2026 Accountancy & Audit Series

Overview of the most significant global accounting and audit standard updates in the past 12 months

IFRS, US GAAP, and ISA changes relevant to financial services

Convergence and divergence trends across jurisdictions

Regulatory enforcement priorities and their implications for audit practices

Preparing finance teams for implementation and compliance

Defining operational resilience and its regulatory context

Mapping critical business services and dependencies

Integrating operational resilience into enterprise risk frameworks

Stress testing and scenario planning

Building a culture of resilience through governance and training

Emerging ESG reporting frameworks and regulatory mandates

Integrating ESG into audit and assurance processes

Identifying and managing ESG-related risks

Materiality assessment and stakeholder engagement

Enhancing credibility and avoiding greenwashing

Scope and objectives of forensic accounting in FS

Common financial irregularities and red flags

Investigation techniques and digital evidence gathering

Working with regulators and law enforcement

Reporting findings and supporting litigation 

Overview of international tax principles and frameworks

OECD guidelines and BEPS updates

Transfer pricing methods and documentation requirement

Managing tax risks in cross-border structures

Practical compliance strategies for multinational FS businesses

Key AI and automation applications in finance

Risk identification: bias, compliance, and security concerns

Opportunities for efficiency, accuracy, and innovation

Governance and regulatory expectations for AI use

Change management for successful adoption

Overview of the M&A process in financial services

Accounting treatment under IFRS and US GAAP

Valuation methodologies and risk factors

Post-merger integration challenges

Governance and stakeholder communication during M&A

Identifying cost inefficiencies in finance functions

Transitioning from legacy systems to modern platforms

Leveraging technology for automation and analytics

Aligning cost transformation with strategic objectives

Measuring success and sustaining improvements 

Common ethical challenges in FS accounting

Applying professional codes of ethics and regulatory standards

Balancing commercial pressures with ethical obligations

Whistleblowing frameworks and protections

Building an ethical culture within finance teams

Types of complex financial instruments in FS

Fair value measurement principles and hierarchy

IFRS and US GAAP disclosure requirements

Risk assessment and sensitivity analysis

Enhancing transparency for stakeholders