When Is CEO Pay a Problem?
Research from Oxfam and the International Trade Union Confederation shows CEO pay rose 20 times faster than workers’ wages last year, highlighting a widening compensation gap. The most extreme case is Elon Musk’s approved package, which could reach a staggering $1 trillion. The discussion explores when such pay becomes excessive, the commercial, ethical and cultural fallout for firms, and how boards can rein in executive remuneration while still attracting top talent.
How to Prepare for a VAT Enquiry
HMRC is stepping up VAT compliance activity—recruiting officers, using technology and AI, and opening more inquiries aimed at closing the VAT gap. Firms are seeing tougher challenges to repayment claims and greater scrutiny of governance, processes and controls, particularly under...
Accountancy Insights: Understanding Tokenisation Plans; Rethinking the Audit Report
The episode tackles two timely issues for finance professionals: the UK government’s push to make the economy tokenised and the ongoing effort to make audit reports more user‑friendly. Polly Sang explains tokenisation as the digital representation of real‑world assets on...
Modernising and Mandating Agent Registration
The Finance Act 2026 introduces a mandatory agent registration regime, requiring anyone who assists a client’s tax affairs to register with HMRC. The rule applies broadly – from tax advisers to payroll and SDLT agents – and is not limited...
Can Businesses Mitigate Rising Energy Prices? #podcast #accountancy #energy @Icaew
Businesses are grappling with soaring energy costs, especially natural gas, as highlighted in a recent ICAEW podcast. The discussion zeroes in on a roughly 40% jump in gas prices over the last three months, noting that short‑term contracts have borne...
Accountancy Insights: Can Businesses Mitigate Rising Energy Prices? Plus AI in Audit, UK GAAP
The episode tackled two pressing issues for accountants: how firms can shield themselves from soaring global energy prices and the new Financial Reporting Council (FRC) guidance on managing generative‑AI risk in audit work. Conway explained that UK gas prices have jumped...
The Value of an ICAEW Chartered Accountant
The video highlights the distinct value that ICAEW‑qualified Chartered Accountants bring to organizations. It argues that the rigorous ACA curriculum, ongoing CPD requirements, and a strong grounding in public interest set these professionals apart from other accountants. Key insights include a...
ICAEW Annual Report 2025
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) used its 2025 Annual Report to announce the launch of its Direction 2030 strategy, signalling a multi‑year transformation of the institute and the wider accountancy profession. During 2025 the institute completed a...
Behind the Numbers: Is AI Accelerating the Brain Drain?
The discussion centers on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the accounting talent pipeline, potentially accelerating the profession’s long‑standing brain drain. Panelists examined AI’s immediate impact on audit teams, noting a slowdown in junior hiring as firms reassess required skill sets...
Making Sure a Tax Return Is Correct and Complete
The episode focuses on HMRC’s newly issued Guidance for Compliance 13 (GFC13) and the government’s consultation to broaden the uncertain tax‑treatment notification regime. Both initiatives aim to tighten the definition of a "correct and complete" return and to capture tax...
Middle East Insights - The Changing Role of Accounting Professionals in KSA
Saudi accounting professionals are shifting from traditional bookkeeping to tech-savvy advisors as rapid changes in international standards and the spread of artificial intelligence reshape the profession. Accountants must combine up-to-date mastery of evolving accounting standards with proficiency in AI, data...
Behind the Numbers: UK SRS – What’s in It, and the FCA Consultation
The FCA is consulting on adopting the ISSB’s new international sustainability reporting standards (UK SRS) for UK listed companies, aiming to mainstream sustainability-related financial disclosures alongside traditional accounting. The proposals would require mandatory reporting of scope 1 and 2 emissions...
Behind the Numbers: How to Get to the C-Suite
Panelists—senior finance and transformation leaders—say accountants remain a common route into the C-suite but technical skills alone no longer suffice. Success now depends on broader leadership competencies: emotional self-awareness, personal development, networked mentorship, and experience that builds judgment. Rapid technological...