Title: Political Dispute Takes Center Stage at Chamber of Accountants Conference
Subtitle: The President’s Cancellation Leads to Boycott by Major Accounting Firms
Date: [Insert Date]
Eilat – Drama unfolded at the annual conference of the Chamber of Accountants this week as the president of the Chamber, Chen Schreiber, abruptly canceled the participation of Director of the Companies Authority, Michal Rosenbaum. The cancellation, done through a WhatsApp message, is believed to be linked to the ongoing dispute between Rosenbaum and Minister Dodi Amsalem. As a response, the five largest accounting firms in Israel also withdrew from the conference, protesting against the introduction of political considerations into their professional bureau.
The controversy began when Schreiber informed Rosenbaum of her cancellation just days before she was scheduled to give an interview at the conference. While Schreiber did not provide a reason for the cancellation, it is speculated that the decision was made to maintain good relations with Minister Amsalem and the political echelon. The conflict between Rosenbaum and Amsalem escalated recently due to proposed changes in the system of board appointments in government companies.
The cancellation of Rosenbaum’s participation triggered a response from the heads of major accounting firms who vehemently opposed the introduction of political considerations into the professional chamber. CPA Sharon Shulman, CPA Doron Sadan, CPA Ilan Birnfeld, CPA Doron Debi, and CPA Shahar Ziv decided collectively to boycott the conference in support of Rosenbaum.
Expressing their dissatisfaction with Schreiber’s decision, the heads of these firms emphasized that the chamber should refrain from aligning with political motives in professional conferences. They believed that introducing political considerations into the profession’s agenda would tarnish the integrity of their work.
The controversy comes amid discussions about the future of the advisory committee for the appointment of accountants in government companies. The committee, responsible for appointing auditors and determining their salary, has faced criticism and calls for its abolition. However, Minister Amsalem, who now oversees the Companies Authority, has expressed interest in re-appointing committee members, allegedly to exert control over government companies.
Officials at the Companies Authority claim that Amsalem’s actions undermine the independence of government companies from political influence. The Chamber of Accountants exercises significant power in the committee since it recommends two representatives who sit on the board.
No response has been provided by the auditors’ office at the time of writing.
Meanwhile, Minister Amsalem has escalated the situation further by sending a letter to the Civil Service Commission requesting the removal of Director Rosenbaum. Amsalem alleges a crisis of trust and lack of cooperation between the Ministry and the Companies Authority, arguing that Rosenbaum’s tenure should be examined.
The clash between Rosenbaum and Amsalem continues to escalate, with Rosenbaum previously sending a letter accusing Amsalem of attempting to intimidate her, vowing to stand firm.
The conference, intended to discuss the state and future of the accounting profession, has now become a platform to address the larger issues at hand: the influence of politics in professional organizations and the balance of power within government companies. The controversy raises questions about the integrity and independence of the accounting profession in Israel.