The National Company of Auditors Goes Alpine: AI, Ethics, and Olympic-Size Expectations!
For the first time, Grenoble is getting ready to dazzle as it hosts the Assizes of the National Company of Auditors. Yes, you heard it right! On December 5 and 6, 2024, the aisles of Alpexpo will echo with the sound of auditors intensely discussing numbers, ethics, and—wait for it—artificial intelligence, whilst stressing about their missing winter gear! Around 900 brave souls are expected to brave the cold, all in the name of balancing spreadsheets and ethical dilemmas. Talk about sacrificing in style!
It’s All About AI: Will It Take Over Our Audit Lives?
“It’s an event that we sought out,” says Gilles Toureng from the Regional company of auditors Dauphiné Savoie. And you thought *not* seeking out an event in the Alps would be a missed opportunity. Their convincing arguments? A combination of the approaching Olympic year and the hot topic of artificial intelligence. Nothing screams ‘let’s talk AI’ quite like a city known for gliding down snowy slopes while pondering who can trust the numbers!
This year, the big question hanging over everyone’s head is: “AI and trust: what changes for audit?” Spoiler alert! The answers may leave you more confused than a snowflake in a blizzard! Lilian Rubin Delanchy, outgoing president of the Dauphiné Savoie, sums it up perfectly: “Everyone is talking about AI … we don’t know where we’re going, but we’re going there.” Or as I like to say: Welcome to the AI rollercoaster, where the brakes may or may not work!
Pope Francis’s Tech Guy! Wait, What?
But wait, there’s more! To clear up the ethical fog surrounding AI, the CRCC Dauphiné Savoie has found a feather in its cap: the father Eric Salobir, the tech advisor to none other than Pope Francis! Yes, the Pope’s got a tech advisor—guess he figured our confessions could use a software update! Salobir will enlighten attendees with a session on AI and ethics. I can only imagine the heavenly insights we’ll receive! Remember, folks—turning water into wine is easy; turning algorithms into angels? Now that’s divine!
On Friday, we’ll also hear from Aurélie Jean, a whiz in algorithms and digital modeling. Don’t worry, she promises not to make your head spin faster than a downhill ski race. Instead, she’ll unravel the challenges of AI so that even the most technology-averse auditors can understand what AI is really up to when we aren’t looking.
Workshops, Skiers, and Everything in Between!
And just when you thought that was enough brain food, the auditors will also partake in training workshops covering essential topics like electronic invoicing, using AI as a virtual assistant in audit teams (because who doesn’t want an AI sidekick?), and navigating the latest legal news. Who knew being an auditor could feel like an Olympic triathlon?
As if all of this wasn’t exciting enough, the CRCC Dauphiné Savoie booth will host some big names from mountain sports! We’re talking skiers like Florence Masnada, Carole Montillet, and Ophélie David, alongside bobsledder Bruno Thomas and Pierre Migneret, the national technical director for cross-country skiing. These sporting heroes will surely keep things lively, probably comparing balance sheets to balancing on skis! Can’t wait for those comparisons!
Final Thoughts
So, mark your calendars, pack those thermal socks, and prepare for a frosty workshop where the only thing hotter than the debates might be the coffee! The national get-together of auditors in Grenoble is not just a conference; it’s a chance to bring heated discussions to one of the coldest places imaginable—because what’s more exhilarating than tackling AI ethics on a snowy backdrop?
Whether you’re in it for the ethics, the networking, or just the ski gossip, one thing’s for sure: Grenoble 2024 is going to be an absolute blast!
For the first time in its history, Grenoble is set to host the prestigious Assizes of the National Company of Auditors. This significant professional gathering is scheduled to take place at Alpexpo on Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024, and is anticipated to draw around 900 participants from across the country.
Artificial intelligence, theme of the Conference of the National Company of Auditors in Grenoble
“It’s an event that we sought out,” remarks Gilles Toureng from the Regional Company of Auditors Dauphiné Savoie, emphasizing the unique aspects that led national authorities to select Grenoble as the venue for this important meeting.
The decision was influenced primarily by two compelling reasons: Firstly, 2024 is an Olympic year, celebrating the centenary of the historic Chamonix Winter Olympics, as the French Alps gear up to host the 2030 Winter Olympics. Additionally, Grenoble has a rich Olympic legacy, having famously hosted the 1968 Winter Olympics.
