Global Accounting and Finance Outsourcing Conference Held
2nd February 2026, Kathmandu
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) reached a significant milestone on Saturday, January 31, 2026, celebrating its 29th anniversary with a high-level conference in Kathmandu.
Global Accounting and Finance Outsourcing
The event, held at Hotel Radisson, centered on the theme of Global Accounting and Finance Outsourcing, bringing together international experts, government officials, and financial professionals to discuss Nepal’s potential as a global service hub.
Strategic Vision: The GAIN Project
A major highlight of the conference was the detailed presentation of the Global Accounting Initiative in Nepal (GAIN) Project. Launched officially in early January 2026, this strategic initiative aims to revolutionize Nepal’s service export sector.
The project sets ambitious targets for the next decade:
Employment: Creating over 50,000 jobs annually within five years, reaching a total of 150,000 jobs within ten years.
Economic Impact: Generating approximately 80 billion rupees (over USD 6 billion) in annual foreign currency earnings through accounting and audit service exports.
Infrastructural Goals: Establishing dedicated BPO/KPO hubs, digital incubation centers, and a national talent registration system to bridge the gap between local professionals and international clients.
Global Trends and Regional Perspectives
The inaugural session featured a keynote address by David Hill, Director of Remote Services at Now CFO, who provided a global outlook on client expectations in the outsourcing market. Speakers noted that the global shortage of accounting professionals in developed economies provides a unique window for Nepal.
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Key competitive advantages for Nepal were identified as:
- High proficiency in the English language among young professionals.
- Cost efficiency compared to traditional outsourcing hubs.
- Growing technical competence in AI-based accounting and robotic process automation.
Panelists emphasized that for Nepal to succeed, it must move beyond basic bookkeeping. The focus must shift toward high-value services such as financial reporting, specialized taxation, and audit support for international firms.
Policy Interventions and Government Support
Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal, serving as the chief guest, underscored the government’s recognition of the accounting profession’s role in public financial management. He highlighted new policy directions that allow chartered accountants to enter revenue services and play a leading role in controlling tax evasion.
The conference concluded that several policy reforms are essential for the GAIN Project’s success:
- Tax Incentives: Providing exemptions for service-exporting firms.
- Simplified Forex: Streamlining procedures for bringing in foreign currency earnings.
- Data Protection: Strengthening laws to meet international standards for data security.
- Overseas Branches: Facilitating the process for Nepali firms to open physical representative offices abroad.
ICAN’s 29th Anniversary and Future Roadmap
During the anniversary ceremony, ICAN President CA Nil Bahadur Saru Magar outlined the institute’s roadmap, which includes the integration of international accounting software into local curricula and the launch of specialized certification programs. The institute is also collaborating with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Public Procurement Monitoring Office to enhance financial transparency and professional capacity across the nation.
With over 1,000 members and a growing number of students, ICAN remains the sole regulator of the accounting profession in Nepal. The 29th anniversary marks a transition for the institute from being a local regulator to a facilitator of global service exports.
Conclusion
The 2026 Global Accounting Finance Outsourcing conference successfully positioned Nepal as a rising contender in the international BPO and KPO landscape. By leveraging the GAIN Project and aligning with global technological trends, ICAN and the Nepali government aim to curb youth migration by providing high-paying, professional opportunities within the country.
