EFAA 2026 International Conference was hosted by ACCA Ireland in Dublin, on 21 May 2026.
Pictures and slides are available to Members only.
Strengthening Europe’s SMEs: The Strategic Role of the Accountancy Profession
The EFAA 2026 International Conference, held from 20–22 May in Dublin, brought together experts, policymakers, PAOs and SMP representatives from across Europe to discuss the evolving role of the profession in supporting SMEs. The programme focused on key topics including ethics and proportionality, digitalisation and AI, and strengthening Europe’s skills pipeline, with discussions highlighting the importance of practical regulation, professional development and future-ready skills for SMPs. The conference also provided an important platform for international exchange and collaboration across the European accountancy community. The photos and slides to this conference are available to Members only.
Why this conference matters
- SMPs help SMEs contribute fairly to the financial system and provide independent, high-quality advice.
- Their role is crucial for EU competitiveness, high-quality reporting, and driving innovation
- Strong qualifications, education, training, and AI-related upskilling are vital to support the EU’s ambitions.
- Professional Accountancy Organisations are indispensable partners in delivering training and maintaining standards.
High-level speakers and participants
- Gabriela Figueiredo Dias, Chair of IESBA
- Salvador Marín, EFAA President
- Senior representatives from ACCA Ireland (host organisation)
- Representatives from European PAOs, academia and small- and leaders representing small- and medium-sized practices
| 09:15 | Registration & Networking Coffee |
| 10:00 | Opening remarks Salvador Marín, EFAA President Stephen Noonan, Head of Ireland, ACCA |
| 10:20 | Keynote: Strengthening SME Capabilities in Europe: Research, Innovation and the Role of Professional Accountants Vassiliki Chatzipetrou, Co-Founder & CEO, ReadLab and ReadLab Brussels |
| 10:50 | Digitalisation and AI – Sharing Best Practices Damien Charrier, CNOEC President – Video message Hervé Gogibu, CNOEC Moderator: Noël de Rudder |
| 11:30 | Coffee Break |
| 11:45 | Panel 1 – Ethics, the IESBA code and Proportionality Ethics are fundamental to building trust in qualified accountants and underpin the quality and credibility of SMP services, guided by the IESBA Code of Ethics. While PAOs ensure alignment through professional development, ethical requirements must remain proportionate and practical, supported by adequate training and funding. Speaker: Gabriela Figueiredo Dias, Chair IESBA |
| 12:05 | Panel discussion: Gabriela Figueiredo Dias, Chair, IESBA Marc Bihain, Special Advisor to the President IBR-IRE Robert Mul, NBA, Director Public Trust Moderator: Nelson Ferreira, Advisor at Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificado |
| 13:15 | Lunch |
| 14:15 | Panel 2 – Strengthening Europe’s Skills Pipeline: The Evolving Role of SMPs in Delivering EU Priorities Small and Medium Practices (SMPs) play a key role in supporting SMEs and implementing EU priorities, but face significant skills challenges, including talent shortages, increasing demands for digital and AI capabilities, and gaps between education and practice. Addressing these issues requires strengthening the entire skills pipeline—from education to professional development—to ensure the profession remains attractive, future-proof, and aligned with Europe’s evolving landscape. Speaker: Brian McEnery, Managing Partner of BDO Ireland |
| 14:35 | Panel discussion: Brian McEnery, BDO Prof. Alan Lynch, Faculty Lecturer, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology Stefan Dreßler, SMP and DStV Board member Ardiana Bunjako, SCAAK Moderator: Prof. Peter Jelfs, EFAA Advisor |
| 15:35 | Member Representatives’ Messages: Priorities for Europe’s SMPs and PAOs |
| 15:50 | Conclusions Salvador Marín |