Good Lord! Are we stuck in time?

|

This page in:

Photo by Chico Ferreira, available under a Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0).
(Photo by Chico Ferreira, available under a Creative Commons license - CC-BY-2.0)

Droves of accountants from Latin American and the Caribbean converged in Colombia last month for the 7th staging of the CReCER conference – a knowledge sharing platform created by the World Bank to gather public and private sector decision makers and practitioners around topics, ranging from accounting standard implementation, to capital market development.

While discussing the achievements, development, and future of the accounting profession, I began to ponder the reasons for its stagnation. Despite our many efforts, we are still far from gold medal contention in the race of ‘iron clad professions’.

It was here that I remembered the last cartoon movie I watched on a plane. It was called "The CROODS"; and it occurred to me that my beloved accounting profession may slightly resemble its characters. For those of you who wisely choose to sleep or work during our lengthy travels, "The CROODS" depicts a family of cavemen who were forced to change their outlook and behavior as a result of the destruction of their home.

In my alarmed state, I wondered, "Good lord, am I a Crood? Are my fellow accountants Croods?" Do we only change our modus operandi when forced to? (Think Enron, and CLICO in Trinidad). This then begs the question: can we afford to continue to function as such, in the dynamic business environment in which we currently operate?

I posit that the accounting profession must be more forward-thinking in ensuring that the entities we are tasked with protecting are not jolted as a result of our inadequacies. In addition to keeping abreast on the latest industry changes, we must proactively engage in the dialogue.

The creation of a committee with experts various industries charged with predicting new industry developments; its effects on corporate financial reporting; and the most suitable accounting treatment, would be a step in the right direction.
The aim is for accountants to become the ‘Defenders of the Earth’ instead of intractable ‘Croods’, (I have dibs on "Wonder Woman"); and I believe that conferences like CReCER can continue to unearth ways of doing so.

As "Accounting Super Heroes", we must also recognize our responsibility to those who are smaller and less powerful. Smaller states, though willing to be compliant with the profession's standards and codes, find it difficult to do so due to insufficient resources or capacity.

In very much the same way the profession recognized that due to their inherent difference, SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Entities) needed tailored IFRS, some of the standards and codes may have to be tailored for small state professionals.
Jennifer Nero, Managing Director of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, mentioned in her presentation during the session “Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants: A foundation for Growth", that in order to help the profession's development in smaller states, a tailored small states convergence agenda, and a collaborative and interactive program are needed.

As the newly inducted 'Wonder Woman', I agree.
What do you think?

Authors

Daniel Chalupowicz
August 15, 2013

Oustanding note. I think we must be certainly more than croods but we are not super heroes. Accountants must work to build trust and stability, wioth integrity and ethics, but for now only record journal entries, compile and report the information that can not be trustworhty without the collaboration and even the partnership of the business community as a whole.

Sharla
August 15, 2013

Very thought-provoking, Kerry.

Oliver Tomlinson
August 15, 2013

Well it seems as if the conference was an eye opener and so I say take the charge and lead the evolution of the "Croods" clan into the hew millenium.

Juan Serrano
August 15, 2013

I really enjoyed reading this blog, it is very funny, and at the same time it raises very interesting and valid questions that should make every one of us think about our role as accountants in the post-crisis economy and in the society in general. This article reminded me when I was student. At that time many of my friends kept telling me that accountants were very closed minded people, and to be frank I been hearing the same thing ever since, and actually many times I found it to be true. My take out from CReCER, and from his blog is that this is a time for us to change, radically. I think we need to leave the backstage and show ourselves and to others that we have a lot to contribute, and that many of us are open minded, and are ready to change, unlike the Croods.

keshia
November 03, 2013

Unfortunately the accounting profession has barely evolved past book keeping. Once standards are agreed upon accountants ensure they are upheld, much like the police. The profession merely supports the core business rather than add value. As a business evolves the standards either remain the same or are adjusted to meet the new needs of the business. This is why the profession is "CROOD". Lawyers, Doctors add value before and during an individuals life cycle.

Mission Style Dining Room Furniture
October 03, 2013

Everyone loves it when folks come together and share thoughts.
Great website, stick with it!

Marta
June 03, 2014

I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
I am quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!