AIA President Shahram Moallemi and AIA representatives engaged with key partners at the European Federation of Accountants and Auditors for SMEs (EFAA) International Conference in Marseille, themed “The Role of SMPs in Helping the Competitiveness of the European Private and Public Sectors.”
In an introductory message International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) President Jean Bouquot outlined how SMPs, acting as trusted partners and advisers, support the competitiveness of private and public sectors.
Bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and professionals from across Europe, the conference explored how SMPs can drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Key highlights from the conference included:
- Insightful discussions on SME competitiveness and the evolving role of SMPs in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
- Valuable sessions on expanding service offerings, including sustainability reporting and intellectual property support.
- A panel on AI and digital transformation, featuring real-world applications that are reshaping the accounting profession.
- A roundtable on international accountancy networks, emphasising collaboration and automation for global competitiveness.
AIA Council member George Josephakis and AIA Greece Management Committee member Dimitris Dimitriou, CEO of CPA Kudos, provided an explanation of outcomes from a survey of SMPs related to expanding service offerings in the context of sustainability and assurance.
An engaging line-up of speakers included:
- How SMPs can contribute to the competitiveness of the European private and public sectors
Jean Bouquot, IFAC President – video message - SME Competitiveness: Key drivers across the public and private sectors Q&A
Frédéric Ronal, Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Marseille-Provence - Essential skills, knowledge, and abilities for future accounting professionals
Prof. Dr. Anatoli Bourmistrov, Nord University Business School - EUIPO and the SME Fund
Inge Buffolo, Director Business Development at EUIPO - SMPs and sustainability: sharing best practices and experiences from some EU Countries
Deborah Fisher, Registered Auditor, RSM Belgium
George Josephakis, Managing Director, G. Josephakis Audit Ltd
Mario LLopis, Chief Operating Officer, NER Audit Services - Africa link, sharing best practices
Panayotis Liolios, President - Enhancing efficiency of SMPs and SMEs through AI and eInvoicing
Transforming SMPs using AI and digital innovation
Eriona Bajrakutaj, a UK-based practitioner, who transformed her practice by integrating AI-driven technology and solutions. - eInvoicing – sharing experiences
Damien Charrier, CNOEC President
Bart Van Coile, ITAA President - Leveraging international accountancy networks for process automation and competitive advantage for SMPs and SMEs
Filipa Correia, Crowe Global
Paul Grosjean, DFK International
A new publication has also been released, which AIA will provide to members, focussing on how SMPs can build capacity to support SMEs in sustainability reporting and assurance.
In addition, the event agreed EFAA’s priorities for the coming year including the production of additional guidance for SMPs on artificial intelligence, practice transformation, and sustainability.
AIA President Shahram Moallemi said, “This conference was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow EFAA professional bodies, exchange ideas on the vital role of SMPs, and explore how we can better support accountants. By offering practical guidance and insights grounded in the real-world work of SMPs, AIA is ensuring its members’ voices are heard by policymakers, and we are working on their behalf, every step of the way.”
Note
The European Federation of Accountants and Auditors for small and medium-sized enterprises (EFAA for SMEs) is an umbrella organisation for national accountants and auditors’ organisations whose individual members provide professional services primarily to SMEs within the European Union and Europe as a whole. It was founded in 1994. AIA is a member of EFAA.
EFAA for SMEs has 15 members throughout Europe representing over 400,000 accountants, auditors and tax advisors.
