In recognition of ‘World Accountancy Week,’ which runs from 2-8 December, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) released the results of the first annual Global Leadership Survey of accountancy organisations. The survey highlights issues the profession will be addressing in 2008 and presents perspectives on factors affecting economic growth, both on a national and global level.  
 
The results showed that leaders of national professional accountancy organisations believe that a strong accountancy profession plays a key role in economic development. 
 
A total of 143 presidents and chief executives of 115 IFAC member bodies and associates in 91 countries, including the Institute, as well as eight regional accountancy bodies, participated in the survey, conducted between October and November 2007.  
 
The results also show that many countries are experiencing a shortage of qualified accountants and, consequently, in the coming year, global accountancy leaders will focus on attracting new accounting talent to their ranks.  
 
The survey identified the following issues as important to economic growth and development on a national level: 

• International convergence to a single set of both accounting and auditing standards
• Meeting the needs of small and medium entities (SMEs) and small and medium practices
• Having an adequate supply of qualified accounting professionals
• Enhanced public sector accountability.

• The Institute: Press release
• IFAC: Full survey results