The theme of this edition, "Challenges in a changing world", is pressing, as legislative, societal, technological and cultural changes are increasingly frequent, and these cycles of change are also increasingly short. This permanent change requires adopting approaches that reconcile some agility and flexibility with the demand and rigour that Public Accounting requires.

This Congress is certainly the right forum for sharing challenges and solutions in this area of knowledge, allowing us to outline proposals for action at the international level and dignify public institutions by sharing and disseminating knowledge transparently.

We count on the presence of all those interested in the city of Leiria and in our School, certain that only with the involvement of professionals and academics in the area can truly useful knowledge be built.

Welcome to ESTG!

We live in an age where abundant information coexists with a knowledge deficit. Privileged to witness the dizzying changes that take place every day, we also feel that our way of life and the stability of the past are constantly being challenged and put to the test. Uncertainty prevails, and it is in this context that the deepening and recycling of knowledge emerge as one of the primary weapons to anticipate increasingly demanding trends and challenges.

Moreover, there is nothing better than promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise with higher education institutions. "Challenges of Public Accounting in a changing world" is the theme chosen for the 4th International Congress of Public Accounting (CICP), held on 14 and 15 March 2024 in Leiria.

Once again, the Order of Certified Accountants (OCC) and the School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria (ESTG-IPL) join forces and combine resources to ensure that this initiative provides an active and intense forum for debate among academics, students, certified accountants and others who wish to join.

The reinvention of professions and the world of work, artificial intelligence and sustainability are the main foundations of the challenges (and what tremendous challenges) in a changing world where certified accountants are not on the sidelines—but quite the contrary. Public accounting is the fundamental pillar for the administration and state institutions in general to regain their credit and trust in the eyes of citizens.

However, this process will be fully realised only with the irreplaceable and invaluable role of certified accountants. The taxpayer is increasingly aware that he pays the bill for the misuse of public money, and this is where the public accountant comes in, generating information to meet the requirements of the law and public administrators.

With each passing day, it is increasingly urgent that public accounts be validated by certified accountants, which is already provided for by law but takes time to be fulfilled.

The 4th CICP will be one more chance to claim this goal, which, in addition to providing another opportunity for the profession, will also be highly advantageous for public entities. This is just one of the angles to be addressed in Leiria in March of next year.

We invite the academic and professional communities to join us in Leiria, participating with papers and attending the plenary and parallel sessions. It will undoubtedly be worth it.