3 Reasons why getting free CPD at Accountex Isn't Just a Tick The Box Activity
Attending Accountex Manchester on the 12th October? Not only will you get access to an exceptional programme of all the hot topics that you ned to know for your firm, but you also get 8 hours of free accredited CPD.
But CPD is far more than just a tick the box exercise. Your CPD should be an invaluable support helping you provide even greater value and support to your clients. And most importantly, CPD allows you to develop your key technical skills by learning from the top experts in the industry.
So how can you make your CPD work better for you?
1. It is a vital component of your career development
There has been a massive shift in attitudes when it comes to CPD. Once seen as something of a nuisance, we’ve noticed from chatting with members that they are now placing more value on the content they complete, viewing it as a vital and valuable part of their career development.
2. “Don’t loose the will to learn! - Identify the way you prefer to learn
The nature of CPD is that it is ‘continuing, meaning it is not advisable to leave completing your annual requirement until the last weeks in December. If you do, it will become a burden, you will put yourself under immense pressure and you won’t extract the value from the content you complete.
Access to quality CPD has never been easier with amazing free to attend in person events like Accountex, as well as Accountex virtual events. And also other live and video on demand content all readily available online to watch, listen and learn at your own convenience.
3. Up to date knowledge is key
Even those with the most advanced qualifications need to keep informed of new trends and products, as well as important regulatory updates that the industry needs to be aware of. These elements are constantly changing, so it’s important to remain in the loop and build on what has been learnt from the study days.
Also, accounting firms with competent and qualified staff is a far more attractive prospect for customers and is more likely to gain and retain business.
In Summary:
Change your mindset and don’t make CPD a burden. Most importantly don’t make CPD a tick boxing exercise. You have worked hard for your accounting qualification, so make sure that you are constantly building on your knowledge. Be on top of your game, know all the updates and changes that are coming up and make yourself the best accountant for your clients.
1) It’s simple – don’t leave it until the end of the year…Make a plan of the subjects and content that you want to complete throughout the year
2) Decide on the best way that you like to learn – In person events like Accountex are great for interaction and to network among your peers. Video on demand is great so you can watch in your own time to fit around your busy day to day life or even face to face events
3) Plan ahead - Check out what in person events have been planned for the year, Accountex plan their in person events a year in advance and their virtual programme is also promoted months in advance. Also check out your favourite CPD provider website and look at their schedule for the year ahead.
4) Be proud of the knowledge that you are building - it will make you a better accountant for your clients.
By Zoe Lacey-Cooper
Check out CPDStore and visit us on stand H7 at Accountex Summit Manchester the 12 October 2022, for a very special offer!
You can register for a free ticket here.
Telleroo announces a world first, with the ability to sync payments directly from Xero payroll into their platform
Despite 78% of small businesses using cloud accounting, many still cannot sync payroll payments to their banks due to the lack of integrations and innovation. With no alternative, it's often the business owner who ends up manually keying in each individual payroll payment, time that could be much better spent elsewhere.
A breakthrough for Xero Payroll
Telleroo's new world-first integration with Xero speeds up payroll payments, meaning businesses no longer need to key in each employee's salary payment. Instead, in one click, payroll payments are created in Telleroo for approval. Telleroo clearly shows if any employee bank details have changed since they were last paid. With deep links, the business can switch between Telleroo and Xero Payroll in seconds. Telleroo picks up the payment date of the pay run, scheduling the payments to automatically go out at midnight that day.
When the pay run is approved, businesses just need to fund their Telleroo account for the payments to be released at the scheduled time. When the payroll date is reached, and funds are available, Telleroo passes all payments onto the faster payment network. Funds are usually available almost immediately in the recipient's bank account. Sometimes Faster Payments can take up to two hours to arrive, but this is uncommon.
Telleroo updates Xero bank feeds with the payroll total, keeping private each individual employee salary. This batch total can then be reconciled in one click against the wages payable account.
"This integration between Telleroo and Xero Payroll sync is a breakthrough alongside our own Xero bill sync," said Andrew Cookson CEO of Telleroo. "Xero Payroll sync automates even more, so accountants and finance teams can focus on productive tasks."
