Robots and Artificial Intellegence Discussed at ACCA Conference in Sligo
The role of robots and Artificial Intelligence in accountancy were among the discussions at the recent ACCA conference hosted by IT Sligo. The national conference gathered some of Ireland’s leading experts in finance and business to discuss the many opportunities and obstacles the industry may face in the future.
The event titled “Technology & Accountancy – Thinking Ahead” attracted over 300 attendees from all over Ireland. The conference was opened by the President of the college, Dr Brendan McCormack, PhD and the MC for the day was Marie O’Connor, former PwC Ireland Audit Partner.
Speakers at the event included: Donal O’Byrne, Senior Finance Manager, Microsoft; Stephen Doyle, Senior Manager, Advisory Services, EY; Lorraine Hennessy, Controller Global Manufacturer Abbott Diagnostics; Don Brown, Head of Business Performance, AIB; Clive Webb, ACCA Professional Insights.
The afternoon sessions included talks in the future of innovative ways to educate using technology, Robotics in action, cyber security, Revenue; and AI in accounting and demonstrations and presentations from Sage; Relate; Xero and Surf accounting packages.
John Gaynor, Lecturer in Accounting & Finance, said: “It is a privilege for IT Sligo to host such a high profile accounting conference. ACCA is a global professional accounting body with 200,000 members and 500,000 students. IT Sligo is delivering professional accounting programmes since 1974, producing top quality accounting graduates. It is great to see Sligo hosting events like this. It would not happen without local support. Collaboration is key.”
CAPTION:
Pictured (L-R): Don Brown, Head of Business Performance at AIB; Lorraine Hennessy, Controller Global Manufacturer at Abbott Diagnostics; Dr Brendan McCormack, President of IT Sligo; Marie O’Connor, former PwC Ireland Audit Partner; Donal O’Byrne, Senior Finance Manager at Microsoft; Stephen Doyle, Senior Manager, Advisory Services at EY.
