MoJ's non-contentious probate - Mandating online professional applications

ACCA’s response to the Ministry of Justice consultation on Non-Contentious Probate - Mandating online professional applications

Digitisation and the global pandemic

This report examines the impact of COVID-19 in areas that relate to the digitisation agenda of organisations.

Call for evidence: raising standards in the tax advice market

ACCA's response to HMRC call for evidence on suggestions about how to raise and maintain high standards of competence and behaviour in the tax advice market in order to protect consumers and improve compliance.

GECS monthly report

The monthly GECS is intended to give a snapshot of developments in between the main quarterly GECS. In normal circumstances the economic outlook does not change dramatically from one month to the next..

ACCA's response to HMRC Charter consultation

ACCA's response to HMRC Charter consultation. The Charter sets the standard for interactions between HMRC and its customers. We’ve made a number of points including improving customer trust, frameworks for resolving disputes and expertise and training of HMRC staff.

Don’t run off without run-off insurance

Professional indemnity cover for the period after a practitioner ceases to practise is becoming harder to find

Professional indemnity insurance: market update

In a volatile landscape, early renewal has never been more important

FCA's CP20/7: Quarterly Consultation Paper No 28

ACCA's response to FCA consultation on the OPBAS Sourcebook, Bounce Back Loan Scheme and a rule clarification to confirm the ability of the FSCS to declare in default firms and successors subject to the proposed new moratorium under the Insolvency Act 1986.

Returners resources

Access a range of resources for an accountant to reskill prior to returning to work after a career or family break

Technology in small practice

Access a range of technology suppliers providing practice automation software and applications suitable for an Irish Small or Medium Sized Practices

Organisational culture in a remote world

A shared set of beliefs and behaviours has never been more important – Clive Webb sets out how to best manage culture remotely

Technical factsheet: suspicious activity reports (SARs)

A suspicious activity report (SAR) is a way of notifying law enforcement about a client or behaviour that appears to be suspicious and potentially related to money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities.

How to get remote onboarding right

With new starters beginning a job while still working remotely, ACCA’s Clive Webb offers advice on how to onboard successfully during the pandemic

ACCA's anti-money laundering review process

Our members play a vital role in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing

Technical factsheet: ACCA anti-money laundering (AML) monitoring review process

The ACCA monitoring review arrangements are designed to protect the public interest by ensuring ACCA-supervised firms are putting the right systems and controls in place to comply with money laundering regulations.

Technical factsheet: client due diligence

Client due diligence (CDD) is an important measure available to accountants to prevent money laundering and avoid their practices being used by criminals to launder the proceeds of crime.

Technical factsheet: identifying client risk

Client risk is the money laundering and terrorist financing and other financial crime risk potentially posed by a client – to which your firm may be exposed to.

ACCA client risk-assessment tool and know-your-client form

This Excel document provides a basic know-your-customer form and client risk-assessment template that can be used as a starting point.

Secrets of good remote management

Managing staff remotely needs trust, clear expectations and effective learning and development

Technical factsheet: treatment of benefits in kind – P11D guidance

There are special rules relating to certain kinds of benefit. However, in the absence of specific rules, the methods ‘cost to the employer’ and ‘money’s worth’ can be used to calculate the taxable value of benefit in kind.

The importance of letters of engagement

Make sure you include key considerations when drawing up a letter

The Review of Non-Financial Reporting Directive

ACCA's reponse to a public consultation on the European Commission's review of the Non-financial Reporting Directive

IESBA Proposed Revisions to the Non-Assurance Services (NAS) Provisions of the Code

ACCA and CA ANZ joint response on the proposals to revise the non-assurance services (NAS) provisions of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code).

IESBA Proposed Revisions to the Fees-Related Provisions of the Code

ACCA and CA ANZ joint response to IESBA's Exposure Draft aimed at strengthening the fee-related independence provisions of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code).

Integrated reporting key to tackling future risks

ACCA report urges companies to promote resource efficiency and value creation as they face Covid-19 recession

Professional Services, Progression Pathways (Singapore)

This report aims to present the implications on possible approaches that SMPs can take to meet these changing demands and move up the value chain via two key pathways – business diversification and technology adoption.

FCA regulated fees and levies: Rates proposals 2020/21 (CP20/6)

ACCA response to FCA consultation on regulated fees and levies rate proposals for 2020/21

Technical factsheet: Engagement letters for practitioners – accounts production

Engagement letters for practitioners – accounts production, issued in May 2020, provides engagement letters, guidance notes to the appendices, covering letter, privacy notice, schedules of services, standard terms and conditions of business and disengagement letter wording.