Telleroo's Xero Payroll sync is available to all new and existing customers.
Telleroo will be exhibiting at Accountex Summit Manchester the 12 October 2022 at Manchester Central at stand C16. You can register for a free ticket here.
Creades invests SEK 102 million in Findity
Creades AB, a Swedish investment company, invests SEK 102 million in Findity and becomes the company's largest owner.
The SEK 102 million purchase of existing shares in Findity makes Creades AB (publ) the largest owner of Findity, at 35%. Creades was founded in 2011 and is listed on Stockholm Nasdaq OMX main market. Creades invests in listed and private companies, and other current holdings include Avanza, Instabox, Apotea and Mentimeter.
More than 30,000 customers use Findity's products to manage expense claims, entertainment, mileage and per diem. The company also offers its product as a white label, where partners such as American Express, BDO and Visma Spcs use Findity's technology for their own expense management solutions.
"We have followed Findity's development over some time and see great potential in the company. We are particularly impressed by their unique offering and go-to-market model, helping both organizations, finance departments and end customers. We're excited to now be a part of their exciting growth journey and support the company in its quest for further international expansion." - John Hedberg, CEO at Creades.
Findity has grown by more than 40% annually in the last few years. With a strong position in the Swedish market, Findity is currently expanding to new markets. The product is available in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and USA.
"We wish Creades a warm welcome to Findity. We are happy to have them onboard and looking forward to working with such a reputable company. Their extensive experience makes a great partner to continue to execute our international expansion and continued growth." - Patrick Olsson, CEO at Findity.
About Findity
Findity are experts in expense management. They help customers eliminate the frustration of managing expenses. By partnering with leading software and card providers, they offer a seamless expense experience integrated with businesses' current operations and people's everyday lives. Helping customers say goodbye to scraps of paper, smudged receipts, and missed reimbursements, and welcoming back time to do more with their day. For more information, visit findity.com.
About Creades
Creades AB (publ) was founded in 2011 and invests in small and medium-sized public and private companies, primarily within the Nordic region. Creades is listed on the Stockholm Nasdaq OMX main market. www.creades.se
Libeo opens office in London as part of UK expansion
Today Libeo, a fully integrated and automated business-to-business invoice management and payments platform, bridging the gap between invoice management, payments, reconciliation and accounting, announces the opening of its office in Hewett Street, Shoreditch – a vibrant area of East London in the heart of the SME community.
The office opening follows on from the announcement of Libeo’s launch in the UK led by Glen Foster, Managing Director for the UK & Northern Europe – a former Xero Sales Director for UK and EMEA.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic and introduction of hybrid working, a recent survey by Microsoft shows that 43% of leaders reported relationship building as their biggest challenge. Integral to the office opening is Libeo’s commitment to its culture of wellbeing, motivation and teamwork. With a firm footing across Europe, the office opening seeks to respond to the post-pandemic challenge of relationship-building due to remote working. All employees will also be offered a comprehensive private healthcare package.
Glen Foster, Managing Director for UK and Northern Europe, Libeo said: “The UK office provides a base for Libeo to pool its tech talent in the heart of London’s thriving start-up and scale-up community. The office’s collaborative workspaces will enhance the company’s focus on teamwork, while being at the centre of art, culture and creativity.”
Libeo will be exhibiting at Accountex Summit Manchester the 12 October 2022 at Manchester Central at stand C13. You can register for a free ticket here.
An increase of 45% of business need their funding urgently
Whether it’s to raise funds for business growth, continue expansion plans or simply accommodate cashflow changes, we found there’s been a huge increase in the amount of businesses needing funding right now.
Small businesses usually leave themselves 7 days to find funding. However, in our brand new research, an increase of 45% of businesses need their funding urgently, since just March.
This dash for cash indicates a shift in borrowing behaviour and the need for businesses to get finance urgently to keep their businesses growing healthily.
From soaring inflation and supply chain delays to changes to government lending, there’s a lot impacting your small business clients. The need for funding is most likely a direct result of this changing landscape.
However, the massive spike we’re seeing also indicates that these businesses are struggling to look ahead to spot cashflow risks and the need for supporting finance.
