25-05-2025
PICPA Doha's webinar highlights CPA's role in cybersecurity, ICFR
Darlene Regis
A free online webinar on cybersecurity and Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) was hosted by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Doha LLC (G) on April 11, via Zoom.
The event featured industry experts who shared valuable insights on how accounting professionals can effectively navigate and adapt to digital risks.
Glenn William Alcala, CPA, CISA, advisory partner and chief information security officer at Reyes Tacandong & Co., discussed the vital role of CPAs in fostering cyber resilience. He underscored the importance of remaining vigilant against cyber threats and shared practical tips using the acronym CPA: C – Be Conscious of social engineering attacks, P – Leverage strong Passwords, and A – Adopt cyber awareness when browsing the web and using devices.
Alcala emphasized that CPAs are prime targets for cyberattacks due to their access to sensitive and valuable financial information as part of their work.
Christian Bravo, CPA, senior manager at EY London's Capital Markets Finance Optimisation, discussed strengthening Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) in the context of digital transformation. His presentation highlighted the need to modernize control frameworks and address the new risks posed by automation and emerging technologies.
The session drew interest from accounting professionals eager to enhance their ability to safeguard themselves and their organizations against cybersecurity threats while refining internal processes in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.
This initiative reflects PICPA Doha LLC (G)'s ongoing commitment to supporting finance professionals by providing relevant learning opportunities that address current challenges and elevate the standards of the accounting profession.
