Ethics and AI in the Accounting and Auditing: Key Themes from the Ethics Re-envisioned 2025 Forum


On 15 October 2025, the annual forum Ethics Re-envisioned was held, organised by the Ukrainian Federation of Professional Accountants and Auditors (UFPAA) for Global Ethics Day 2025.
The event brought together leading experts in auditing, accounting, financial reporting, law and sustainable development to discuss new challenges in professional ethics in the context of economic transformation and innovation.

The forum featured speakers from a range of organisations, including the World Bank, the National Securities and Stock Market Commission, the Ukrainian Bar Association, the EU-FAAR project, international professional organisations, and experts from Ukraine and the EU. Alla Savchenko, President of BDO in Ukraine and Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of the UFPAA, delivered a presentation on the subject of “Ethics and Artificial Intelligence: New Challenges for Accountants and Auditors”.

Mrs Savchenko emphasised that artificial intelligence has already become part of the professional environment of accountants and auditors — from reporting automation to risk analysis. However, the development of technology requires ethical control, transparency and responsible use to preserve what is most important — human judgement and trust in the profession.

She emphasised that international organisations such as IFAC, IESBA, ACCA, and CIMA are already developing standards for the ethical use of AI, focusing on accountability, transparency, and data security. The Ukrainian professional community is poised to be at the forefront of shaping a culture of ethical technology use in the financial sector. Mrs Savchenko concluded:
 

“The accounting and auditing professions are undergoing significant transformation, becoming increasingly integrated into the IT sector. Consequently, it is essential for all professionals in these fields to acquire new skills while upholding the principles of honesty, transparency and professional integrity. While AI can process data more quickly, ethical decision-making is an exclusively human capability. Professional ethics is our most effective algorithm.”


Основні етичні ризики АІ
During the forum, Petro KRYCHUN, President of the UFPAA, emphasised that professional ethics are the foundation of economic trust and sustainable development in Ukraine, even in times of war. Accountants and auditors play a key role in strengthening financial transparency and business accountability. The role of accounting professionals is often behind the scenes, yet their contribution to economic stability is of paramount importance.

In turn, John Hooper, former head of the EU project team “Implementation of EU Practices for Accounting, Financial Reporting and Audit in Ukraine” and member of the professional organisation of England and Wales, emphasised that ethics for accountants and auditors involve significantly higher standards than for ordinary citizens. It is based not only on knowledge of codes and rules, but above all on internal integrity, a sense of responsibility and professional pride in belonging to the global community of experts. He also emphasised that ethics cannot be ‘learned’; rather, it is shaped by upbringing, values, and the ability to choose integrity even in the ‘grey area’ of decisions.
 

Tetiana Kamenska, Chairwoman of the Audit Chamber of Ukraine, emphasised that ethics is not just a requirement of standards, but a moral compass for the profession that helps us stay on track even in the most difficult circumstances. It is the adherence to ethical principles that enables professionals to maintain their credibility as reliable partners for business, society and the state.


Щорічний форум «Переосмислення Етики / Ethics Re-envisioned»
Experts of UFPAA work to improve professional standards and participate in reforms and educational initiatives, helping the Ukrainian accounting and auditing community to develop even in the most difficult times. Forum participants agreed that ethics re-envision is a prerequisite for maintaining trust in financial reporting, sustainable business development, and enhancing the role of professional organisations in shaping ethical culture in Ukraine.

BDO in Ukraine encourages its colleagues and partners to join this movement, with the aim of developing professional ethics, sharing experience, training young professionals and implementing integrity standards in every aspect of financial practice. In essence, ethics constitutes the universal framework that fosters trust, stability and development. Professionals of BDO are always ready to support organisations in implementing ethical standards, developing compliance systems and increasing the transparency of business processes.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts. The BDO team is always available to assist you.

Key Contact

Alla Savchenko

Alla Savchenko

President / Senior Partner
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