Speaking at the AGM, Áine stated that ‘It is hard to believe that we are currently offering refuge in Ireland to Ukrainians fleeing from a war zone.
The devastating impact of the invasion of Ukraine is a human tragedy.
The response from the EU has been swift and coordinated. Accountants across Europe are stepping up to ensure that sanctions are applied. We are also ensuring that businesses are doing the right things with a particular focus on anti-money laundering and cyber security.
CPA Ireland has also introduced a range of practical supports for displaced Ukrainian professionals seeking refuge in Ireland. I have no doubt that our community of CPAs is stepping up in response to this humanitarian crisis.
Matters which we took for granted, such as food and fuel certainty, have been thrown into chaos. Supply chain disruption is leading to unprecedented price inflation. The resilience of business owners continues to be tested by Brexit, Covid 19 and now war in Ukraine.
The important role that CPAs play in protecting livelihoods is well recognised by policy makers. CPAs have contributed greatly to government policies in support of businesses. The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohue, expressed his gratitude to me personally for the important role that CPAs are playing.
We are, as professionals, really living up to our public interest purpose in these difficult times.
Difficult as it is to look forward, we must do so with a sense of hope.
Significant trends are emerging in the external environment, including:
- The demand for greater flexibility in terms of when and where we work;
- Digitalisation and the ongoing developments in technology;
- The protection of our planet and the urgency in terms of sustainability; and,
- An increased focus on physical and mental wellbeing.
CPA Ireland continues to adapt our service provisions so that CPAs can continue to deliver value.’