Accountancy Insights
Episodes
Behind the Numbers: How the Celsius scandal is reshaping Crypto regulation
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Celsius network claimed to be a safe place to trade digital currencies and assets. In reality, it was using customers’ money for its own ends. In th...
Behind the Numbers: A World Cup bump, an AI slump? 2026 predictions
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of 2026, our usual team of soothsayers David Williamson, Frances Haque and Iain Wright review the events of the past 12 months, a...
Behind the Numbers: Best of 2025
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With Christmas round the corner, we’ve put together a special best of episode of Behind the Numbers, featuring some of the most memorable conversati...
Behind the Numbers: Budget 25: where’s the growth?
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about the Budget. What was in it? What are the implications? Was there anything positive to glean from it? Stepping in for Philip...
Accountancy Insights: How should audit firms use AI?
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on the integration of AI in audit processes, emphasising the need for practical guidance from the Financial Reporting Council (FR...
Accountancy Insights: LLMs and spreadsheets, Companies House IDV, and the OBR’s role
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re exploring just how useful Large Language Models (LLMs) are when it comes to spreadsheets; what needs to happen by 18 November...
Behind the Numbers: How to bounce back from a cyber attack
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss how prepared organisations really are for cyber attacks, what to do if and when your business is affected, and how to mana...
Behind the Numbers: Dealing with uncertainty, and mental health
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re all navigating uncertainty right now. How can accountants manage it professionally and personally? Riaz Shah OBE, former EY Partner and Profes...
Behind the Numbers: Should we compensate whistleblowers?
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whistleblowing is a vital process but often fraught with far more risk and emotional upheaval than it should be. In Western Europe, 43% of all occupat...
Accountancy Insights: Kemi Badenoch on growth and the profession
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of Accountancy Insights, we bring you a timely interview of Kemi Badenoch by ICAEW’s Chief Executive Alan Vallance who sat d...
Accountancy Insights: Companies House update, scaling up smartly and the Next Generation ACA
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Accountancy Insights explores the month’s top stories in the profession.In this episode, we discuss the introduction of four statutory instruments t...
Accountancy Insights: Can history teach us anything about digital money?
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we explore what the history of money can tell us about its future.Currency has been evolving for thousands of y...
Accountancy Insights: Bonus episode - how to tackle late payments
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ICAEW’s Iain Wright hosts a conversation with Emma Jones CBE, the government’s newly appointed Small Business Commissioner, in this special episod...
Accountancy Insights: Inside the Post Office Inquiry and new mid-tier research
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the findings of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s first report, including lessons for other companies around culture ...
Behind the numbers: Appraising Starmer’s Labour
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the hits and misses of the Labour government’s first year in power. While there have been some cl...
Accountancy Insights: Inside the Industrial Strategy and navigating VAT reform
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the government’s new Industrial Strategy and, in particular, its sector plan for professional and business services with...
Behind the numbers: Investment risk - lessons from Russia
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss how businesses can best navigate geopolitical risk. With the Trump administration’s push for tari...
Accountancy Insights: Supporting SME growth and professional judgement in audit
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss how SMEs can pursue growth in today’s environment of economic uncertainty, as well as explaining how auditors should be ...
Behind the Numbers: Rebuilding trust in volatile times
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Accountancy Insights is celebrating its 100th episode. To mark the occasion, we’ve brought together experts from across business, politics and tech...
Accountancy Insights: Collecting unpaid taxes and revisions to the Code of Ethics
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the government’s new measures to collect billions of pounds in unpaid taxes, as well as covering the key changes to ICAE...
Behind the numbers: The professional pitfalls of social media
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss how professionals should approach social media. Social media can be a minefield, particularly when ...
Accountancy Insights: Adapting post-tariffs, MTD at 10, UK GAAP changes
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss how the Trump administration’s tariffs will hamper the government’s growth plans, the progress made towards Making Tax...
Behind the numbers: What Britain needs to grow
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the necessary ingredients to support economic growth. It’s a clear priority for the government. A...