On average, we’ve consistently found that businesses would apply for funding just seven days before they needed it. It seems that this month, businesses need funding on the day they are start applying. A concerning statistic.
Less time available means businesses may have less options, and may have to settle for more expensive loans - that could inevitably put more pressure on their bottom line.
At Capitalise, we question how we can help businesses get ahead of their funding needs and better prepare ahead of time. The answer is their accountants and the tools we have to support you!
Here are some Capitalise tips and tools you can use to help support your clients:
1. Start conversations about cashflow
Your clients are dealing with a lot of unpredictability. But the most urgent cashflow problems and funding needs could be spotted with simple habitual conversations.
Being in control of the numbers is a key part of your value as an advisor, but asking the right meaningful questions really sets you apart.
Dive deep into how your clients are feeling about their business health as well as their future plans. This can keep you in the loop with everything going on in their world. Help reveal funding needs and predict what is needed to bring their plans to life.
If they mention difficulties making payments on time, an inability to hire new key staff or buy new equipment or even an expensive project coming up - it may highlight some roadblocks they’re hitting in terms of cash.
Getting to grips with this early, can help you plan with them the resources they need to keep plans moving forward and business ticking along. Now and in the future.
Top tip: Make funding an agenda point in every meeting.
2. Get insights into your clients cashflow changes
The changing landscape puts pressure on your clients. We know this. But, we also know that it makes your role as their advisor that much more important… but, often difficult.
When spare time is limited, yet proactive and consistent cashflow management is required - it can be a challenge to get the insights you need, ahead of time, every time.
With our Monitor platform you can fast-track your conversations. Get real-time accountancy data, credit insights and companies house information to arm you with a 360 view of your clients’ cashflow, credit profile and funding.
Findity raises SEK 50 million to accelerate its international expansion.
The fintech company, Findity, is raising SEK 50 million to accelerate its international expansion and complete a comprehensive company rebrand. The company's two brands, Companyexpense and Findity, come together under one roof, allowing full focus on continued innovation and expansion.
The Swedish expense management provider Findity raises SEK 50 million from private investors such as Johan Blomquist, former partner at Altor, Niklas de Bésche, former CEO of Meltwater, as well as existing owners and staff. The company will use the investment to accelerate its international expansion and product development. Furthermore, a comprehensive rebrand brings their two brands together under one Findity.
Findity's product for expense claims, entertainment, mileage and per diem is today used by more than 30,000 customers. Through its white label offering, the company provides partners such as American Express, BDO, Visma SPCS and Fortnox with expense management solutions in their respective brands.
"Findity is in an exciting expansion phase right now. With a product our clients really love, a unique white label offer for our partners and strong demand, the possibilities are fantastic!" - Niklas de Bésche
Having built a top product and gained a leading position in Sweden, the focus is now on international expansion. At the same time, the company changes the name of its product Companyexpense, which will be called Findity.
"We see significant demand from businesses that want to improve employees' everyday lives, and the investment allows us to strengthen our position internationally. We want customers and partners to enjoy easier expense management. The new united brand helps us continue to focus on innovation and improve every day for people using our product." - Patrick Olsson, CEO of Findity
About Findity
Findity are experts in expense management. They help customers eliminate the frustration of managing expenses. By partnering with leading software and card providers, they offer a seamless expense experience integrated with businesses' current operations and people's everyday lives. Helping customers say goodbye to scraps of paper, smudged receipts, and missed reimbursements, and welcoming back time to do more with their day. For more information, visit findity.com.
Inform Direct: New Recruitment Drive As Client Portfolio Hits Record High
A Suffolk company is marking successful business growth by announcing an expansion of its team – to meet increasing demand and to embrace new opportunities.
Ipswich-based Inform Direct, which creates award-winning company secretarial and formations software, is now looking for people to fill three new roles: Software Tester, Business Analyst and Business Development Manager.
Back in 2011, the five founders – Henry Catchpole, Clive Gissing, Eunice Brain, Johnathan Korchak and Blaine Peakall – pooled their combined skills and experience in accountancy, law, finance and IT, forming a new business venture to create cosec software which would be easy to use and meet statutory obligations for limited companies.
