The World Health Organisation has referred to stress and burnout as the "health epidemic of the 21st Century’". This engaging session is led by Petris Lapis, an accountant who has walked the burnout path herself. It investigates what burnout looks and feels like, where responsibility really lies, how to prevent burnout at both the employer and employee level and stress management and mindfulness strategies to help you thrive more successfully in a demanding work environment.
This is a raw, honest, practical, down to earth session with real examples happening right now. This is your turn to hear stories and strategies relating to burnout and working environments to help the profession and yourself moving forward.
This session is for everyone in the profession who experiences stress, has a demanding work environment, works long hours or manages people who do.
Petris has a diverse range of experience in accounting, law, academia, banking, business and training. She has consulted to government and industry and published books and articles. Her focus is upon improving personal skills and workplace culture so that we can all embrace change and pursue our purpose productively in healthy, happy, safe and supportive environments.
Arun Chauhan, Solicitor & Founder at Tenet 
Topic: Why do people break the rules? Risks, red flags, and best practices for businesses
Session time: 10:40am - 11:40am
Fraud is the most commonly experienced crime in the UK, accounting for over 40% of all crime and a constant threat to businesses.
This session delves into the core factors driving the increase and explores the implications for businesses.
We will examine why people break the rules, whether it be employees or suppliers, shedding light on their motivations and the circumstances and behaviours that lead to fraud. Understanding these underlying reasons is crucial for identifying potential red flags and implementing effective prevention strategies.
Accountants play a pivotal role as watchdogs in detecting and deterring fraud, and Arun will reveal the extent to which accountants need to assess director supplied information and discuss the tools at their disposal to ensure accuracy and integrity in financial reporting. In the event fraud is suspected, swift and decisive action is essential. We will cover appropriate reactions and the range of options available to businesses, including legal remedies and internal controls.
Finally, the presentation will outline best practices for fraud prevention, offering practical insights and strategies to reduce the risks by adopting a proactive approach and staying vigilant to emerging threats.
This session will cover:
- Why is fraud such a big issue for business?
- Why do employees and suppliers act dishonestly?
- What do we really understand about the impact of fraud?
- Corporate criminal liability for fraud in the UK.
- Fraud types impacting UK businesses.
- Case examples (domestic and international).
- Accountant’s obligations to detect fraud.
- Remedies available from the English Courts.
- Prevention and best practice conclusions.
About the speaker
Arun is a lawyer specialising in disputes and compliance issues arising from fraud and financial crime. In 2016 he founded disruptive law firm Tenet, which covers the spectrum of preventative action in the form of training, ethics, governance and policy advice to case investigation and guidance on recovery of loss from financial fraud. The award winning firm has been recognised for its innovation in legal services and won Boutique Law Firm of the Year at The Legal Business Awards 2022 and the client service award at the Reisman Awards hosted by Clio in the US in 2023.
An experienced solicitor for over 20 years, Arun is a Trustee Director for the Fraud Advisory Panel, a member of the Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association and a fellow of the International Compliance Association. Arun is a regular speaker and trainer on counter fraud issues as well as an expert for the BBC providing advice to consumers on fraud risks, featuring on programmes such as Watchdog, Panorama, Rip Off Britain, BBC News and radio
Anju De Alwis
Topic: Web 3 Economy - The opportunity for accountants
Session time: 11:40pm - 12:40pm
Web 3.0 technologies, like blockchain and cryptocurrency, are changing how businesses operate. This Q&A session will explain what Web 3 means for accountants and how it can create new opportunities in areas like auditing blockchain records and managing digital assets.
We’ll also look at how small businesses and accountants can use these tools to improve efficiency and stay ahead in a fast-changing world.
Whether you’re a small practitioner or part of a growing firm, this session will help you understand how to make the most of the Web 3 economy.
We will use a real life case study to guide you.
This session will cover:
- Introduction to Web 3.0 – Overview of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralised finance (DeFi) and their relevance to accounting.
- Digital assets and smart contracts – The accountant's role in managing digital assets like cryptocurrency and using smart contracts.
- Tax, compliance, and regulation – Navigating the challenges of tax reporting, compliance, and regulatory frameworks in Web 3.
- Opportunities for small businesses – How small firms and practitioners can leverage Web 3 to improve transparency and efficiency.
- Future Trends and Risks – Identifying emerging trends and understanding the risks accountants need to manage in the Web 3 space.
About the speaker:
Anju De Alwis is the Managing Director of Ultimate Access Education, a global leader in professional training and development. With over 20 years' experience in finance, technology, and education, she has worked with top organizations like Emirates Airlines, Origin Energy, and BUPA, driving digital transformation and innovation.
Anju is also the Chairperson of CPA Australia’s Ethics Centre of Excellence and is actively involved in academic research on blockchain in education. Her passion for emerging technologies, particularly Web 3.0, drives her mission to empower professionals with future-ready skills.
Alex Peal
Topic: Sustainability – Elevating Opportunities for SMEs and SMPs
Session time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
The session will outline the sustainability landscape for SMEs and SMPs and explore the related challenges and opportunities for these entities. A focus on the opportunity for practitioners will be made through reference to an IFAC publication, whilst a focus on SMEs will also be explored through a Small Business Sustainability Checklist IFAC have also developed. Some of the output from IFAC’s Small and Medium Practices Advisory Group (which the speaker is Deputy Chair of) will also be shared alongside some other resources available electronically from IFAC. The session will emphasise the importance of sustainability for SMEs and SMPs.
This session will cover:
- Setting the scene for SME/SMP sustainability.
- IFACs 4 sustainability challenges and opportunities.
- The role of SMPs in capacity building.
- IFAC’s Small Business Sustainability Checklist.
- Output from IFAC’s SMPAG on this topic.
- Knowledge Gateway and other IFAC resources on sustainability.
The presentation is suitable for practitioners and other staff from SMPs and professional accountants at SMEs. The session will be presented to engage those with little knowledge, but there may be some areas that get others with more established knowledge thinking deeper. If desired, a brief update of progress with the Assurance and ethics standards from IAASB and IESBA could also be provided.
About the speaker:
Alex is a Managing Partner at James Cowper Kreston. He is also an audit partner and a member of the international services, technology and not for profit teams at James Cowper Kreston.
He is Deputy Chair a member of the International Federation of Accountants' (IFAC’s) Small and Medium Sized Practices Advisory Group (SMPAG)
Shelsea Adrian, Yooz
Topic: How can AI and automation significantly improve accounting productivity?
Session time: 2:40pm - 3:40pm
Financial executives and accountants need to understand and appreciate how AI and automation are key allies in managing accounts payable and tracking their performance with accurate data. Thanks to the technology that AI brings, accountants and financial execs get access to real-time accurate data which supports better decision making all the while significantly reducing repetitive and non-added value tasks.
Free Now and Pay by Phone case studies.
This session will cover:
- Which tasks can AI and automation alleviate?
- How can accurate and real time data support better decision-making?
- How does AI work with accounting processes?
- What is the need and context for AI and automation today with accounting processes in the UK?
About the speaker
Shelsea has over 12 years' experience in international sales and customer services, including several years helping global clients to improve their internal processes and gain efficiency in both B2B and B2C sectors.
Shelsea is seen as a trusted advisor who helps companies of all sizes implement adapted strategies and reach their full potential.