Accountancy insights: Happy birthday, HMRC
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we have a report by Mark Rowland from the ’20 Years of HMRC’ event held on 11 March at Chartered Accountants’ Hall, in which he...
Behind the Numbers: Succession planning - is employee ownership the answer?
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the appropriateness of employee ownership trusts (EOTs) for accountancy practices. The majority of ...
Trump tariffs update and HMRC service standards
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in President Trump’s tariffs rollout and how they may affect UK businesses. We also explore a ne...
Behind the Numbers: A ticking tech skills timebomb
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss continuous learning around technology and artificial intelligence. For accountants, getting the mos...
Trump, tariffs and EU turmoil: 2025 predictions
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Behind the Numbers: the financial case for sustainability
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the progress of sustainability reporting. Across the globe, sustainability reporting has become inc...
Accountancy Insights: Regulating tax advice, plus new professional behaviour wording
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Behind the Numbers: Can we unclog the local audit backlog?
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 loca...
Accountancy Insights: Budget 2024 - a gamble on growth
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of Accountancy Insights, we discuss whether the Autumn Budget will provide a much-needed shot in the arm for business confiden...
Behind the Numbers: Guarding against the AI cyber crimewave
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss how the use of new technologies by criminals is putting businesses at risk. A recent Europe-wide re...
Group audit and the forthcoming AI Bill
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we recap revisions to ISA 600 on group audit, and we discuss the likely contents of the AI Bill that is expected to be brought to Par...
Behind the numbers: why are we taxing tourists?
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the introduction of tourism taxes in the UK. During 2024, such taxes have been introduced in Manche...
Accountancy Insights: Taxing cryptoassets and reporting suspicions of fraud
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the available guidance on, and the application of general principles to, the taxation of cryptoassets; as well as how audi...
Behind the Numbers: How to stop accountancy’s brain drain
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss ways to improve recruitment and retention in accountancy.While the pipeline of new joiners remains h...
Accountancy Insights: Business confidence, local authority finance, probate delays, and tax reform
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this bumper episode, we discuss the latest findings of ICAEW’s Business Confidence Monitor and why three-quarters of councils in England are at l...
Behind the Numbers: Why are female-led startups so underfunded?
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss gender inequality in investment.Women continue to be underrepresented in venture capital, particular...
Accountancy Insights: How to get Britain growing
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One week on from the general election, this special episode of Accountancy Insights discusses the policies of the new UK government. The Labour Party...
Behind the Numbers: Groupthink – the boardroom’s most pervasive problem?
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss strategies to prevent and tackle groupthink at board level. By suppressing debate and disrupting ef...
Accountancy Insights: Corporate reporting update and VAT on private hire vehicles
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss important developments in corporate reporting, including amendments to UK GAAP, new standards IFRS18 and IFRS19, and the t...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: AI in audit - the good, the bad and the ugly
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this ICAEW Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the use of artificial intelligence in audit.  Depending on who you talk to, generative AI is eit...
ICAEW Insights: Company size thresholds and CGT on residences
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the ICAEW Insights podcast, we discuss upcoming changes to company size thresholds and what they mean for reporting requirements. P...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Lessons in leadership from ICAEW's CEO
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special bonus episode of Insights In Focus, we meet new ICAEW CEO Alan Vallance to discuss the leadership lessons of his career.  Alan is an...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: So you want to be a leader?
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss how accountants can build the skills needed to take on leadership and executive roles during their caree...
ICAEW Insights: A busy new tax year, plus progress on the Economic Crime Act
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss why the arrival of the 2024/25 tax year is particularly busy for accountants, and the main changes to be aware of from 6 A...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Does Britain have a farming problem?
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss how changes to the funding of British farms could affect the UK’s broader economic resilience. As a r...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Budget 2024 – does it change anything?
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the contents of the 2024 Spring Budget and their likely impacts on the UK economy.The Spring Budget was ...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Will accountants save the world? With ICAEW CEO Michael Izza
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we catch up with ICAEW Chief Executive Michael Izza ahead of his stepping down from his role later this month. Izz...
