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:
Now, let's meet Dr. Ylber Prekazi, executive director of the AAB Institute for Certified Accountants and Auditors.
Please briefly introduce yourself.
I am Prof. Ass. Dr. Ylber Prekazi, currently serving as the Executive Director of the AAB Institute for Certified Accountants and Auditors, as well as a professor in finance and accounting at AAB College in Kosovo. I hold a PhD in economics, with a focus on the impact of financial reporting on the financial performance of commercial companies. My experience has been built through a continuous combination of academia, scientific research, and professional practice in the field of accounting.
How would you describe your organization’s role within the accountancy profession and the Mediterranean community?
The AAB Institute, a professional body in accounting and auditing, plays a key role in the professional development of accountants and auditors in Kosovo through certification, continuing education, and raising ethical and professional standards. Our aim is to promote a strong, trustworthy, and future-ready profession capable of meeting both local and global especially Mediterranean, market challenges. We are committed to building international bridges and sharing best practices.
Kosovo
In your view, what are the main challenges and opportunities currently facing the accountancy profession?
The main challenges include adapting to new technologies, meeting the growing demand for transparency and sustainability reporting, the lack of digital skills among professionals, and pressure to maintain independence and ethics. At the same time, there are great opportunities for innovation, automation, integration of new standards like ESG into reporting, and strengthening the strategic impact of accountants within organizations. Another important challenge is the supervision of the implementation of legislation in the field of the accounting profession by the supervisory board, where many individuals or entities are not fully compliant with IFRS reporting standards.
How is your organization preparing its members for technological developments such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and ESG?
The AAB Institute has begun reforming its approach to professional education by integrating new modules on technology, ESG, and digital transformation into its certification and continuing training programs. We also organize training sessions and seminars with internationally experienced experts to prepare our members for the future of the profession.
What is the accountant's role in fostering economic and social sustainability today and in the future?
The accountant is one of the key actors in measuring, reporting, and promoting sustainability. Through accurate ESG data reporting, they help organizations make informed decisions and create long-term value for all stakeholders. Their role will become even more important in building a more responsible and sustainable economy in the future. Our country, Kosovo, as it goes through the preparatory phases of European integration, will see increasing demands on the auditing and accounting profession, which will continue to grow and be required more than ever.
Avni Berisha, Chairman of the Board of the ABB Nelson Ferreira, FCM president Dr. Ylber Prekazi, Executive Director of the AAB
What does being part of FCM mean to you and your organization?
For us, being part of FCM represents an outstanding opportunity for networking, international cooperation, and knowledge sharing with partner organizations in the Mediterranean region. Membership in FCM has opened new avenues of collaboration with similar organizations across the Mediterranean and beyond, enabling our staff and members to benefit from professional networking, participation in international forums, and the exchange of best practices. It is a valuable platform to contribute and learn from others about the challenges and advances in the accounting profession.
What benefits would you highlight from participating in the FCM network?
We emphasize the importance of experience exchange, access to advanced practices and standards, technical support, as well as the opportunity for future cooperation in joint projects for professional development and continuing education. Although we are a new member, our participation in FCM events and initiatives helps us stay updated on global developments in the field.
Is there a specific topic you would like to see FCM focus on more strongly in the coming years?
It would be highly valuable if FCM could deepen its work and initiatives in integrating technology into the accounting profession, especially the use of artificial intelligence, sustainability data reporting, and the development of joint training modules for members across the network.
Beyond your professional responsibilities, what hobbies or personal interests do you enjoy?
Beyond professional and academic commitments, I am actively involved in the sports community, particularly in trail running. I am a member of the trail running group “Gërmia555” and have participated in many local and international races, such as the Split Marathon in Croatia, the Tirana Marathon in Albania, the Prishtina Marathon in Kosovo, the Pogradec Half-Marathon in Albania, and various trail races in Sharr, Gërmia, Gjilan, and Gjakova. For me, sport is a way of life that helps maintain physical and mental balance, and keeps me motivated and committed in all areas of life. I also have a deep interest in culture, art, and literature related to personal development and leadership.
If you could choose one Mediterranean destination for a short getaway, which one would it be — and why?
I would choose Dubrovnik, Croatia, a city that combines natural beauty with cultural heritage and a rich history. It is an inspiring place offering relaxation, reflection, and appreciation for Mediterranean heritage. Dubrovnik, beyond its natural and cultural value, holds a special connection to Albanian and Illyrian history, our ancestors. It represents a meeting point of Mediterranean civilizations and a heritage that reflects the intertwining of our history with that of our neighbors. For me, Dubrovnik inspires not only for its beauty but also for the layers of history that connect our peoples
ABB headquarters
What message would you like to share with your fellow professionals and the wider FCM community?
In a world that is changing rapidly, collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and experience are key to strengthening our profession. Let us stay open to change, embrace technology, and remain committed to ethics and sustainability. Together, we can build a stronger and more sustainable future for the accounting profession in the Mediterranean region and beyond.
