ICAS events
In-person and online
Browse our calendar of upcoming webinars and in-person events, designed to provide, inspiration, advice and connection, no matter where you are.
Missed a webinar?
Below you’ll also find links to recordings of all past ICAS Insights and Ask ICAS webinars, so you can catch up on any you might have missed.
Keep an eye on your inbox
Look out for our weekly events email, with news on the latest webinars and in-person events in your area.
Upcoming events
19 May – How to achieve your ambitions – an evening of drinks and career conversation
19 May – How to achieve your ambitions – an evening of drinks and career conversation
Date: Thursday19 May 2022
Time: 5.30 (for 6pm)
Venue: Le Monde, Dirty Martini Bar, 16 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF
Event summary
ICAS’ Scotland East Area Network and finance-recruitment specialists Rutherford Cross invite you for an evening of drinks and career conversation at Le Monde in Edinburgh. You’ll hear from three highly successful finance professionals who’ll share insight into their differing journeys and advice on how to progress your career and achieve your ambitions.
Complimentary drinks and nibbles will be provided.
Speakers
- Rob Horner CA, CFO of Bella & Duke
Bella & Duke is a leading pet-food and wellness subscription company in the UK. Rob trained with EY working in Transaction Services before working with Steadfast Group in both London and Sydney before moving back to Scotland.
- Violina Vasileva CA, Senior Executive Transaction Diligence with EY
Violina relocated to Scotland to join EY, following the completion of a Master’s Degree which she gained in Belgium. In her time at EY she has managed a wide range of interesting projects.
- Stephen Graham CA, Covid Financial Controller with Valneva
Stephen trained with PwC in audit before working for John Menzies Plc as Finance Manager for 3 years and in 2021 joined specialty vaccine company Valneva as Financial Controller.
(Please note that views and opinions expressed by speakers at ICAS webinars are their own and not necessarily reflective of ICAS’ views.)
Key topics
- The CA career journey from qualification on
- Taking alternative career paths
- How to achieve your career objectives
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Members and their colleagues
- CA Students
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions. Click here to find out more.
19 May - Spring Tax Update 1: Personal and business taxes
Date: Thursday 19 May 2022
Time: 11:00 am BST (1 hour)
Event summary
Join the ICAS Tax Team for the first of their two Spring Tax Updates, covering all things related to personal and business taxes. You’ll gain an essential round up of the latest tax matters, including developments arising from the recent Spring Statement.
There will also be an opportunity to ask the team about the most recent tax measures, and to raise any problems, concerns, with tax policy and tax administration.
Key themes and topics
- Personal tax latest developments
- Business tax latest developments
- 2022 Spring Statement: key areas
- Making Tax Digital update
- The tax outlook for 2022
Speakers
- Chair: Justine Riccomini, Head of Tax (Employment & Devolved Taxes)
- Susan Cattell Head of Tax (Technical Policy)
- Philip McNeil, Head of Tax (Tax Practice and Owner Managed Businesses Taxes)
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Members
- CAs in practice
- CAs in business
- Tax practitioners
Counts as CPD activity
Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, watching this webinar can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
Spring Tax Update part 2: Employment taxes
The second part of our two Spring Tax Updates on 26 May will cover all things related to employment tax. Find out more.
26 May - Spring Tax Update 2: Employment taxes
Date: Thursday 26 May 2022
Time: 11:00 am BST (1 hour)
Event summary
Join the ICAS Tax Team for the second of their two Spring Tax Updates, covering all things related to employment tax. You’ll gain an essential round up of the latest employment tax matters, including relevant developments arising from the recent Spring Statement.
Key themes and topics
- Employment tax latest developments
- 2022 Spring Statement: key areas
- The employment tax outlook for 2022
Speakers
- Chair: Jeremy Clarke, ICAS Assistant Director of Practice
- Justine Riccomini, Head of Tax (Employment & Devolved Taxes)
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Members
- CAs in practice
- CAs in business
- Employment Tax practitioners
- Payroll and benefits specialists
Counts as CPD activity
Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, watching this webinar can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
Spring Tax Update part 1: Personal and business taxes
The first part of our two Spring Tax Updates on 19 May will cover all things related to personal and business taxes. Find out more.
31 May - Difference Makers discuss: Mental Health Matters
Date: Tuesday 31 May 2022
Time: 4:30 pm BST (1 hour)
Event summary
Managing mental wellbeing is essential if we are to foster a more productive workplace and better work environment.
