Accountants Week 2025: Celebrating the Evolving Role of Finance Professionals

The Eastern Caribbean is witnessing a transformative era for accountants, marked by innovation, leadership, and progress.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (ICAEC) will celebrate Accountants Week 2025 from November 8th to 15th, under the theme “The Evolving Role of Finance Professionals.”

This week-long celebration will unequivocally spotlight the profession’s modern relevance, its significant contribution to economic growth, and its agility in navigating the challenges of digital disruption.

A key focus will be attracting more young men to the accounting field to restore the necessary balance within the profession.

ICAEC President Andrea St. Rose asserts that this week serves as a vital opportunity to showcase the indispensable role chartered accountants play in driving economic development and enhancing public engagement with the profession.

“Historically, the accounting profession was male-dominated, but today’s landscape is different—women are now taking the lead. We are committed to using this platform to encourage young men to pursue professional designations in accounting, as their representation is dwindling, and it’s crucial to reverse that trend,” St. Rose stated.

St. Rose further emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the accounting landscape. While technology streamlines processes, it cannot replace the strategic and analytical insights that accountants deliver.

“AI will manage data processing and generate financial statements. Our responsibilities will shift toward analyzing and interpreting large volumes of information, empowering decision-makers to steer their businesses toward success,” she explained.

This year’s theme underscores the accountant’s evolution from traditional scorekeeper to indispensable strategic business partner.

Throughout the week, participants will engage in interactive sessions and expert-led discussions designed to equip them with practical tools for the finance sector’s future.

Vice President of the ICAEC Saint Lucia Branch, SueAnn Charlery-Payne, expressed enthusiasm for the week’s agenda, which will be executed across Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Lucia.

“We are excited and ready for our dynamic lineup from November 8th to 15th. Each island will feature its own calendar of events that attendees can easily access on the ICAEC Facebook page,” she stated.

The week’s agenda includes a health and wellness day, church service, media day, and a student outreach program at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and UWI Open Campus, featuring an expert ACCA tutor.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the ICAEC will host a virtual business conference from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., open to all professionals, not just accountants. The conference will tackle essential topics such as forensic accounting, personal brand strategy, and managing generational diversity in the workplace, with a session specifically designed for HR professionals.

The week will culminate in a social media photo competition and a cocktail and awards ceremony featuring live entertainment by renowned Saint Lucian musician Barbara Cadet.

St. Rose expressed gratitude to the Institute’s partners and sponsors, whose contributions make this event possible.

“We sincerely appreciate our gold sponsors ACCA, Bank of Saint Lucia, and UTC Global Balanced Fund; our silver sponsors EY, PwC, PKF, and M&C Group of Companies; and our bronze sponsors Grant Thornton, SLASPA, and Proven Bank,”she said .