CPA Australia reveals focus for first in-person congress since 2019
Artificial intelligence in finance and accounting is set to be the key focus of the CPA Congress next week.
CPA Australia has revealed the main focus of this year’s CPA Congress will be AI in finance and accounting.
The 2024 congress will feature some of the world’s leading authorities on AI and will run from 15 October to 18 October at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
The event will be held virtually and in-person for the first time since 2019, after being held virtually for the last four years with 42,000 participants.
AI thought leaders will discuss how the integration of AI in accounting may shape the future of business and governance.
The AI thought leaders in attendance at the congress include Stanford University professor, author and generative AI expert, Erik Brynjolfsson, Xaana.AI founder Dan Saldi, former head of digital strategy at Barclays Bank, Megan Caywood Cooper, and founder of two AI companies, Lee Yearsley.
CPA Australia’s business investment and international lead, Gavan Ord, said this year’s CPA Congress will showcase some of the best minds in AI thought leadership and present an exciting learning opportunity for the accounting profession.
“Generative AI is one of the most significant technological developments in history, with the potential to revolutionise accounting and business more broadly,” Ord said.
Brynjolfsson is set to share his insights on how AI will transform, business productivity, innovation and economic growth, as well as explore how generative AI compares in its significance to some of the world’s other ground-breaking technological advancements.
Saldi will present an “unmissable” session on how AI can be leveraged in the accounting and finance sectors to allow professionals to better predict trends, prevent risks and plan strategically.
Ord said Saldi is an expert in using AI for finance and business success.
“Understanding what these technologies can and can’t do is crucial for improving business operations, so his insights will be vital for accountants and finance professionals alike,” Ord said.
Ord said Caywood Cooper would explore a different route examining the revolutionary shift towards AI-powered personalised finance.
Yearsley will host a masterclass on how generative AI could shape the future of finance, business and governance.
CPA Australia said the main driving factor behind the congress is to reveal the importance of new technology adoption in driving business growth, with accountants and finance professionals playing a pivotal role.
Ord said this role of AI in the industry was also highlighted in the recently published 2024 Business Technology Report.
“As trusted advisers and business analysts, it’s vital that accountants continue to follow the latest trends and embrace new tools, like AI, where appropriate,” he said.
“These Congress sessions are an amazing learning opportunity.”
CPA Australia said the theme of the event this year is ‘Level Up’ and will encapsulate the profession’s contribution to progress and making a meaningful impact on clients, organisations and communities.
“It will highlight the essential role our profession plays in driving strategic vision, ethical influence and advocacy for growth.”
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