The finance industry generally is famed for high pressure and long hours, where people can feel that unless they are seen to work long hours and weekends they will not be considered for career promotion. This kind of working environment has lead to stress and mental ill health for large numbers.
We can’t do it all without looking after ourselves first. The most important thing a finance professional can do for their mental wellbeing is to make time for themselves.
Join Chartered Accountants Worldwide's Difference Makers as they uncover the issues around mental health and wellbeing affecting Chartered Accountants and the business and finance sectors more broadly.
Key themes and topics
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Wellbeing at work
- Work-life balance
- Stress at work
Speakers
- Mandy Muchnick (host) CA(SA) | Panda | One Young World Africa Chair
- Dee France, Wellbeing and Support Lead at Chartered Accountants Ireland
- Jonny Jacobs CA, Finance Director EMEA for Starbucks. Responsible for FP&A, commercial, supply chain operations and finance transformation. ICAS Council member.
- Ronan Dunne, EVP & Strategic Advisor to Verizon Communications CEO. Chairman of Six Nations Rugby. Former CEO Verizon Consumer Group.
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Members and Students
- Professionals in business and finance
Counts as CPD activity
Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, watching this webinar can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
1 June - ICAS drinks reception at the Park South rooftop in New York
Date: Wednesday 1 June 2022
Time: 6:00pm until 8:00pm
Location: Roof at Park South, 125 E. 27th Street, between Park & Lexington, New York, NY 10016
Dress code: Smart casual
Please note we’ll be following all the latest Government guidelines to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable event.
Event summary
Join ICAS CEO, Bruce Cartwright CA, and ICAS New York Ambassador, Sasha Raichand CA, on Wednesday 1 June for our first in-person event for New York Members in over two years. The evening will take networking to new heights - with drinks, canapes, and conversation hosted at the Park South rooftop garden.
Bruce Cartwright CA will give an update on recent developments at ICAS and plans for the year ahead. ICAS Ambassador for New York, Sasha Raichand CA, will also be in attendance, to meet CAs in his network and discuss the work ICAS is doing to support local Members.
The setting for the reception will be the rooftop at Park South, allowing guests to relax on fireside sofas, mingle under the covered bar and enjoy unobstructed views of the city skyline.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends you probably haven’t seen in a while and make new connections with CAs from across the New York area.
Speakers
- Bruce Cartwright CA, ICAS CEO
- Sasha Raichand CA, ICAS New York Ambassador
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Members
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
9 June - A night at the Tower with the ICAS President
Date: Thursday 9 June 2022
Time: 6:30pm until 9:00pm
Location: The Tower of London
Dress code: Smart casual
Please note we’ll be following all the latest Government guidelines to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable event.
Event summary
Join newly appointed President, Indy Singh Hothi CA, at ICAS’ flagship event to launch his presidential year on Thursday 9 June at 6.30pm.
Guests will be given a private tour of the crown jewels, followed by drinks and canapes served in Britain’s most famous castle, the White Tower. Indy will set out his plans for the year ahead and share how the Office Bearer team will continue to represent, support and inspire Members.
Spaces for this event are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to meet Indy and network with fellow ICAS Members in a truly historic setting.
Speakers
- Bruce Cartwight CA, ICAS Chief Executive
- Indy Singh Hothi CA, ICAS President
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Members
- ICAS Students
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
Past webinars
May 2022
12 May - Ask ICAS: How to develop a mental-health plan for your organisation
Join Richard Rutnagur of the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and representatives from two SMEs explain the personal and professional importance of mental health and share principles that can help all organisations to develop their own mental-health plans.
April 2022
28 April - Finance + Technology: Fintech opportunities and the evolution of accountancy
Join Susanne Chishti, Chief Executive Officer of FINTECH Circle, as she discusses how the accountancy profession is set to evolve in the near-future and how the role of CAs will change as technology continues to advance.
26 April - Ask ICAS: Navigating the National Minimum Wage with your clients – a practitioner’s guide
National Minimum Wage governance should be straight forward. After all, it’s just pay and hours, isn’t it? Sadly, it’s not so simple, but thankfully, Ask ICAS is here to help you understand the complexities. Join Jeni Morris, Head of EY’s National Minimum Wage Team, to cover everything from understanding who the NMW applies to, where recently named-and-shamed companies got it wrong and what the Single Enforcement Body means for you and your clients.