ICAEW Insights: ISQM, preparing and filing accounts, and public practice
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss how firms can maintain momentum on the International Standard of Quality Management, as well as changes in preparation and...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Where next for audit and governance reform?
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the future of audit and corporate governance reform. Back in May 2022, after years of reviews and consu...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: What can we expect from 2024?
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss what 2024 is likely to bring for businesses and their accountants. Beyond a Spring Budget and elections...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: COP28 - making the business case for nature
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the second of two special Insights In Focus episodes, guest host Mark Rowland shares news and views from COP28 in Dubai. This episode focuses on ca...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: COP28 - what does transition planning mean for accountants?
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of two special Insights In Focus episodes, guest host Mark Rowland shares news and views from COP28 in Dubai. This episode focuses on the...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: What’s in the Economic Crime Act 2023?
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we explore the contents and implications of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.After a challeng...
ICAEW Insights: ICAEW/CIPFA dual membership, cyber security trends, and economic renewal
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The ICAEW Insights podcast explores the month’s top stories in accountancy. In this episode, we explain how ICAEW members can apply for dual member...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: How to build a workforce of the future
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we explore strategies to expand and upskill Britain’s workforce. Low unemployment is currently twinned with high...
ICAEW Insights: Building a resilient economy, plus self assessment deadlines
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss a new content series recently launched by ICAEW: ‘Resilience and renewal: building an economy fit for the future’.  ...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Why do good people do bad things?
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss professional ethics and seek to answer the age-old question: why do good people do bad things? Accounta...
ICAEW Insights: VAT exemptions for private schools and final CPD update
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The ICAEW Insights podcast explores the month’s top stories in accountancy.  In this episode, we discuss Labour’s proposals for removing VAT exe...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: The PM’s pledges: where are we now?
01 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we analyse the health of the UK economy through the lens of the Prime Minister’s pledges for 2023. Back in Janua...
ICAEW Insights: ISSB standards, E-Commerce Trade Commission, and CPD update
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The ICAEW Insights podcast explores the month’s top stories in accountancy. In this episode, we discuss the contents of the International Sustainab...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Commercial property - economic bellwether or laggard?
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we analyse the UK’s current economic turbulence through the lens of the commercial property sector. With capital...
ICAEW Insights: Digitalisation and gender bias in tax, plus CPD update
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The latest ICAEW Insights podcast shares the month’s top stories in accountancy. This episode analyses the tax system from two different angles: pr...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: can SMEs keep up with ESG?
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we explore how the introduction of sustainability assurance, both voluntary and mandatory, is affecting firms of al...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: How can tax design better deliver tax policy?
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the changes to tax architecture and design that may strengthen the UK’s national bargain as ec...
ICAEW Insights: Cyber security, taxing green travel and public finances
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we explore the month’s key developments in accountancy.This episode discusses the findings of the government’...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Managing talent in a hybrid world
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss best practice in hiring, training and safeguarding talent under hybrid working. It has been more than t...
ICAEW Insights: VAT at 50, TAM Day and engaging in public practice
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we discuss the month’s key developments in accountancy.This episode examines VAT as the tax reaches its 50th b...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Getting SME investment back on track
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the obstacles and incentives to SME investment. In recent years, a string of crises and ongoing economic...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Ageing population – a public finance timebomb?
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Insights In Focus episode, we discuss how the UK’s changing demographics are having an impact on public finances and policymaking.Th...
ICAEW Insights: ChatGPT, corporation tax and FRED 82
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we examine how recent developments are affecting the accountancy profession. This month, we discuss the respons...
ICAEW In Focus: What's the problem with local audit?
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the effectiveness of local authority audit and assurance.Many local authorities are facing a difficult f...
ICAEW Insights: Budget 2023 - a hope or hindrance for business?
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we explore the contents of the 2023 Spring Budget and the likely impacts on UK businesses and the work of financ...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: How accountancy can win the talent war
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this ‘Insights In Focus’ episode, we discuss ways to attract and retain talent in the accounting profession.Last year saw the UK accountancy se...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: How is HMRC digitalising taxation?
