Chartered Accountants Ireland welcomed members back to Chartered Accountants House this week for its annual Risk, Governance & Leadership Conference, with strong attendance and engaged discussion throughout the morning. The return to an in‑person format created valuable space for members from finance, governance, risk and leadership roles to share perspectives on judgement, oversight and decision‑making in uncertain times.
Many of the issues explored closely reflected themes the Institute continues to advance through its advocacy and policy engagement on behalf of members. A consistent message was that uncertainty is no longer a short-term issue but a normal part of doing business, requiring organisations to strengthen judgement, governance and resilience rather than simply respond to individual risks. Speakers reinforced that risk assessment is as much behavioural as analytical, echoing the Institute’s continued emphasis on proportionate regulation, sound oversight and effective decision‑making.
Agility and the ability to adapt to inevitable but unanticipated change emerged as a critical asset, not just for organisations, but for individuals and their skillsets. The ‘what’ may be unknown, but the need to respond effectively is increasingly certain.
Discussion also examined the challenges and opportunities facing growth companies, including access to capital, regulatory complexity and the pressure to scale while maintaining strong governance. Members reflected on policy directions at EU, Irish and UK level, including the proposed 28th regime, and how efforts to reduce regulatory burden and improve competitiveness will shape business decisions in the years ahead – issues that feature prominently in the Institute’s ongoing advocacy.
The evolving role of accountants, particularly CFOs and senior finance leaders, was a recurring theme, particularly in supporting decisions under conditions of incomplete information. Contributors highlighted growing expectations from investors, boards and management teams for clear insight, credible assurance and informed challenge. Investor perspectives underscored the importance of transparency, resilience and credible strategy, alongside practical measures such as cash‑flow management, cost control and balance‑sheet discipline.
The role of AI and technology also featured strongly. Discussion acknowledged the opportunities AI presents for analysis and efficiency, while reinforcing the need for judgement, accountability and ethical oversight. This aligned closely with the Institute’s position that accountants must act as informed and responsible users of AI ensuring that governance keeps pace with technological change.
Culture, accountability and leadership sustainability were identified as critical enablers of effective decision‑making. Contributors reflected on how behaviour under pressure, clarity of responsibility and strong professional networks influence outcomes, particularly as demands on senior leaders continue to intensify.
Overall, the conference reinforced the strong alignment between members’ lived experience and the positions the Institute continues to represent through its advocacy work. Chartered Accountants Ireland is already looking ahead to the Risk, Governance & Leadership Conference 2027, taking place on 13 May 2027, and will continue to deepen engagement with members in business throughout the year ahead.
You can view photos from the conference here
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