Latest news with #KushAhuja
Mid East Info
12-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Governments should grasp gender-responsive budgeting as an opportunity to address systemic gender disparities
Gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) should be seen by policymakers and governments as a key tool for driving inclusive growth and systemic change. In new research, Gender-responsive budgeting: unlocking the potential, global accountancy body ACCA draws on the experience of professional accountants and leaders across Eastern Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East. Joe Fitzsimons, senior manager, Policy and insights, ACCA, said: 'This report offers critical insights into the strategies and tools that facilitate the effective adoption of GRB across government agencies and state-owned organisations. Accountants have a vital role in the application of GRB using their skills and knowledge of data analysis, budgetary techniques and policy advocacy. They can also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of GRB implementation. Governments are increasingly turning to GRB as they pursue more equitable and just societies.' The Middle East Institute has recommended that the full participation of women on national adoption plans represents a key opportunity to develop gender-response policies and actions. Kush Ahuja, Head of Middle East and Eurasia, ACCA, said: 'At ACCA we demonstrate the profession's ability to lead in addressing the world's more pressing issues. We look forward to working with government, policymakers, business and other stakeholders to see how GRB can be adopted as a force for good in the region.' The report recommends policy makers adopt the following to move towards implementing GRB: Build institutional capacity and awareness Strengthen data collection and analysis Learn from best practice and benchmark against peers Establish inter-ministerial collaboration and partnerships Champion gender-balanced leadership and decision-making. Jessica Bingham, Global Sustainability Lead – Strategy, ACCA, said: 'Incorporating gender considerations into budgetary processes enables governments to ensure that resources are allocated in a way that meets the diverse needs of all. This in turn promotes fairness but also lays the foundations required for sustainable economic growth and social inclusion. Policymakers have an opportunity to embrace GRB and ensure it is a fundamental component of their strategies creating a more equitable future for all.' Read the report here.
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ACCA report: Accountants' role in AI adoption extends beyond traditional financial controls
Findings from the latest in ACCA's series of AI Monitor reports, Risk and Responsibility, underscore the vital role of professional judgement in ensuring the successful adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). As organisations in the Middle East accelerate AI integration, accounting professionals are uniquely positioned to guide ethical and effective implementation, balancing innovation with robust governance. 'In the Middle East, as AI technologies become integral to business operations, accounting professionals play a crucial role in connecting technological potential with practical application. Their expertise ensures that AI initiatives are not only innovative but also aligned with ethical standards and strategic objectives,' comments Kush Ahuja, Head of Eurasia and Middle East at ACCA. The Risk and Responsibility report highlights that while AI has the potential to enhance human capabilities, it also presents challenges related to control, reliability and professional responsibility. For organisations in the Middle East, where AI adoption is expanding rapidly, it is essential to balance technological advancements with strong governance frameworks. When it comes to classifying AI risks, a couple of immediate threats for many organisations relate to the significant amounts of investment being committed and either unrealistic expectations or poor judgement concerning the potential impact of integration. While AI continues to promise huge potential, real value remains far more elusive and difficult to quantify. ACCA believes success will come through combining traditional financial acumen with new forms of technological oversight to maintain the profession's fundamental role as arbiters of trust and integrity. These capabilities don't replace professional judgement, but underscore its importance. Professional judgement and critical thinking will be fundamental to dealing with AI-generated insights. Demonstrating the application of professional expertise and documenting how decisions are made when using AI is important to support transparency and accountability. Alistair Brisbourne, head of technology research, ACCA, said: "Safely introducing AI into how our organisations work and make decisions isn't just about technology - it's about redefining how we exercise things like professional judgement. As regulatory frameworks evolve and AI capabilities expand, success will depend on striking the right balance: leveraging AI's analytical power while strengthening professional expertise." "Traditional concepts of materiality and professional scepticism are being reframed in the context of AI systems that can analyse entire datasets rather than samples during an audit, for example. This shift challenges accountants to think differently about risk assessment and the nature of professional evidence." While professionals don't need to be technical experts, they need sufficient understanding to exercise appropriate judgement. Being an AI specialist in every application is impossible. Instead, the profession needs to develop consistent frameworks that ensure uniformity in language and practice across different projects and applications. The report points out that accountants are uniquely positioned to harness AI's potential while maintaining robust safeguards. But their role in AI risk management extends beyond traditional financial controls. Moving forward, their contribution must reflect a three-layered approach: data, architecture, and business impact. Brisbourne added: "Organisations need to build principles of transparency, accountability and clear procedures for monitoring and improvement into their AI adoption and implementation plans. If they do that, they'll find themselves well-positioned to leverage new capabilities and meet changing regulatory and stakeholder expectations." Read the shorthand report. Middle East media contacts: Natalie Glorney natalie@ Sheila Tobias sheila@ For media enquiries, contact: ACCA News Room E: newsroom@ About ACCA We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide. Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we've long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries. Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies. Guided by our purpose and values, our ambition is to lead the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we're strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all. Find out more at:
