This interview is part of the Mediterranean Voices series, a new communication initiative of Federation of Mediterranean Certified Accountants (FCM).
The objective of this series is to:
Today with Dr. Yahya Arikan, secretary general of TÜRMOB Union of Chambers of Certified Public Accountants and Sworn-in Certified Public Accountants of Türkiye.
Please briefly introduce yourself.
I am Yahya Arıkan, the Secretary General of TÜRMOB (Union of Chambers of Certified Public Accountants and Sworn-in Certified Public Accountants of Türkiye). I graduated from the Istanbul Academy of Economic and Commercial Sciences in 1976. I have been practicing my profession since 1979. Throughout my career, I have been actively involved both in practical work and in shaping the organizational structure of our profession. I served as the President of the Istanbul Chamber of Certified Public Accountants of Türkiye for many years and held various positions under the roof of TÜRMOB. Between 2004 and 2008, I served as the Vice President of TÜRMOB. From 2008 to 2016, I was the Chairman of TÜRMOB’s Anti-Unfair Competition Committee. Since 2016, I have been serving as the Secretary General of TÜRMOB.
TÜRMOB headquarters
How would you describe your organization’s role within the accountancy profession and the Mediterranean community?
TÜRMOB (the Union of Chambers of Certified Public Accountants and Sworn-in Certified Public Accountants of Türkiye) is the unique professional body representing approximately 130,000 certified public accountants and sworn-in certified public accountants across Türkiye. Since our establishment in 1989, contributing to the development of the profession has been among our core principles—not only at the national level but also regionally.
As a founding member of the Fédération des Experts Comptables Méditerranéens (FCM), we facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience among professional organizations in the Mediterranean and strengthen cooperation based on shared values. Additionally, as a member of both Accountancy Europe and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), we closely follow the global agenda of the profession and channel the knowledge and experience gained back to our country and region. Through these multi-layered collaborations, we believe in the importance of producing common solutions to shared challenges and jointly guiding the future of the profession. Accordingly, we actively take on a role in enhancing knowledge sharing, mutual learning, and cooperation opportunities with professional organizations in the region.
In your view, what are the main challenges and opportunities currently facing the accountancy profession?
Today, our profession is undergoing a multidimensional transformation driven by rapidly evolving technological change, increasing regulatory frameworks, and rising expectations in the field of sustainability. While this represents a major challenge, it also offers an opportunity to position the accountancy profession more strategically.
Our primary responsibility is to prepare our members for this transformation, enhance their competencies in digitalization and sustainability, and strengthen the strategic role of the profession.
Moreover, issues such as data security, the safeguarding of ethical principles, and attracting younger generations to the profession are also among the key priorities for the upcoming period. If we can turn these challenges into opportunities, the accountancy profession will be better positioned to meet society’s growing need for economic transparency and trust.
How is your organization preparing its members for technological developments such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and ESG?
At TÜRMOB, we prioritize digital transformation. We are in the process of updating our training programs to reflect these areas. Topics such as e-applications, digital accounting systems, the impacts of artificial intelligence, and ESG reporting are becoming core components of our continuing professional education.
We continuously develop curricula, produce corresponding materials, and carry out projects within these fields.
Gölbaşı, Ankara
What is the accountant's role in fostering economic and social sustainability today and in the future?
Accountants are not only experts who prepare financial statements; they also serve as the ethical and transparency compass of the business world. They act as an important bridge to ensure that not only the economic dimension but also the social aspect of sustainability can be monitored and reported. Therefore, it is inevitable for accountants to be key actors in sustainable development.
What does being part of FCM mean to you and your organization?
TÜRMOB is one of the founding members of Fédération des Experts Comptables Méditerranéens (FCM). Therefore membership in FCM is not merely a representational role; it is a responsibility to contribute to a shared professional vision. Engaging in the exchange of ideas with colleagues from different countries, sharing best practices, and strengthening regional cooperation hold great value for us. Through our FCM membership, we contribute to the future of our profession in the Mediterranean region and gain the opportunity to develop joint solutions to common challenges. At the same time, we continuously keep ourselves updated in aligning with global professional standards and developing innovative approaches.
For TÜRMOB, FCM membership is a vital part of its mission to contribute to the international accountancy community.
TÜRMOB headquarters
What benefits would you highlight from participating in the FCM network?
FCM enables us to harness the synergy that stems from both cultural and professional diversity. Among its most valuable contributions are the development of region-specific solutions to shared challenges, the facilitation of effective knowledge transfer, and the shaping of shared approaches to professional challenges. Moreover, FCM provides a strong platform for presenting a unified voice on international stages.
Is there any topic you would like FCM to focus on in the coming years?
I believe that climate change and sustainability reporting will become even more central to the accountancy profession in the coming years. It would be highly valuable for FCM to strengthen its role as a regional guide in this area. Additionally, the social implications and ethical dimensions of digitalization and artificial intelligence should also remain on FCM’s radar.
TÜRMOB headquarters
Beyond your professional responsibilities, what hobbies or personal interests do you enjoy?
I have extensive experience in producing television programs and writing opinion columns related to the profession. For me, writing is not just a means of expression, but also one of the most powerful ways to shape and share ideas.
Learning and teaching are indispensable parts of life. I take great pleasure in closely following new developments, sharing knowledge and experience with younger colleagues, and speaking at conferences. I firmly believe that knowledge grows when shared, and therefore, I make a conscious effort to embrace every opportunity for education and professional development.
If you could choose one Mediterranean destination for a short getaway, which one would it be — and why?
Each part of the Mediterranean offers its own distinct color and flavor. I’ve had the opportunity to visit many countries across the region, and each one has left a lasting impression with its unique culture and natural beauty.
However, if I had to choose, my heart would always lean toward the Mediterranean coast of my own country, Türkiye. With its rich history, stunning nature, exquisite cuisine, and warm hospitality, this region offers a truly soul-soothing and inspiring holiday experience.
Ankara
What message would you like to share with your fellow professionals and the wider FCM community?
The accounting profession today goes beyond simply managing numbers; it also upholds ethical values, transparency, and social responsibility.With this mindset, under the FCM umbrella, we share not only knowledge but also a common vision. Together, we have an important opportunity to strengthen our collaboration and shape the future of our profession. Throughout this process, it is crucial that all our colleagues approach change with openness, adapt to innovations, and contribute to a culture of solidarity. We can turn the Mediterranean into more than just a region on the map—it can become a center for professional solidarity, knowledge sharing, and collective growth. Being part of FCM is one of the significant steps on this shared journey.
