BDO Leadership Academy in Bucharest: Innovation and AI in Practice

In September, another BDO Leadership Academy session took place in Bucharest, focusing on Innovation & AI. The training continued the series of international sessions within the BDO CEE Cluster, which brings together teams from Ukraine, Austria, Romania, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia.

This time, representatives of BDO offices across the region focused on the practical applications of artificial intelligence in professional services. BDO in Ukraine was represented at the training by Oleksandr Kononuchenko and Iryna Sirotenko.

From AI capabilities to practical ideas

The two-day programme combined an exploration of technological change, knowledge sharing and teamwork. Participants looked at how AI is already being used in day-to-day tasks, what opportunities it offers for teams and clients, and what should be considered when implementing new tools.

The key areas of focus included:

• Changes in professional services: the impact of technology on client needs and ways of working.
• Practical applications of AI: automation of routine tasks, data analysis and collaboration across offices. 
• Responsible use of technology: security, review of AI-generated outputs and the role of professional judgement.
• International collaboration: knowledge sharing and joint efforts to find solutions to current business challenges.

The Ukrainian team also shared its experience in the implementation and use of artificial intelligence within the firm, including its use to streamline routine tasks and enable the team to focus on analytical and expert-level work.

The practical part of the programme took the form of a team hackathon supported by mentors. Participants worked on selected ideas, assessed their feasibility and presented their proposals to a panel of judges. This format helped them move from a general understanding of AI's potential to developing concepts for further exploration.

Insights from participants of BDO in Ukraine

Iryna Sirotenko, Manager in Audit & Assurance: practical cases and knowledge sharing

“I was very pleased to take part in the Innovation & AI event. It was useful to learn about different approaches and practical applications of artificial intelligence, as well as to hear about real-life cases of AI solution implementation. It was especially nice to meet colleagues, connect with them and exchange experiences and new ideas.”

 

Oleksandr Kononuchenko, Head of IT Audit: from ideas to solution concepts

“This BDO Leadership Academy session gave us an opportunity to explore together with colleagues from different countries how artificial intelligence can support our day-to-day work. Importantly, we not only generated ideas but also assessed their practical value and associated risks. As a result of our teamwork, we developed solution concepts that we took forward for further development within the firm.”

International learning and team collaboration

The meeting in Bucharest provided an opportunity not only to work with new tools, but also to compare experiences with colleagues from different countries. Working together helped participants look at familiar tasks from a different perspective and strengthen professional connections across BDO offices.

For BDO in Ukraine, participation in the Leadership Academy provides an opportunity to develop team capabilities and take a considered approach to the use of technology, with a focus on client needs, quality of work and accountability for outcomes.

We would like to thank the BDO Leadership Academy organisers, mentors and the BDO team in Romania for an insightful programme, their support throughout the training and their warm welcome. We also thank our colleagues from other countries for their openness, knowledge sharing and collaboration on new ideas.
  

“In 2026, participants in the BDO Leadership Academy completed three training programs in different countries: on team management and leadership development (in the Czech Republic), on negotiation and business development skills (in Slovakia), and on the use of modern digital technologies and AI in professional services (in Romania). The training programs have concluded, but we believe this is just the beginning. The new connections and exchange of experiences with colleagues will serve as the foundation for the further development of international cooperation,” says Anna Chepurna, HR Partner at BDO in Ukraine.

  
Looking to identify which tasks in your organisation could be optimised with AI? Contact BDO in Ukraine.