Today we’re diving into the power of self-assessment and reflecting on your business journey! Often, we’re so focused on future goals that we forget to appreciate just how far we’ve come. I'll share my story about why I created my first lead magnet, “Beyond Metrics,” and how self-reflection can fuel your growth. Plus, I'm excited to announce my new freebie, “4 Powerful Ways to Evaluate and Elevate Your Business in 2025,” available exclusively in a Black Friday giveaway!

Unlock Business Growth: How Self-Assessment Can Boost Your Success in 2025!

Our tech editor, Tom Herbert kicks off the podcast with the shutdown and acquisition of online bookkeeping giant Bench. He details who Bench are, what happened when the company ceased operations, why we should care and the dangers of using technology without proper oversight. 

With January being a busy month for accountants and the 31 January self assessment deadline looming, Richard Hattersley talks about HMRC’s statistics that 5.4m taxpayers are still left to file their return. The team questions whether it is just human nature that a deadline is a deadline for a reason and they see how accountants are coping. 

Finally, Matthew Ord reports on the calls for change in audit. He looks at whether any progress has been made so far and the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) desire for audit to be more effective. 

No Accounting for Taste ep179: Bench’s collapse, self assessment deadline and audit reform

With the self assessment deadline next week, the worst has happened for some tax agents who have been locked out of their agent accounts. Tom Herbert examines the timing, the impact on practitioners’ livelihoods, and HMRC’s poor communication around the issue.

Continuing on with HMRC, Richard Hattersley reviews the criticism HMRC has come under, from exchequer secretary James Murray being grilled on customer service to a scathing public accounts committee report on poor service levels. The team considers what it will take for HMRC to change.

Matthew Ord shares insight from his conversation with Pete Fendall, one of the youngest CFOs in the alternative investment market, who reveals how he proved himself at such a young age. 

Lastly, Herbert discusses the software market for large firms. He spoke with John Toon, tech strategy lead at Beever and Struthers about how 2025 might bring an increase in spending.


No Accounting for Taste ep180: HMRC issues, CFO at 32 and software shopping

The beginning of February marks the end of the self assessment season so Richard Hattersley starts the podcast sharing how accountants on AccountingWEB coped on deadline day. The team speaks about the 1.1m who missed the deadline and what’s next for accountants now that another self assessment is over. 

Tom Herbert details the Companies House agent filing system, requiring firms filing for clients to register on a new system. He looks at the rollout timeline, its impact on accountants and whether it will have the desired effect. 

To wrap up the podcast, Matthew Ord explores the journey to the boardroom and how CFOs rise through the ranks. The team discusses the evolving role of CFOs, who now have to oversee all aspects of operation


No Accounting for Taste ep181: Self assessment, Companies House filing and the role of a CFO

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New tracks tagged #selfassessment