Bahrain Polytechnic successfully organized the highly anticipated First Accounting Forum on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. This landmark event, titled “Thriving Future through Technology & Accounting Innovation,” provided a dynamic platform where knowledge converged with actionable insights, enabling industry professionals to share their expertise, best practices, and experiences.
The main Oobjectives of the event were to promote sustainable development and empower learners to embrace the abundant opportunities presented by the age of artificial intelligence. Additionally, it sought to enhance employability skills among participants while drawing inspiration from the remarkable journeys of successful leaders representing the prestigious big four auditing companies.
The forum comprised three enlightening sessions led by distinguished speakers. Zahra Taher, the Managing Director at FinMark Communications, delivered an insightful presentation on “The Role of Communication Towards Sustainability and Bahrain Economic Vision 2050.” Layla Al Qassab, the Chief Financial Officer of Benefit, explored “Discovering the Impact of Technology, Digital Transformation, Generative AI, and the Future of Accounting.” Lastly, Abrar Alsayegh, an Audit Supervisor at the National Audit Authority, shed light on “Trends in the Field of Auditing within the Public Sector.” These sessions played a pivotal role in revolutionizing learners’ mindsets, raising their awareness of the crucial role accountants play in sustainable practices, and engaging them in discussions on AI while emphasizing strategies for improved governance and accountability.
Moreover, the event program featured two significant discussion panels. The first panel, an exceptional gathering of influential leaders from the big four audit firms, included Abdullatif Al Mahmood, Audit Director at EY; Saeed Radhi, Audit Director at KPMG; Vivek Mandowara, AssuranceAssuranceAudit Director at PwC Middle East; and Afifa Barakat, Audit Manager at Deloitte. These esteemed panelists shared their invaluable experiences, knowledge, and stories from diverse perspectives, inspiring learners at Bahrain Polytechnic to gain profound insights into the field of auditing.
The second panel was comprised of distinguished professionals: Ali Marzooq, Tax Senior Manager at PwC Middle East; Barbara Filemonowicz, Tax Manager at EY; Mansoor Alwedaie, Associate Director in Tax at KPMG; and Haroon M. Khan, Senior Tax Consultant at Keypoint. This panel delved into a comprehensive discussion on Bahrain Tax from Vision to Reality, effectively transforming learners’ perceptions of the tax industry.
Expressing his views on this momentous occasion, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, the CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic, emphasized the forum’s action-oriented nature. He underscored the institution’s commitment to equipping learners with the skills necessary to drive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Professor Ó Catháin expressed confidence in the accounting major’s ability to make a significant impact in industries through their exceptional talent and unwavering professionalism. Furthermore, he reiterated the institution’s dedication to forging strategic partnerships that foster positive change, ultimately producing graduates equipped with the precise skills demanded by Bahrain’s labor market.
