman International Fiscal Association - Singapore Chapter Executive Management Committee Partner, Head of Tax Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP | |
3.00pm - 3.30pm | Governance Guardians: Duties of Diligent Directors |
Championed by ISCA Corporate Governance and Risk Management Committee With recent cases of directors being found liable of losses and holding up to a “staggering” figure of 980 directorships, the duties of officers, director and nominee directors is not as clear as black and white. | |
3.30pm - 4.15pm | Networking Tea Break |
4.15pm - 4.45pm | Fraudcasting: Fact or Myth |
Championed by ISCA AI for AI Taskforce Network | |
4.45pm - 5.30pm | SSA 600 (Revised)- What has Changed for Group Audit? |
Championed by ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee
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5.30pm | End of ISCA Conference. See you in 2025! |