Managing cashflow in a crisis

In the second part of a two-part series, ACCA’s Clive Webb looks at how organisations must manage their cashflow to maintain liquidity and survive the covid-19 crisis

Covid-19 and client due diligence

CCAB has released supplementary AML guidance for urgent work undertaken during the pandemic

Malaysia Business Outlook 2020

A report jointly commissioned by the MIA (Malaysian Institute of Accountants) and ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) to provide insights into the collective viewpoints of accounting and finance professionals, with regards to the business outlook for Malaysia in 2020 and in the medium term.

Tips for homeworking

As an increasing number of companies shut their doors to keep staff as safe as possible, many office-based employees are finding themselves joining the homeworking club

Joint submission by ACCA and CA ANZ on Proposed Revision to the Code Addressing the Objectivity of Engagement Quality Reviewers

Joint submission by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants to an exposure draft issued for public consultation by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)

Budget 2020

ACCA has a host of webinars and support available to help you and your practice understand Budget 2020

Technical factsheet: the money-laundering reporting officer

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) requires the appointment of a “nominated officer” to ensure that information leading to knowledge or suspicion of money laundering is disclosed appropriately to the authorities.

Technical factsheet: anti-money laundering (AML) policy and procedures

This factsheet will help shape your firm’s AML policy and procedures. You must consider the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017) and the CCAB’s Anti-Money Laundering Guidance for the Accountancy Sector.

Anti-money laundering training: PowerPoint example

This PowerPoint presentation can be adapted to suit the training requirements of your practice.

Anti-money laundering firm-wide risk assessment

ACCA has created a template with some hints and tips to aid members and their clients in completing a firm-wide risk assessment.

Anti-money laundering (AML) training: frequently asked questions

Staff training and awareness-raising are a key part of combating money laundering

Do you have what it takes to be an expert witness?

The role of an expert witness is extremely challenging but also very rewarding

Understanding the role of the expert witness

In order to undertake the role, it is important to understand where your responsibilities lie in order to comply with the law

Expert witness training

Establishing yourself formally as an expert will allow you to differentiate yourself in both practice and industry

Becoming an expert determiner: the requirements

Parties to a dispute may opt for a less formal approach

The dangers of dabbling

Offering services you may not be equipped to provide could have implications for your insurance premium

Brexit

As the UK enters a transition period, follow ACCA’s views, opinions and guidance on Brexit developments.

Frequently asked questions on residential buy to let property

Our handy guide will keep you informed on BTL taxation rules

Changes from the Fifth Money Laundering Directive

A number of changes have been enacted by UK legislation to reflect the EU's Fifth Money Laundering Directive

Sir Tony Redmond's review of local authority financial reporting and external audit: call for views

ACCA's response to the call for views on the independent review into the arrangements in place to support the transparency and quality of local authority financial reporting and external audit in England led by Sir Tony Redmond.

Consultation by Isle of Man FSA - Fees 2020 (CP19-07/T14)

ACCA welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed fees for 2020. We represent ACCA members and firms of accountants registered with the Authority to provide financial services in the Isle of Man. Our response to this consultation is informed by members’ input obtained from the ACCA Members’ Network in the Isle of Man.

The risks for M&A accountants

Financial professionals who are involved in mergers and acquisitions must understand the professional indemnity insurance implications

ACCA guide to... GDPR: your data protection responsibilities

If your business collects or uses personal data, you must comply with GDPR

Guide to... developing an import strategy

Handled well, importing can make a significant contribution to success in business

Guide to... benefiting from networking

Networking helps you to form and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with others who are linked to your career, sector, market, region or specific interest.

Guide to... developing an export strategy

Exporting offers the prospect of new markets, more sales, better profits and a greater spread of customers

Guide to... buying a business

Careful checking, due diligence and skilful negotiation are essential.

Guide to... conducting an environmental review

Reducing the environmental impact of your business offers substantial and immediate business benefits, including reducing your costs and improving your reputation

Guide to... buying a franchise

Buying a franchise allows you to set up your own business without starting from scratch.

Guide to... first steps to exporting

Moving into selling overseas is a big step - it's important you consider whether your business is ready for the challenge

Guide to... floating your company

Floating your company can be one of the most exciting experiences in your business life, but it can also be stressful, time-consuming and expensive

Guide to... importing finance

Many businesses find importing requires greater financial flexibility and reserves than buying from a UK supplier

Guide to... environmental business travel

A green transport strategy is an essential part of any business’ green credentials

Guide to... export finance

Exporting tends to be more demanding financially than selling in the UK

Guide to... producing sustainable goods and services

Making your products and services more sustainable can protect your livelihood as well as the planet.

