Audit, Assurance and Advisory Division – 2026 Assurance & Financial Reporting Update

WLF Accounting & Advisory’s Audit, Assurance & Advisory team recently hosted its annual Assurance & Financial Reporting Update (AFRU), welcoming clients and colleagues to the Crowne Plaza Hobart on Thursday 11 June for an afternoon of insights and discussion.

The AFRU is a key event in WLF’s calendar, designed to keep clients informed of the latest developments in assurance and financial reporting, while also exploring the broader issues that impact governance and business operations. This year’s program turned its attention to the changes on the horizon for the profession, from emerging reporting requirements to the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence. The event was hosted by Oliver Barta, Partner in WLF’s Business & Personal Advisory team.

The afternoon opened with guest speaker David Dilger, co-founder and director of Edge Legal, who presented on employers’ psychosocial obligations. Combining technical legal expertise in employment and safety with extensive senior management experience, David offered practical guidance on a responsibility that continues to grow in importance for businesses across all sectors.

David Dilger, Edge Legal, on employers’ psychosocial obligations.

WLF‘s Sean Cruz and Patrick Alcock from the Audit, Assurance & Advisory team then presented the financial reporting update. Drawing on their external audit experience across the not-for-profit, finance, government and education sectors, they outlined recent developments in accounting standards and highlighted emerging issues such as AI governance, an area of growing relevance for finance teams and boards.

A change of pace followed with Corrie Summers from TasRail, who delivered a compelling and highly engaging presentation on what happens “when tech goes wrong.” A well-known Tasmanian safety professional and risk practitioner with a career spanning more than 20 years, Corrie explored TasRail’s approach to human factors and human-centric design, as well as the learnings from incidents that have reshaped safety in the Tasmanian rail industry.

Corrie Summers, TasRail, on what happens “when tech goes wrong”.

The afternoon also featured an expert panel on the future of accounting and finance. Facilitated by Oliver Barta, the session featured Craig Deegan of the University of Tasmania, one of the world’s most highly cited accounting researchers; Kelly Walker of Prospera Consulting, an experienced Non-Executive Director and Audit & Risk Committee Chair; and Nathan Young of EY, who specialises in assurance and advisory in the financial services sector. Together, the panel explored the changing role of finance, the opportunities and risks of AI and automation, the future of reporting and assurance, and how the profession can attract and prepare the next generation of talent.

Left to right – Oliver Barta, Kelly Walker, Nathan Young and Craig Deegan.

WLF extends its thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this year’s event, and to the presenters and panellists who so generously shared their time and expertise. The firm remains committed to supporting Tasmanian organisations with relevant, high-quality professional development and advisory services.