Over the last ten years, the business has gone from strength to strength, both in terms of the cloud-based software product it offers and the expanding customer base. Currently more than 250,000 companies are on the platform.
CEO Henry Catchpole said: “Ten years ago the five of us sat down and hatched the plan for a new company which would deliver a practical way to handle cosec, particularly managing a large number of shareholders, dealing with complex data and submitting it to Government bodies. Today we are all still working together and serving our core market of accountancy practices and businesses.
“Central to our growth and success has been our highly skilled and loyal team and at this exciting time in our journey, we are delighted that we are now in a position to expand with three new roles which will bring our headcount to 20.
“Although our software has evolved over the years to meet new and emerging market requirements, our core focus of delivering a quality product, backed up by first-class customer support has remained. We have also been committed to creating a great place to work for our team, where they enjoy being part of what we do and feel valued for their individual contributions.”
Inform Direct will be exhibiting at Accountex Summit Manchester the 12 October 2022 at Manchester Central at stand F5. You can register for a free ticket here.
Registration now open for Accountex Summit Manchester
Accountex Summit Manchester returns for the fourth year on 12 October 2022 at Manchester Central.
The exhibition is set to welcome over 1500 attendees, including accountants, finance directors and bookkeepers from all over the north of the country.
More than 100 software and service suppliers will be exhibiting, including Sage, Xero, Wolters Kluwer, Dext, IRIS, FreeAgent, and Intuit Quickbooks. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the teams behind the brands and get 1-on-1 demos, find new solutions and learn practical tips.
“We can’t wait to bring you our best Accountex Summit Manchester yet! We’ve got an even bigger show this year and it’s set to be unmissable.” said Accountex Porfolio Director, Caroline Hobden. “It’s a great opportunity to reunite the community, and keep up-to-date with the changing technology, legislation and regulation. And, with the introduction of home working for so many firms post covid, our shows are essential meeting places for teams to come together, whilst immersing themselves in all thing’s accountancy and finance. ”
A 2021 visitor, Heather Palmer, Director at Ascot Bookkeeping Accounting Ltd said “This was my first time visiting Accountex Summit Manchester and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The atmosphere was incredible, and the quality of exhibitors was first class. Can’t wait for 2022!”
Visitors will also gain 8 CPD hours through the free CPD-accredited seminars led by 50+ experts, defining the future of accountancy and finance. The education programme is held across four theatres that will host 32 seminars, discussing everything from Making Tax Digital to staff retention and mindset.
A taster of the Seminar Programme…
- Taxation of Companies and Preparing for Fundamental Change in 2023
Sharon Cooke, Technical Director, 2020 Innovation
In this session, attendees will prepare to revisit some older concepts in preparation for the new corporation tax regime from April 2023. Should political events change the corporation tax horizon, a topical round up of the latest corporation tax measures will also be given.
- Social Mobility: The Secret Weapon in the Talent War?
James Lizars, Founder and CEO, Thrive Accountants and Zoe Whitman, Business Coach and Mentor.
Hosted by the ACCA, this panel will look at how to attract and retain talent and how creating opportunities via social mobility can help.
- Making Tax Digital – Our Journey and What You Can Do Now To Be Ready for 2024
Richard Fowler, Deputy Director MTD Customer Readiness and External Stakeholders, HMRC
Agents and their customers will be affected by one of the biggest changes to taxation for over thirty years. HMRC will share their progress to date and their roadmap as they move towards mandation for April 2024.
- From Fearful to Fabulous – How Overcoming Obstacles and Fear Can Revolutionise Your Life
Vicki Boddice, Director, Boddice Accounting Ltd. Tim Compton, Social Advocacy Manager, Sage. Kelli Dooren-Millott, Captain, Accounting Pirates. Francesca Tricarico, Managing Director, Future Cloud Accounting Limited.
In this session, the panel will discuss their personal experiences of overcoming various obstacles, both physical and mental. The session will be perfect for any accountant who has considered setting up their own business but has not had the courage to make that leap as well as auxiliary services to the industry where focusing on the positives results in excellent relationships being built.
Accountex Summit Manchester opens at Manchester Central from 9am-5pm on Wednesday 12 October. To register for your free ticket, please click here.