Guide to... reducing pollution and waste

Reducing pollution and waste helps you cut costs and improve your reputation, leading to significant increases in profitability

Guide to... researching your export markets

Thorough research is essential before you start exporting

Guide to... planning your exit from your business

To reap the full rewards from your business, you need to make the right exit - both financially and as a manager.

Guide to... managing overseas business relationships

Whether you are importing or exporting, building relationships helps you make the most of your opportunities

Guide to... legal responsibilities of community organisations

Volunteers at community organisations are often surprised to discover that their legal responsibilities are little different from those of businesses run for profit

Guide to... running a community organisation

The challenges involved in running a community organisation include dealing with finances, making sure you are complying with legal requirements and dealing with staff

Guide to... valuing a business

Understanding how much a business is worth - and how it can be made more valuable - is of vital importance to anyone buying, selling or simply running a business

Guide to... your money and your business

As the owner-manager of a small or medium enterprise, your own financial affairs are likely to be closely entwined with the way you run your business

Guide to... selling a business

Selling a business is not something that many managers or owners do more than once ; you have to get it right first time

Guide to... suing

When things go sour, your priority is to settle disputes peacefully, but there may be times when you have to resort to using the law

Guide to... understanding VAT and duty on imports and exports

Whether you are importing or exporting, there are important VAT and duty rules and procedures

Guide to... filing and records management

Good filing and record-keeping systems make sure you have what you need, and avoid wasting time and effort looking for misfiled information and misplaced files.

Guide to... being sued

Being sued is stressful, time consuming and expensive – three good reasons for settling quickly (or better still putting in safeguards to prevent disputes arising in the first place). But unless you are clearly at fault, or fail to follow the court procedures correctly, the odds are in your favour.

Guide to... going green and benefiting your business

Complying with environmental laws and doing your bit to help the planet delivers direct business benefits

Guide to... fulfillling your business's environmental obligations

Every business has an impact on the environment - and legal obligations that it must fulfil

Guide to... directors' responsibilities

Company directors must act honestly and promote the success of the business and benefit its shareholders

Guide to... marketing and selling overseas

Marketing and selling overseas is a demanding undertaking so you need to plan your overseas marketing strategy, including deciding whether to sell directly or involve local partners

Guide to... introducing an environmental management system

An environmental management system (EMS) allows you to monitor and control the effect your business has on the environment.

Guide to... international trade logistics

Effective logistics can give you a competitive edge

Checklist: managing projects

If you don't project manage properly, you risk missing deadlines, compromising quality and disappointing clients.

Checklist: writing a business plan

Your business plan should be the roadmap for how you run your business – and it’s vital if you want to attract finance

Checklist: managing your stress

Read our hints on how to manage overwork and the associated health problems

Checklist: staying within the law when using social media

The public nature of social media profiles and the speed at which online messages can go viral can also pose a serious threat to the reputation of a business

Checklist: setting up an office

When you move into your new office, there’s a lot to think about before you’re ready to start day-to-day work

Checklist: sprucing up your premises

Follow our tips to give your premises – and your staff – a new lease of life.

Checklist: valuing your business

If you’re valuing the business in order to sell it, you need to arrive at a fair value

Checklist: planning to export

When planning to export your goods or services, thoroughly research the market and potential problems beforehand

Checklist: preventing business fraud

Research released in autumn 2019 revealed that 84% of UK firms had suffered a data breach in the previous 12 months. Cyber criminals are growing more sophisticated in their attacks, stealing data and financial information. Small businesses can no longer afford to ignore the threat from cybercrime

Checklist: preparing for ISO 9000

The ISO 9000 family of standards helps businesses put quality management processes in place

Checklist: preparing your premises for winter

Don’t let your business be stopped in its tracks by burst pipes, boiler breakdowns or huge heating bills

Checklist: managing your time

This checklist will help you get on top of your schedule

Checklist: moving premises

Moving premises can be highly disruptive, so it's important to plan the move so you can resume work with a minimum of fuss and time lost

Checklist: using performance indicators

Key performance indicators, or KPIs, can help you measure how your business is performing in particular areas, so you can track and improve this over time.

Checklist: growing your business

Unless you’re quite happy just ticking over, it is likely that you will be looking for ways to develop and grow your business. The steps in our checklist can set you off in the right direction.

Checklist: getting more from your board members

The members of your board are responsible for major decisions on how your business is run - and could be responsible for its failure if they don’t carry out their responsibilities effectively.

Checklist: making your business more green

Every business has an environmental impact. This checklist helps you assess the impact you have and the changes you can make to minimise that damage.

Checklist: delegating effectively

It’s not possible to do everything yourself – and it isn’t good for employee satisfaction, either. Use our checklist to learn how to delegate tasks successfully.