Knowledge Hub – Finance Recruitment & Accountancy Insights

ACCA has reached 100,150 UK members and 252,500 globally. With 69,500 UK PQs and 526,000 worldwide, ACCA will celebrate its 120th anniversary this year. CEO Helen Brand highlights the achievement and the commitment to an inclusive, ethical profession.

Securing venture capital involves creating a solid business plan, developing a minimum viable product, networking, perfecting the pitch, demonstrating traction, and undergoing due diligence. VC funding provides capital, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, but requires sharing equity and rapid growth.

Richard Edwards, CEO of the R&D Community, highlights potential pitfalls of HMRC's new R&D tax relief advanced notification rules. Companies must notify HMRC in advance to claim relief, complicating backdated claims. Strict compliance expectations focus on intentional R&D projects, adding complexity for accountants.

When hiring accountants for SMEs, employers should consider sector-specific skills, the ability to handle diverse roles, and the company's growth expectations. They should also prioritise digital literacy, strategic insights, and familiarity with modern accounting technologies to ensure effective financial management and attract top talent.

Discover how fintech revolutionises payments with trends like contactless transactions, blockchain, biometric authentication, embedded finance, and AI. These innovations redefine financial interactions, promising convenience, security, and accessibility for businesses and consumers alike.

Young talent in accounting firms is declining interest in climbing the corporate ladder. Many now prioritise work-life balance over long hours and high pay. This shift leads to succession issues and firm mergers. Retiring partners face challenges finding successors, emphasising the need for early succession planning and enticing new candidates with the benefits of partnership.