A word from the President

« our only choice is between changes that will be  forced upon us, and those we were wise enough to desire and able to achieve» Jean Monnet

The reality of the digital phenomenon is very much that of a revolution: intense, profound, irreversible... It reflects a societal change which Certified Public Accountants cannot avoid but are prepared to handle. Digital technology results in important changes in our practices and operating procedures, and it spurs our deep mutation.

Because of our committed involvement at the heart of the economy and society, the time is long gone when we were considered “just as bookkeepers”. We are now true “digital professionals”, who manage electronic flow, collate data, and deliver added value to our clients through sound consulting services.

Whether it be the issues raised by our role as a trusted third party for accounting/financial/tax/payroll information, the issues of identification and authentication related to our “brand” as a regulated profession, or the need to boost the productivity of our practices… Our 70^th Congress will be an opportunity to face head on all those changes.

And how could we talk about change without acknowledging the ever increasing internationalization of our profession ? We are proud and most happy to underline that, for the first time, the congress of the French profession will be truly bilingual (French/English) and offer simultaneous translation on a broad range of conferences.

The wind of change is blowing indeed through our profession. May it fill our sails and not simply blow out the candles of our 70^th anniversary.

I look forward welcoming you from all over the World at the Palais des Congrès de Paris, from 30 September to 2 October 2015.

Let’s prepare the future together!


Sincerely yours

Philippe Arraou
President of the Conseil Supérieur de l'Ordre des Experts-Comptables
The French Institute of Certified Public Accountants