Overview   

The modern accounting practice operates within an increasingly complex and high-risk environment shaped by rapid technological advancement, expanding regulatory expectations, and evolving professional responsibilities. Accounting firms are now required to navigate cybersecurity threats, artificial intelligence integration, labour and governance challenges, and heightened compliance obligations while continuing to deliver trusted professional services. 

This discussion forum explores how accountants and firm leaders can effectively manage operational, regulatory, and reputational risks arising from digital transformation and regulatory expansion. The session will provide practical insight into strengthening governance frameworks, protecting sensitive client information, and mitigating professional liability exposure in a rapidly changing professional landscape. 

Join Caryn Maitland CA(SA) on 29 April 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm as she examines the evolving risk environment affecting accounting practices and provides practical strategies to help practitioners manage cyber risks, AI adoption, regulatory compliance, and professional governance responsibilities with confidence. 

Learning objectives and competencies developed 

Through real-world case studies, practical examples and an in-depth analysis of the latest regulatory developments, this webinar will equip you with the following competencies: 

• Understand the evolving risk landscape impacting accounting practices 
• Recognise professional liability risks arising from cybersecurity threats and artificial intelligence tools 
• Identify governance and leadership responsibilities in managing professional staff and ethical workplace culture 
• Assess expanding regulatory obligations, including AML and data protection compliance requirements 
• Develop practical strategies to mitigate operational, regulatory, and reputational risks within accounting firms 

 Content to be discussed 

The following topics are under discussion for this month:  

• Cybersecurity Risk in Accounting Practices 

o Nature of sensitive data held by accounting firms 
o Financial records, payroll information, banking and identity data 
o Cyber threats affecting professional service firms 
o Data breaches, ransomware attacks, phishing and social engineering 
o Professional liability arising from cyber incidents 
o Data protection obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) 
 

• Artificial Intelligence and Automation in Accounting 

o AI-assisted financial statement preparation 
o Automated bookkeeping platforms and AI tax compliance tools 
o Accuracy and reliability risks associated with AI outputs 
o Professional judgement versus algorithmic decision-making 
o Ethical considerations in AI-enabled professional services 
o Professional responsibility when relying on automated systems 

• Labour Law and People Management Risks 

o Managing professional staff within modern accounting practices 
o Remote work supervision and accountability 
o Workplace misconduct and disciplinary procedures 
o Staff burnout and professional wellbeing considerations 
o Governance responsibilities of partners and firm leadership 
o Ethical leadership and professional workplace culture 
 

• Expanding Regulatory Obligations for Accountants 

o Anti-Money Laundering compliance under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) 
o Beneficial ownership verification requirements 
o Governance advisory roles of professional accountants 
o Increasing regulatory compliance expectations placed on practitioners 
o Professional responsibility within high-regulation environments 

 Obtaining your CPD certificate 

This training is compliant with the International Education Standard (IES7) issued by the International Federation of Accountants and recognised for CPD by relevant professional bodies including ACCA, CIMA, IAC, IIA, SAICA and SAIPA. 

All attendees are issued with a CPD certificate available in an online profile.     

 Meet your presenter 

 Caryn Maitland CA(SA) 

Caryn Maitland is a Chartered Accountant (SA). She has been a member of IRBA as a registered auditor and accountant since 2002 and is also a registered member of SAICA. 

Caryn has lectured Auditing and Accounting at various institutions and has conducted independent workshops and seminars for professional accountants since 2006 on various topics. She has presented on the national tour for the annual Legislation Update with ProBeta Training (Pty) Ltd in 2014 and 2015, as well as on the FASSET national tour for the Tax Administration Act in 2014.  Caryn is also involved with the annual SAICA SMP Technical tour. 

Who should attend? 

 The following persons will benefit from attending this webinar: 

• Professional accountants such as CA(SA), BAP(SA), AGA(SA), Professional Accountant (SA), FCCA, BA(SA) and ACCA. 

• Registered auditors. 

• Company directors. 

• Financial managers. 

• Registered tax practitioners.  

• Trainee accountants.  

 Price 

•  Individual Booking: R380.00  

• Company Booking: 

  • Group Price 1 - From R198 per person (up to 5 users)  

  • Group Price 2 - From R153 per person (up to 10 users)  

  • Group Price 3 - From R132 per person (over 11 users) 

Steps to register for the event:  

If you already have a profile, login and register for the webinar. 

If you don’t have a profile, create a free profile then login and register for the webinar. Click here to create a free profile (There is no charge to create a profile and gain access to our free content). 

To find out about the Resource Centre, Accounting Library and CPD Subscription Plans, click here .

Corporate training solutions 

At SA Accounting Academy, we recognise the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in accounting and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. 

Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritize hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios. 

Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at corporate@accountingacademy.co.za or call 010 593 0466. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organizational goals. 

Contact us 

Have any questions or need any assistance? Contact us today! 

• Online chat through our website. 

• WhatsApp: Start chatting (+27635026114) 

• Phone: 010 593 0466 

• E-mail: ticket@accountingacademy.co.za