IFAC (United States)

AI, data analytics, cloud and automation are redefining the auditor's role—and what it takes to be trusted. Technology is not making auditors less relevant. If anything, it is expanding their role. Auditors have moved beyond testing individual transactions and are increasingly being asked to provide assurance over systems, data, sustainability information and, ultimately, digital trust. The UK is a useful reference point.

The 2025 IFAC Annual Report explores how IFAC worked alongside our members and partners around the world to help the accountancy profession respond to these challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. “The years ahead will undoubtedly bring more disruption, but they will also bring new opportunities to lead, innovate, and strengthen trust.

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Ian Browne, ACMA, CGMA, MSc, BBS became technical advisor to the Chair of the IPAE in January 2026, nominated by Chartered Accountants Ireland. Ian is the Director of Education at Chartered Accountants Ireland, where he leads the strategic transformation of professional education for over 8,500 students across the island of Ireland.

Sinéad Donovan Chair, IFAC International Panel on Accountancy Education Sinéad Donovan was appointed Chair of the IFAC International Panel on Accountancy Education, effective January 1, 2026. Ms. Donovan is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and served as a partner in Grant Thornton Ireland from 2005 and as Chairperson of the firm from 2021 until January 2025 following the successful amalgamation with Grant Thornton US.

Get the latest updates delivered to your inbox. Manage your subscriptions. First time here? Try the IFAC.org user's guide. Copyright © 2026 International Federation of Accountants. All rights reserved. Any person accessing this site agrees to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Contact permissions@ifac.org for permission to reproduce, store, translate or transmit this document. International Federation of Accountants Tel: +1 (212) 286-9344 570 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10022 Contact us

As the accountancy profession continues to evolve alongside global developments, those working within the field are increasingly focused on understanding what these changes will look like and how best to prepare for the future. One way to gain insight into these developments is by examining trends within specific regions that reflect broader issues and transformations affecting the accountancy profession.

Get the latest updates delivered to your inbox. Manage your subscriptions. First time here? Try the IFAC.org user's guide. Copyright © 2026 International Federation of Accountants. All rights reserved. Any person accessing this site agrees to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Contact permissions@ifac.org for permission to reproduce, store, translate or transmit this document. International Federation of Accountants Tel: +1 (212) 286-9344 570 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10022 Contact us

Country South Africa Neo is the Accountancy Education Standard Setting Lead at IFAC. He is a Chartered Accountant (South Africa), who holds a master’s degree in accounting sciences from the University of South Africa (Unisa).

Neo is the Accountancy Education Standard Setting Lead at IFAC. He is a Chartered Accountant (South Africa), who holds a master’s degree in accounting sciences from the University of South Africa (Unisa).