The Association of International Accountants (AIA) was proud to attend and sponsor the British Accounting and Finance Association Annual Conference 2026, hosted by Aston University from 14–16 April 2026. The event once again proved to be a significant gathering for the academic accounting and finance community, bringing together leading researchers, educators, and professional bodies to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the discipline.
Building on its long-standing role in supporting collaboration between academia and practice, British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) delivered a wide-ranging and thought-provoking programme. Across the three days, discussions consistently returned to key themes including research quality, ethical responsibility, sustainability, and the growing importance of trust in an increasingly complex and “post-truth” world.
Throughout the conference, AIA representatives, including Chief Operating Officer, Nicola Perry, and Qualifications Manager, Jane Steele, engaged in conversations with academics and sector leaders on how research, education, and professional practice intersect. These discussions highlighted a shared objective: ensuring that accounting education equips individuals not only with technical knowledge, but also with the critical thinking, ethical awareness, and professional judgement required in practice.
The final day brought many of these themes together, with panels focusing on impact, accountability, and the relationship between research and professional practice. Nicola Perry contributed to discussions on bridging this gap, emphasising the value of continued dialogue between academia and the profession. Sessions on social accountability and the closing plenary reinforced the need for education to reflect real-world complexity, aligning closely with international expectations around professional skills, values, and lifelong learning.
AIA extends its thanks to BAFA, the conference organisers, and contributors including Professor Collins Ntim and Professor Joan Ballantine, for delivering an engaging and enlightening event. The conference also marked key developments within the association, including the appointment of Professor Karim Sorour as Vice President of BAFA.
AIA’s participation in BAFA 2026 reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening the connection between academic research and professional practice. By engaging directly with educators and researchers, AIA continues to ensure its qualifications remain informed, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of the profession.
As the conference concluded, one message stood out clearly: the future of accounting depends on strong collaboration between academia and professional bodies. Events like BAFA play a pivotal role in fostering that connection, supporting a profession that remains ethical, evidence-based, and responsive.
