Milestones
Royal visit
ACCA was honoured to receive a visit by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in celebration of Enterprise Day in the UK. Welcoming the Royal Couple, John Brace, ACCA president, told the Queen that her visit was particularly timely as 2004 represented not only ACCA's centenary year but also the 30th anniversary of ACCA receiving Royal Charter. John Brace added: 'Enterprise for ACCA also means taking the initiative to work with governments to establish appropriate standards of accounting and financial reporting, often in emerging economies'. He described how, over its 100-year history, internationalism and innovation had always been at the heart of ACCA's approach, allied in more recent years to a strong belief in sustainability.The Queen's visit to ACCA on Enterprise Day was appropriate, as it recognised the central role played by accountants in successful business: without a sound foundation of financial planning and reporting, there can be no successful economy.
Women in accountancy
In 2004, the presidents of each of Ireland's five functional and regional networks are all women. In celebration of this and the success of women in business, ACCA Ireland hosted a lunch to coincide with International Women's Day. Guest of honour at the lunch was the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.Continuing professional development
ACCA launched its continuing professional development scheme - ACCA Realise - in 2004. The scheme provides global opportunities which maintain and develop skills, and support career progression and providing a benchmark of best practice in training and development for employers of accountants and finance professionals. www.accaglobal.com/cpdrealiseBoardMatch
BoardMatch is a programme designed to improve the performance of voluntary and community organisations and to build confidence in the voluntary sector. It introduces voluntary organisations to talented professionals willing to share their expertise by serving as members of the boards of voluntary organisations.As a first step, ACCA has played a supportive role in assisting the introduction of the programme in Ireland. ACCA has over 70 international offices and assisting the introduction of BoardMatch throughout these markets will leave a valuable legacy from the centenary celebrations.