ANNUAL PRACTITIONERS CONVENTION-Mandatory Training (virtual option)

INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS OF KENYA
(Established under Accountants Act, Laws of Kenya)

ANNUAL PRACTITIONERS’ CONVENTION
Theme: Enhancing quality and efficiency in audit, tax and advisory engagements
Date: 12th – 14th August 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Venue: Virtual Delivery

(This is one of the mandatory trainings for Practicing Certificate consideration)

OVERVIEW

The accountancy profession has undergone significant developments and experienced a lot of evolution over the past few years.  In recent years, the global accounting profession has undergone significant transformation due to rapid technological advancements, evolving regulatory frameworks, increasing stakeholder expectations, and the growing emphasis on sustainability and ethics. The audit environment has particularly experienced tremendous developments arising from the effect of new emerging and stringent regulations and standards among other social and economic developments.  This has also happened to the other areas of the profession which has necessitated the change of approach and tact in delivering professional accountancy engagements, to align with rapid developments in technology, geopolitical risks and stringent regulations.

In this dynamic environment, audit practitioners, tax professionals, management consultants, and accounting practitioners must remain agile and well-informed to maintain professional competence and deliver value to clients and stakeholders. This makes it imperative for practitioners to continually update their knowledge and skills in key emerging areas such as sustainability reporting and assurance, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and Anti-Money Laundering Policies.

In Kenya, we have witnessed growing pressure on the audit profession to meet the heightened expectations of regulators, boards, and the investing public following reported major frauds affecting the public such as KUSCCO and OAG reports on county expenditure. Practitioners consequently must shift towards risk-based auditing and value-driven assurance, demanding rigorous application of the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Furthermore, practitioners are today expected to strengthen their forensic capabilities, leveraging data analytics and applying enhanced professional skepticism to detect anomalies and respond to fraud risks early. Practitioners are also faced with challenges revolving around compliance with regulations such as KRA, SASRA, RBA and AML.

As practitioners face expanding roles and increased public scrutiny, soft skills such as communication, leadership, ethical decision-making, and client management are no longer optional; they are critical enablers of success. This forum is therefore designed not only to advance technical mastery but also to empower audit professionals to lead with confidence, integrity, and agility in today’s complex assurance landscape.

It is against this background that the Institute has organized a three-day forum to discuss these critical developments which affect the practitioners in the different categories of practice, and the accountancy profession at large and seek to address the rising concerns of work quality while ensuring that efficiency in undertaking engagements is maintained.  The Annual Practitioners Convention aims to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development, and networking among Practitioners. The convention will focus on equipping practitioners with the latest insights and practical tools to enhance their service delivery in an increasingly complex business environment. The following topics will guide the discussions in the Convention:

TOPICS

1. Global trends in utilization of technology within the accountancy practice
2. Future Fit Accountants: Roles for the next decade
3. State of the accountancy profession in Africa- Trends for accountants in practice within various jurisdictions
4. Shifting landscape for practicing accountants: Utilization of technology for competitive advantage– AI, Blockchain, Audit Software
5. Overview of the Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN)- Milestones and Opportunities
6. Anti-Money Laundering and the Expanding Role of Auditors:

• AML Compliance by practitioners.
• AML frameworks and audit procedures for detecting red flags.
• Evaluating compliance with reporting obligations under AML laws.
• Auditor’s responsibilities in relation to reporting suspicious transactions.

7. Implementation of firm and engagement level quality considerations – an in-depth assessment of the ISQM 1 and 2 requirements; ISA 220
8. Audit approach and evaluation of audit considerations in line with changing standards- A focus on ISA 315 and ISA 500
9. Overview of the taxation landscape and changing laws and the implications to practitioners
10. Overview of the developments within the standard setting environment – international financial reporting standards
11. Overview of the revised IFRS for SMEs
12. Advantages and approaches of adopting ISA for Less Complex Entities for Small & Medium Practices (SMPs) in Kenya
13. Gearing up for Sustainability Assurance for Practitioners In Kenya- Key Requirements and Way Forward
14. Setting up of a firm and submitting winning bids- Positioning practitioners for success through development of responsive proposals
15. Key findings of the Audit Quality Reviews – Major concerns and practical responses to the issues.
16. Firm records management best practice guidelines and effective compliance to standards on reporting
17. Mental health for accounting practitioners during busy seasons
18. Succession planning for SMPs
19. Overview of services rendered under the four categories of licenses and the practitioner’s tool kit;

• Overview of tools and methodologies from IFAC & PAFA
• Challenges and Opportunities for Small and Medium Practices – SMPs

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNITS (CPD UNITS):

Members of ICPAK and reciprocating professional bodies will be awarded 20 CPD Units upon successfully attending each of the Conference sessions.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Private and Public Audit Practitioners, Public Sector Accountants, Chief Finance Officers, Finance Directors and Managers, Tax Experts, Transaction Advisors, Engagement Partners and Key Audit staff, Banking, Extractive and SMEs sector accountants, Internal Auditors, Tax Practitioners, Professionals working in County Governments and private sectors, Academia, employees of the NPO Sector.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT:

1. Charges will cater for daytime meals, conference giveaways, learning materials, and certificates of attendance.

     2.     Delegates are advised to make own travel and accommodation arrangements

ONLINE BOOKING:

Registration: Delegates are reminded to note that online booking for the seminar is mandatory on https://www.icpak.com/event-registration/Online Booking . Delegates are reminded to note that online booking for the training is mandatory.

National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Reimbursement:

The Institute is registered as a trainer with National Industrial Training Authority. The Institute’s registration number is DIT/TRN/47. Participants who are registered levy contributors should apply to NITA for reimbursement of their fees. Please note that this is applicable for Kenyan citizens only and subject to NITA regulations. Remember that to qualify you should apply to NITA for approval prior to the date of the conference. Further details can be obtained from their website (www.nita.go.ke).

Further requests can be channeled to us via telephone calls on, +254 719 074 100,  or via email to marketing@icpak.com

We encourage members to regularly visit our website https://www.icpak.com for updates.