SOCPA Launches the International Conference on Accountancy Education
Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) launched the first International Conference on Accountancy Education on Jan 3,2023 in Riyadh, under the patronage of His Excellency, the Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SOCPA, Dr. Majid AlKassabi.
The opening ceremony was held in the presence of a number of Excellencies including ministers, presidents, academics, specialists and individuals interested in accounting and auditing. His Excellency, the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majid AlKassabi esteeming the efforts: "We look forward to exchanging expertise and partnerships to develop and leverage the accounting profession through the International Conference on Accountancy Education since is the main component of decision-making." His Excellency stressed, "The accounting industry is getting a great attention in Vision 2030. A great proof of that is the Kingdom today has been among the best countries in the field, as it advanced 15 ranks in 2022. KSA is now ranked the 17th among the 63 most competitive countries in the world.
The opening program included: A speech was delivered by Mr. Bassam Asiri, Senior Vice President and Financial Controller, Aramco (the strategic partner), in which he demonstrated the importance of permanent partnership that contributes to supporting and enhancing the accounting profession. Furthermore, the President of the International Federation of Accountants, Ms. Asmaa Resmouki, gave the opening remarks as she addressed the future of accounting internationally and the most important international opportunities and challenges for the accounting and auditing profession around the world.
The ceremony included the launch of a number of initiatives. Most notably, the accounting hackathon, which aims to embrace innovation in technical solutions in accounting and auditing. Additionally, the accounting simulation labs initiative that adopts the establishment of virtual labs in colleges of administration in Saudi universities to transfer the professional and technical reality to students and support their practical accounting practices. The initiative of mid-level management development that supports the improvement of national cadres specialized in accounting, was launched as well, to enhance their skills and introduce them to a world of distinguished practical opportunities. Further, the launch of The Ministry of Human Resources for Localization initiative to qualify more than 4,500 graduates in finance and accounting fields.
It is noteworthy that this conference is a link between stakeholders, academics, university students and accounting professionals to address important topics and the latest trends in the profession, and to exchange knowledge.