Colloquium on Accounting (CoA) is a well-established annual accounting program initiated by Advanced Accounting LLC (AALLC) and its capacity-building program, Institute of Business Studies (IBS). CoA presents a unique platform for organizations and accounting experts to address current challenges faced by accountants in Afghanistan and to draw optimal and realistic solutions to them by participating in intensive trainings, round-table discussions, networking sessions, and other important activities.

The one-day colloquium normally attracts middle level managers, top level CFOs and CEOs with ACCA, CA, CPA, CIA, BBA and MBA (Finance) qualifications from across Kabul who work in various national and international organizations and institutions.

So far, AALLC has successfully organized two editions of CoA at the Government and Media Information Center (GMIC) in Kabul. The first edition was held in 2017 under the theme, “Be Responsible, Be Accountant” and the second edition in 2018 under the theme, “Accountants of the Future”.

Conference Overview

On July 22, 2018, the second edition of Colloquium on Accounting (CoA) was organized under the theme “Accountants of the Future” at the Government and Media Information Center (GMIC). The colloquium aimed to bring together academic and professional of all areas of accounting and other related disciplines to focus their efforts on addressing challenges and drawing solutions with the kind of innovative thinking and strategic vision that will impact their organizations for years to come.

Attracting 178 participants from 69 national and international organizations across Afghanistan, the colloquium featured several topics, such as “Afghanistan Tax System” discussed by Mr. Mohammad Anis Panah, Provincial Director of Afghanistan Revenue Department; and “History, Activities, Achievements and Challenges of Financial Disputes Resolution Committee” discussed by Mr. Abdullah Dowrani, Chairman of Financial Disputes Resolution Committee, Afghanistan.

Moreover, the colloquium hosted six intensive training sessions. The first session under the title “IFRS Impact of Transparency and Accountability in Afghanistan” was delivered by Mr. Syed Bilal Hashemi, Dy. Head/Senior Accounting Specialist – CPA Afghanistan/Ministry of Finance. The second session under the title “Grant Accounting” was delivered by Mr. Faisal Iqbal, Assurance Manager – Ernst & Young. The third session under the title “Fraud Risk and Responsibilities” was delivered by Mr. Najmussaqib Shah, Executive Director – Grant Thornton Afghanistan. The fourth session under the title “Budget Planning and Management” was delivered by Mr. Waleed Ahsen Abbasi, Audit Supervisor – Ernst & Young. The fifth session under the title “Role of Internal Audit in Organizations” was delivered by Mr. Shafiqullah Ibrahimi, Audit & Investigation Director – Office of the President. And the final session under the title “Financial Reporting” was delivered by Mr. Jalal Shah Hashimi, Finace Excecutive – Moby Group Afghanistan.

The round table discussions under the titles “The Need and Importance of Accounting”, “Professional Qualifications in Accounting and Finance” and “Interpersonal Communication” were led respectively by Mr. Mohammad Aman Ahmadi – President, Fanoos Accounting Services, Mr. Abobakar Samoon – CFO, Afghanistan Holding Group, and Ms. Barbie Reynolds – Managing Director, Rebuild Consultants.