Dr Frederic Borràs
Frederic Borràs, Honorary President of the Association of Chartered Accountants of Catalonia and full member of the Royal European Academy of Doctors (READ), is the subject of an interview published on November 18 by the specialized portal Auditores, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Spain. In the interview, he reflects on his professional and personal trajectory following the recent publication of his autobiographical work «Pinceladas de vida», which he presented a few days earlier at the headquarters of the Royal Corporation. The first Spanish professional to become a member of the Transnational Committee of the International Federation of Accountants, Borràs analyzes in this book several decades that have changed the world through his experiences and professional relationships, while also sharing the lessons he has learned as a lover of art and gastronomy.
In an engaging conversation, the academic argues that in the accounting profession the pursuit of excellence has no finish line, because quality requires continuous improvement in order to respond to increasingly demanding social and market needs. Borràs recalls his beginnings in 1976 in this complex professional field and highlights the advances made in Spain, such as the introduction of mandatory auditing, the creation of a specific master’s degree, and the establishment of professional associations that helped professionalize a sector that was then poorly regulated. He also notes that current international standards define a framework for evaluating quality, but require professional judgment, experience, ethics, and independence—elements that cannot be automated.
The expert also acknowledges, both in the book and in the interview, the interest he felt from a young age in gastronomy and culture, although in his early years he prioritized his professional career. “I have wonderful memories of El Bulli which, as explained in the book, I had the opportunity to visit quite frequently during the years when it was considered the best restaurant in the world. I would also mention Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, with its beautiful large windows and views of London’s Hyde Park, and Via Veneto in Barcelona for important celebrations. When I go to Madrid to see my son and granddaughters, I particularly enjoy eating with them at Filandón, located in the Monte de El Pardo. I also feel a very special sensation dining at the Can Carlitos restaurant in Formentera, watching the sunset, run by chef Nandu Jubany. A few days ago, we were deeply saddened by the destruction by fire of Mas Marroch, owned by the Roca brothers, on the outskirts of Girona—a beautiful and excellent place as well,” he explains.
Borràs is a member of the Global Council of the Association for Corporate Growth, the leading international community of professionals dedicated to mergers, acquisitions, and corporate growth. He was recently recognized as an honorary member of IECnet, one of the leading international firms in auditing, tax advisory, and consulting, following a long and successful career at the firm, where he served for eight years on its Board of Directors and as President of the Audit Practice. The academic worked for nearly four decades at KPMG, where he eventually became the partner in charge of the firm’s offices in Barcelona, Girona, Palma, and Andorra.
