In this podcast series from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a panel of guests dissect the latest headlines and provide expe...
Behind the Numbers: A ticking tech skills timebomb
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss continuous learning around technology and artificial intelligence. For accountants, getting the most out of fast-evolving technologies involves more than simply training people how to use them. Judgement, communication and granular accountancy skills all come into play. So how can firms identify their training needs and what are the best ways to deliver that training? Philippa Lamb explores the key issues with Jenny Blewett, Head of Finance at Costello Medical; Daniel Clark, business trainer and writer; and Julia Penny, Director at JS Penny and ICAEW past-President. Links ICAEW technology resources: https://www.icaew.com/technical/technologyMid-Tier Tech Forum: digital skills: https://events.icaew.com/pd/30692?code=ijMH8fKJCg HostPhilippa Lamb GuestsDaniel Clark, business trainer and writerJulia Penny, Director, JS Penny; ICAEW past-PresidentJenny Blewett, Head of Finance, Costello Medical ProducerNatalie Chisholm Episode first published: 30 January 2025Podcast recorded: 23 January 2025
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28:59
Trump, tariffs and EU turmoil: 2025 predictions
In this special episode of Accountancy Insights, we look ahead to the most significant events and trends anticipated in 2025. Last year brought a new UK government and its controversial first Budget. With things now appearing more settled at home, the upcoming inauguration of President Trump in the US and the recent collapse of governments in Europe will bring new opportunities and challenges for the British economy. For the third year, host Philippa Lamb is joined in forecasting by Iain Wright, ICAEW Managing Director of Reputation and Influence; Frances Haque, Chief Economist at Santander UK; and David Williamson, Political Editor of the Sunday Express. Links ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/business-confidence-monitor HostPhilippa Lamb GuestsIain Wright, Managing Director, Reputation and Influence, ICAEWDavid Williamson, Political Editor, Sunday ExpressFrances Haque, Chief Economist, Santander UK ProducerNatalie Chisholm Episode first published: 3 January 2025Podcast recorded: 17 December 2024
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34:43
Behind the Numbers: the financial case for sustainability
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the progress of sustainability reporting. Across the globe, sustainability reporting has become increasingly mandated for large organisations. Now, with the CSRD introduced in the European Union and the first two ISSB standards set to be endorsed by the UK, the challenge for accountants lies in ensuring that the quality of non-financial information matches that of financial information. To discuss the key issues, Philippa Lamb is joined by Richard Spencer, ICAEW Director of Sustainability; David Wray, founder of ESG consultancy DWG and IESBA Ethics Board member; and Marie-Josée Privyk, ESG coach and adviser. Links ICAEW: Connecting sustainability and finance: https://www.icaew.com/technical/sustainability/resources-collection/connecting-sustainability-and-finance ICAEW Sustainability Accelerator Programme: https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/icaew-sustainability-accelerator-programme HostPhilippa Lamb GuestsRichard Spencer, Director, Sustainability, ICAEWMarie-Josée Privyk, ESG coach and adviserDavid Wray, Founder, DWG; IESBA Ethics Board member ProducerNatalie Chisholm Episode first published: 12 December 2024Podcast recorded: 5 December 2024
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31:06
Accountancy Insights: Regulating tax advice, plus new professional behaviour wording
In this episode, we speak to Ray McCann, fresh from delivering this year’s Hardman Lecture on Monday 25 November, about regulating the provision of tax advice. Plus, Sophie Wales, ICAEW Director of Regulatory Policy, explains upcoming changes to the ICAEW Code of Ethics around professional behaviour. Time codes00:55 Regulating tax advice08:09 New professional behaviour wording LinksICAEW: Hardman Lecture shines spotlight on ‘shadow’ tax advisers: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/nov-2024/hardman-lecture-shines-spotlight-on-shadow-tax-advisersICAEW: The new Code of Ethics: understanding professional behaviour: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2024/nov-2024/the-new-code-of-ethics-understanding-professional-behaviour HostPhilippa Lamb ReporterMark Rowland GuestsRay McCann, Consultant, Charter TaxSophie Wales, Director of Regulatory Policy, ICAEW ProducerNatalie Chisholm Episode first published: 2 December 2024Podcast recorded: 25 November 2024
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16:37
Behind the Numbers: Can we unclog the local audit backlog?
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss whether the filing of local authority audited accounts will ever get back on track. Just 1% of local bodies published audited accounts on time for the 2022/23 [LE1] financial year. Now, the government has introduced backstop dates in the hopes of resetting the system, with the first arriving on 13 December. But will they anything change? And how should local authorities be managing the external audit process to ensure timely filing? To answer those questions, host Philippa Lamb is joined by Alison Ring, ICAEW Director of Public Sector and Taxation; Cecilie Booth, Executive Director of Resources at Peterborough City Council; and Paul Dossett, Head of Public Sector, London and South East, at Grant Thornton UK. Links ICAEW Public Sector Conference: https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/events/public-sector-conference ICAEW Local government finance: skills for the future: https://www.icaew.com/technical/public-sector/public-sector-financial-management/local-government-finance-skills-for-the-future ICAEW Public Sector Community: https://www.icaew.com/groups-and-networks/communities/public-sector ICAEW vision for local audit: https://www.icaew.com/technical/public-sector/public-sector-audit-and-assurance/uk-public-sector-audit/icaew-vision-for-local-audit HostPhilippa Lamb GuestsAlison Ring, Director, Public Sector and Taxation, ICAEWCecilie Booth, Executive Director of Resources, Peterborough City CouncilPaul Dossett, Head of Public Sector Assurance, London and South East, Grant Thornton UK ProducerNatalie Chisholm Episode first published: 21 November 2024Podcast recorded: 14 November 2024
In this podcast series from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a panel of guests dissect the latest headlines and provide expert analysis on the top stories from across the world of business, finance and accountancy
UK