August 8 – 10, 2024 | LEA Global held its 2024 LATAM Regional Conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. We continued expanding on our global theme - “Reimagine Now” - while celebrating our association’s 25th anniversary.
The conference was a space for increasing knowledge in different subjects and a space to share experiences, strengthen bonds of friendship, and support development in the region. The event was attended by representatives from 20 of the 31 firms that make up the region as well as three firms from outside the region, three prospective firms, and MCMH Associates - our newest member firm from Belize.
The agenda for this event featured encouraging keynotes from our host firm Campusano & Asociados, through Mr. José Campusano, who offered an inspiring message on the importance of working together in the region.
Tony Szczepaniak, CEO of LEA Global, highlighted the importance of collaborative work which can lead to better problem-solving and an improved result in the LATAM Region. He called on members to learn about each other and support each other as a community.
Notable Sessions
Reynaldo Achurra from Achurra Navarro y Asociados opened presentations on the first day with a session about beneficial owner registration around anti-money laundering-FATF. Juan Delgado made one of the most popular presentations of the day, focusing on a cutting-edge topic - artificial intelligence in financial audit for accounting services. Francisco Sansón with Achurra Navarro y Asociados also presented on software application solutions in accounting and management services, another topical subject in line with current events.
Monica Foerster from CONFIDOR Brazil gave a presentation on assurance and ethics on sustainability reports; Carmen Toribio from Campusano & Asociados SRL shared an excellent presentation on the challenges, risks, and use of the technology in the recognition of the lease contracts (NIIF16).
Fernando Acosta from Ramírez Enríquez y Asociados SCR Ltda (Perú) talked about the importance of the 12 INCOME TAXES and IAS-37 Contingencies while Johana Rodríguez (RPiedrahíta Auditors & Asociados S.A.S. (Colombia)) emphasized the importance of the IAS-220 Quality Control, sharing their experiences in the recognition of international quality management standards. Ricardo Lechuga from Garrido Licona y Asociados, S.C. (México) highlighted the key aspects of audit planning as an essential element of work effectiveness.
Juan Delgado presents on artificial intelligence
Ricardo Lechuga presents on audit planning
Members check in for the conference
Members connect during a break
Bienvenidos!
LEA Global staff and members
Conference attendees join together for a group photo
Members enjoy the beachfront welcome reception
The welcome reception
Gabriela Rojas from Terán Rojas & Associates (Nuevo Vallarta), gave a lively presentation on the identification of audit risks - demonstrating how an appropriate risk assessment enables the auditor to design and perform responsive procedures. Roberto Harteneck from Harteneck & Asociados S.R.L., Argentina, using personal experiences, showed members how his firm has managed human talent and the high demand for skilled internal auditors.
Leading Edge Audit & Consulting CIA. LTDA, Ecuador, represented by Heraldo Suárez, walked through the technical audit scope. Javier Fuentes from JFZ Consulting Firm, SC - México, showed the key elements to solving communication problems with clients with the use of software. Jonathan Lima from Manuel Cervantes y Asociados, Guatemala demonstrated the importance of correctly implementing ESG criteria. Finally, Martín López showed personal examples of tax considerations for foreigners investing in the United States.
Additionally, our tax and audit groups had the opportunity to meet and explore new activities to strengthen capacities in the region, setting their own agendas and learning objectives.
Thank you to our instructors and attendees for a meaningful, collaborative 2024 Latin American Regional Conference!
2024 Session Materials
Please log in to the member portal and visit the LATAM conference event page to view copies of the conference presentations and related materials.
2025 Conference Location & Dates
We're excited to announce our 2025 Latin American Regional Conference will be held in Santiago, Chile! Mark your calendars for August 7 - 9, 2025.
We hope to see you there!