Being a trendsetter within the university system, the Department of Accountancy (DoA), University of Kelaniya is gearing up for its highly anticipated annual event aimed at fostering knowledge exchange on Corporate Reporting and launching the Case Studies in Accounting Journal which is a collection of practical and contemporary accounting issues identified by the final year undergraduates during their mandatory internship training period. With a strong commitment to forging connections with industry professionals, the DoA is proud to present ‘Rejuvenation in Corporate Reporting for the Next Decade’ on June 22, 2023 as a fully-fledged online event with the participation of all the professionals in the industry. This insightful event will feature expert talks on Modern Slavery Reporting and Sustainability Reporting alongside an exploration of accounting interns’ practical encounters in various sectors.
As a platform for industry-academia collaboration, the event seeks to empower participants with novel insights and inspire forward-thinking approaches to corporate reporting. By bridging the gap between academia and the corporate world, the DoA aims to facilitate a productive dialogue that addresses emerging challenges and shapes the future of responsible reporting practices. One of the highlights of the event will be the two keynote speeches on Modern Slavery Reporting by Dr. Katherine Christ, Senior Lecturer in Accounting at the University of South Australia and Sustainability Reporting for the Next Decade by Sharath Martin, ACCA’s Senior Policy & Insights Consultant, Asia Pacific Region. Esteemed industry experts will share their knowledge and perspectives on these critical topics emphasizing their relevance and significance for the next decade. As we embark on the next decade, it is imperative that society continues to prioritize the fight against modern slavery and environmental degradation. Two key tools that will play a vital role in this mission are modern slavery reporting and sustainability reporting.
These practices provide transparency and accountability, empowering businesses, and consumers alike to drive positive change. Hence, the two keynotes aim to raise awareness about the pressing issue of modern slavery in global supply chains and the urgent need for organisations to implement effective reporting mechanisms. As we enter the next decade, modern slavery reporting and sustainability reporting are indispensable tools for fostering positive change and achieving a more equitable and sustainable future. By adopting these practices, businesses can drive ethical consumption, combat modern slavery, and mitigate their environmental impact. As consumers and investors can use this information to make informed choices and support companies that prioritize human rights and sustainability, the two keynote speeches are paramount important in the current context. Hence, through this knowledge-sharing platform, we can forge a path toward a better world for generations to come as the keynote speeches will underscore the importance of sustainability reporting in driving positive environmental outcomes and fostering responsible business practices.
Dr. Katherine Christ, the Keynote Speaker on Modern Slavery Reporting is a Senior Lecturer in Accounting in the University of South Australia and an expert in accounting for Modern Slavery, Risk in Business Operations and Supply Chains and recently founded the South Australian Modern Slavery Research and Practitioner Network.
Sharath Martin, the Keynote Speaker on Sustainability Reporting for the Next Decade is ACCA’s Senior Policy & Insights Consultant, for the Asia Pacific region who works extensively on thought leadership and professional insights on contemporary business issues. Having worked through Asian and Global Financial Crises and now the pandemic and climate-induced crises, Sharath firmly believes in the need to think and act long term, in a short-term world.
To encourage further engagement and knowledge sharing, an exciting online discussion forum will be held as part of each keynote speech. Industry specialists will be invited to contribute their expertise and discuss key aspects of corporate reporting, delving into the current state, its limitations, and envisioning how it should evolve in the future. This interactive forum will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, identifying industry trends, and collectively envisioning a more effective and sustainable approach to corporate reporting.
Moreover, the final year undergraduates of DoA who were employed in various fields, did identify and grasp situations, events and occasions which were truly concerning, grey, and persuasive which induced them to identify the Case Studies in Accounting. Having said that, this event is another iconic milestone that unveils the Case Studies in Accounting Journal which contributes to re-think the future of Corporate Reporting by bridging the gap between theory and practice. Thus, this event will showcase the remarkable efforts of final-year undergraduates who have gained practical experience in various industries. These students, acting as key technical speakers, have identified and analyzed real-world situations that present challenging and thought-provoking accounting case studies. Their contributions to the event will add a practical dimension to the discussions, encouraging participants to rethink the future of corporate reporting and explore innovative solutions.
Being one of the pacesetters within the University system, the Department of Accountancy, University of Kelaniya was able to obtain CPD Hours for this event from all the professional institutions in Sri Lanka namely CA, ACCA, CIMA, CFA and CMA, marking the history as the first-ever department to obtain CPD Hours for an academic event from all these institutions. As an honour of appreciation, the esteemed training partners and professional partners of the DoA will be given the opportunity to join the event free of charge based on the MoUs signed.
The ‘Rejuvenation in Corporate Reporting for the Next Decade’ is a testament to the DoA’s commitment to fostering a deep understanding of corporate reporting practices and preparing its students to navigate the challenges of the corporate world. By delving into the realms of modern slavery reporting, sustainability reporting, and accounting case studies, this event sets the stage for a responsible and ethically driven approach to reporting in the years to come. This event showcases the endeavour of DoA under one of its course units in the final year namely Internship in Accounting, to urge its undergraduates to dive deeply into the corporate world through creating and disseminating new knowledge to provide a sustainable future to the corporates. The University of Kelaniya’s DoA is poised to make a significant impact with its upcoming event, emphasizing the importance of modern slavery reporting and sustainability reporting for the next decade. By connecting industry professionals, academics, and students, the event aims to inspire positive change and cultivate a sustainable future for corporate reporting practices. The main pillars behind this colossal initiative is Prof. Dilrukshi Yapa Abeywardhana, Head, DoA, Dr. Saman Bandara, Former Senior Lecturer, DoA, Kaushalya Silva, Coordinator-Internship in Accounting/Lecturer, DoA and all the lecturers of DoA.
Organising this event will not be possible without the steadfast contribution of our distinguished sponsors. Hence, the unwavering support of MBus Kelaniya, CA, ACCA, CFA, CSE, Cantec Exports (Pvt) Ltd, Softlogic Life, Jayasinghe & Company and SS Labels (Pvt.) Ltd. was highly admirable.
- Kaushalya Silva
Lecturer
Department of Accountancy
University of Kelaniya
Add new comment