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special ‘Insights In Focus’ episode, we discuss the ways in which HMRC is using digital technology to influence tax calculation and collec...
ICAEW Insights: Carillion five years on – can we regulate ‘good’ judgement?
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we consider the future of audit – and the impact of the government’s proposed reforms on professionals in th...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: How should a board approach exec pay and what are the risks of getting it wrong?
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the thorny and often contentious topic of executive pay. The highly experienced panel doesn’t ...
ICAEW Insights: How can accountants make sense of crypto?
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the pros and cons of crypto and its impact on the work of finance professionals.The collapse of crypto e...
ICAEW Insights: What can we expect from 2023?
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we look ahead to what 2023 might hold for the UK economy and the work of finance professionals.While 2020 and 20...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Untangling the events and impacts of 2022
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we review the major events of 2022 and their contribution to ongoing economic uncertainty.Despite inflation already...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: What’s in the second Economic Crime Bill?
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the ICAEW Insights podcast, we look at the Economic Crime Bill currently passing through Parliament. Â The Bill follows the Economi...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: How will quantitative tightening affect the UK economy?
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we explore the Bank of England’s recent policy switch from quantitative easing to quantitative tightening.The Ban...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: How a Board should balance major strategic issues with staff retention and wellbeing
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We hear an update from the CFO about how advanced the company’s merger plans are and how this will secure their future in a competitive industry dom...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: How a board should maintain the right culture during periods of fast growth
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our panel talk through the situation and provide their advice on how a board might manage a situation like this. The conversation has pointers not onl...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Countdown to ISQM 1 – is your practice ready?
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus special episode, we discuss the rollout of the International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) and what firms need to do...
ICAEW Insights: The energy crisis – what can businesses do?
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we discuss the impact of the energy crisis on how businesses are sourcing their energy as well as planning for t...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Protecting SMEs against cyber criminals
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we explore why SMEs are tempting targets for cyber criminals, and what can be done to protect smaller firms against...
ICAEW Insights: Making sense of Russia, M&A and conflicts of interest
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we explore how accountants can go about approaching some of the year’s most challenging professional issues.Wo...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Surviving the cost-of-doing-business crisis
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights in Focus episode, we discuss the major challenges facing UK businesses, including energy costs, recruitment and retention of staff, a...
ICAEW Insights: The PM’s first 100 days - what needs to happen?
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we discuss the economic challenges facing new Prime Minister Liz Truss, and the policy commitments made during t...
ICAEW Insights In focus: How to bring a business back from the brink
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we explore the multifaceted role of the insolvency professional by hearing from both practitioner and client.Fraser...
ICAEW Insights: How to fix the airline industry
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we explore the problems facing the aviation sector with experts Matthew Davy, director at Strategy& UK, and ...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Levelling Up won’t leave with Boris, and the big opportunity ahead
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special edition of Insights In Focus, Iain Wright, ICAEW’s Managing Director, Reputation & Influence, is joined by Majeed Neky, Head of ...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: Recession? What recession? Time for business to stop worrying and start investing
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special edition of Insights In Focus, Iain Wright, ICAEW’s Managing Director, Reputation and Influence is joined by Kitty Ussher, Chief Econ...
ICAEW Insights: The pain – and potential gains – of rising inflation
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we speak to Martin Wheatcroft about rising inflation and what that means for businesses, plus capital allowances...
ICAEW Insights In Focus: What are the issues with tackling fraud?
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Insights In Focus episode, we take a look at the upward trend in instances of fraud: what factors make it easier for fraudsters, and what can ...
ICAEW Insights: Levelling up - data and devolution
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest ICAEW Insights podcast, we speak to Ed Humpherson, Director General of The Office for Statistics Regulation about the importance of data...
ICAEW Insights: Economic crime, Russia/Ukraine and the Spring Statement
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The horrific situation in Ukraine has had wide-ranging impacts and implications across the world, not least the fight against economic crime. In the U...