This year’s focus will be on artificial intelligence, following themes of sustainability and the CSRD directive discussed at last year’s conference. More precisely, participants will engage in profound discussions centered around the theme of “AI and trust: what changes for audit?”
“Everyone is talking about AI,” notes Lilian Rubin Delanchy, the outgoing president of the Dauphiné Savoie regional company of auditors. “Today, we don’t know where we’re going, but we’re going there. We don’t know when we’re going to get there and we have difficulty understanding the full consequences for our profession and for our way of life in general.”
Pope Francis’ technology advisor to speak about AI and ethics
A prestigious speaker will allow attendees to gain clearer insights into the interplay between technology and ethics. The CRCC Dauphiné Savoie has invited Father Eric Salobir, president of the executive committee of the Human Technology Foundation and technology advisor to Pope Francis. Father Salobir is scheduled to deliver a pivotal conference on the afternoon of Thursday, focusing on the crucial intersection of AI and ethics.
Additionally, Aurélie Jean, a noted scientist specializing in algorithms and digital modeling, will speak on Friday, examining the numerous challenges posed by AI.
During the event, auditors will also have the opportunity to partake in training workshops covering diverse topics such as electronic invoicing, integrating AI as a virtual assistant within audit teams, and the latest legal developments affecting their profession.
Finally, it is worth noting that the CRCC Dauphiné Savoie stand will welcome notable figures from the world of mountain sports over the course of the two days, including esteemed skiers Florence Masnada, Carole Montillet, Ophélie David, as well as bobsleigh athlete Bruno Thomas and Pierre Migneret, the national technical director for cross-country skiing with the French Ski Federation.
Going to get there, but we’re excited about the journey!”
Interview with Lilian Rubin Delanchy
Editor: Lilian, thank you for joining us today! The upcoming Assizes in Grenoble is generating quite a buzz, especially with the focus on artificial intelligence. Can you share why this topic is so pivotal for auditors right now?
Lilian Rubin Delanchy: Absolutely! AI is reshaping many aspects of our lives, including finance and auditing. It’s not just about the numbers anymore; it’s about how we ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of those numbers. With AI’s rapid development, we must stay ahead of the curve to understand its implications for our work. Trust is foundational to auditing, and AI brings both opportunities and challenges in that space.
Editor: Interesting! You’ve mentioned the upcoming debates will focus on AI and trust. What specific changes do you foresee for auditing practices in the era of AI?
Lilian Rubin Delanchy: One significant change is the need to reassess our quality control processes regularly. As AI tools become more integrated into our workflows, we must ensure they meet our ethical and professional standards. We need to establish guidelines for using AI transparently and responsibly to maintain the trust of all stakeholders. It’s an ongoing conversation, and we’re just at the beginning of it!
Editor: Speaking of conversations, you’ve secured a speaker with a rather unique perspective—Father Eric Salobir, Pope Francis’s tech advisor. What insights do you expect he will bring to the table?
Lilian Rubin Delanchy: Father Salobir’s work combines technology with moral responsibility. He will provide valuable insights on the ethical implications of technology, especially AI. His experience will guide us in navigating the moral landscape of AI applications in auditing, and how to ensure we’re aligning our practices with ethical principles. It’s a perspective that is both refreshing and crucial.
Editor: Sounds enlightening! This event is also expected to attract around 900 participants. What do you believe will be the main takeaway for attendees?
Lilian Rubin Delanchy: I hope they leave with a clear understanding of how essential it is for auditors to engage with AI proactively. They should feel empowered to adapt and innovate within their practices, armed with the knowledge that ethical considerations must remain at the forefront. And of course, I want them to enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the Alps while they’re at it!
Editor: It does sound like an incredible experience! do you think the ski slopes will offer a good distraction from all the heavy discussions on ethics and AI?
Lilian Rubin Delanchy: Definitely! I believe the beauty and thrill of the Alps can inspire our discussions. Plus, there’s something about skiing that teaches balance—paralleling the balance we need to find in integrating AI into our profession ethically. We can learn as much on the slopes as we can in the conference halls!
Editor: Thank you, Lilian, for sharing your insights. I appreciate your thoughts on this pivotal gathering. Best of luck with the Assizes in Grenoble!
Lilian Rubin Delanchy: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it, and I hope to see everyone there!
