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 Ms Anastasija Boljević, Secretary General of the Institute of Certified Accountants of Montenegro (ISRCG/ICAM), Montenegro.
Please briefly introduce yourself.
My name is Anastasija Boljević, FCCA, and I serve as Secretary General of the Institute of Certified Accountants of Montenegro (ISRCG). With more than 18 years of professional experience spanning audit, finance, microfinance, and IT, I have dedicated my career to strengthening the accountancy profession and its role in society. As Secretary General, I carry public authority from the Government of Montenegro to regulate the accounting and auditing profession, with a strong emphasis on education and continuous professional development in line with both national requirements and International Education Standards.
How would you describe your organization’s role within the accountancy profession and the Mediterranean community?
ISRCG( ICAM- Institute of Certified accountants of Montenegro) is the national professional accountancy organization of Montenegro and a full member of IFAC. We play a pivotal role in regulating, educating, and advancing the profession domestically, while actively contributing to regional and international initiatives. Within the Mediterranean community, we see ourselves as a bridge-builder — sharing knowledge, supporting professional convergence with international standards, and fostering cooperation across borders to address shared challenges such as sustainability, digitalisation, and economic resilience.
In your view, what are the main challenges and opportunities currently facing the accountancy profession?
The profession is navigating profound transformation. Challenges include digital disruption, regulatory complexity, and growing expectations for transparency and sustainability reporting. At the same time, these shifts present opportunities: accountants are uniquely positioned to lead on ESG assurance, to guide SMEs through digital and financial transformation, and to safeguard trust in public information. The Mediterranean region, with its diversity and dynamism, can showcase how the profession adapts to both global pressures and local realities.
How is your organization preparing its members for technological developments such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and ESG?
We have placed digital readiness and ESG integration at the heart of our CPD programs. Our initiatives include training on emerging technologies, developing guidance on the application of AI and data analytics in audit and finance, and equipping members with competencies in sustainability reporting aligned with ESRS and IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. By fostering a mindset of lifelong learning, we ensure our members remain agile and forward-looking.
Professional Conference
What is the accountant's role in fostering economic and social sustainability today and in the future?
Accountants are guardians of trust. By ensuring reliable information, they empower businesses, governments, and citizens to make informed decisions. In the future, this role will expand: accountants will be catalysts of sustainable finance, helping allocate capital responsibly, measuring impact beyond profit, and supporting resilience in times of crisis. In short, the profession will remain indispensable in balancing economic growth with social and environmental responsibility.
What does being part of FCM mean to you and your organization?
Membership in FCM gives us a platform to learn, contribute, and share with peers who understand the Mediterranean context. It affirms that, although we are a smaller country, our voice matters in shaping the regional and global accountancy agenda.
What benefits would you highlight from participating in the FCM network?
The most valuable benefits are knowledge exchange, collective advocacy, and solidarity. Through FCM, we share good practices, collaborate on regional projects, and strengthen our collective influence with international stakeholders.
Is there a specific topic you would like to see FCM focus on more strongly in the coming years?
I believe FCM could play a stronger role in capacity-building for sustainability reporting and assurance, particularly for SMEs and smaller PAOs. This is an area where Mediterranean countries can lead by example, developing proportionate solutions that are practical yet aligned with global standards.
Networking at a Conference
Beyond your professional responsibilities, what hobbies or personal interests do you enjoy?
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending quality time with my family and friends, and playing with my children. These activities allow me to maintain balance, creativity, and perspective.
If you could choose one Mediterranean destination for a short getaway, which one would it be — and why?
I would choose Dubrovnik, Croatia. Its blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty reflects the spirit of the Mediterranean — diverse, resilient, and deeply inspiring.
What message would you like to share with your fellow professionals and the wider FCM community?
The accountancy profession is evolving faster than ever, but our values remain constant: integrity, trust, and service to the public interest. As Mediterranean professionals, we share both heritage and responsibility. By working together, embracing innovation, and keeping people at the centre of our mission, we can ensure that our profession continues to be a force for sustainable growth, resilience, and shared prosperity
Podgorica