7 April - Ask ICAS: Risk considerations throughout the lifecycle of a practice
Your accountancy practice will always face risks but the form and severity will change depending on whether you’re starting out, growing your business or looking to sell or cease-trading. Join Edward Partridge from Marsh Commercial, one of the UK’s leading commercial insurance brokers, as he presents advice on identifying and mitigating risk across the lifecycle of a standard practice.
March 2022
31 March – Finance + EDI: Psychological safety, the secret to good leadership
Our speakers share their personal leadership experiences and the practical steps they took to improve psychological safety in their workplaces.
February 2022
28 February – ICAS President on business ethics
Join President Bruce Pritchard CA, for a discussion and Q&A on being a force for good in business at this event which was held in collaboration with the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School.
24 February – Ask ICAS: De-risking and automating your client engagement process
Discover what makes a good engagement letter and why you should have one for each client and each engagement. You’ll discover how to implement a robust engagement letter management system to keep track of your engagement letters, automate reminders to clients, enable digital signatures and collect payment details in one platform.
January 2022
20 January – Ask ICAS: Managing COVID-19: insights from CAs in the public sector
Catch up on what CAs working in the public sector across the NHS, local government and audit shared of their insights and professional experiences of managing these challenges and what they revealed about how their CA skills were put to good use throughout the pandemic.
As we move towards a post-COVID world, our speakers considered the learning points, future opportunities and challenges for the public sector and its finances.
18 January - ICAS Insights: How can the UK balance the books?
Following her article in the December/January issue of the CA magazine, Kitty Ussher, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors and former Labour MP, examined how Covid’s ‘fiscal hangover’ is likely to influence policymaking at Westminster.
Hear Kitty explore the various fiscal tools at the government’s disposal and their effects on business activity and economic inequality across the UK.
December 2021
9 December: Ask ICAS: Code of Ethics changes - your essential update
James Barbour CA, Director – Policy Leadership, discussed the changes being made to the Code, why they are necessary and how they might impact CAs working in business and practice. He also highlighted the resources that are available to help you meet your ethical obligations.
2 December: Ask ICAS: AML – getting client due diligence right
Join Alasdair Millar CA, Senior Practice Monitoring Reviewer and Jeremy Clarke CA, Assistant Director, Practice as they discuss the key elements of client due diligence and provide hints and tips that will help you to get the process right.
November 2021
30 November: The production and consumption of intangibles
Watch our session where a panel of experts discussed the results and practical recommendations from a research project on the reporting of intangibles by the University of Ferrara (Italy) - an ambitious large-scale project funded by ICAS and further jointly supported by EFRAG and EFFAS.
18 November: Ask ICAS: Top tips for avoiding complaints
Laura Gow (solicitor) and Laura Spowart (CA) have nearly 20 years’ combined experience of investigating complaints made to ICAS. In this session, they discussed the common themes and trends in complaints, suggesting practical tips on how to avoid being on the receiving end of a complaint.
11 November: Ask ICAS: The Budget in practice
Join ICAS’ tax experts for an update on the Autumn 2021 Budget and other developments in the world of tax.
9 November: ICAS Insights: How inclusive leadership will boost your business
Watch this webinar for an informal panel discussion that explored the day-to-day gender equality issues faced by women in the profession and revealed ways in which men can overcome the blockers that stop them from acting.
Our speakers told their personal career stories, sharing real-life insights to illustrate the problems and illuminate the solutions that can drive forward change and boost business performance.
4 November: Ask ICAS: Joining the evolution of the audit
Learn how new digital technologies into the audit process will deliver insight, cultivate collaboration and benefit clients and staff.
October 2021
21 October: Ask ICAS: Payroll and employment update
Join the Ask ICAS team and Dawn Dickson, Partner at Eversheds Sutherland for an essential update that will cover all the latest news and the must-know developments from the worlds of employment tax and employment law, including the impacts of the new Health and Social Care Levy.
14 October: Ask ICAS: HMRC approach to debt management
The approach of HMRC to management of debt arrears will be crucial to company cashflow, and ultimately some businesses’ survival, as the economy begins to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hear directly from HMRC on their approach to debt management and how the fine line between debt collection and debt forbearance will be addressed.
September 2021
24 September - ICAS Insights: Towards sustainability reporting standards
Following the IFRS Foundation’s decision to develop sustainability reporting standards and establish a new International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) alongside the IASB, there seems to be increasing demand for, and momentum behind, non-financial reporting being given an equal footing to financial reporting. Our discussion explored what has been learned from the development of financial reporting standards that could be helpful in the development of sustainability reporting standards.
23 September - Ask ICAS: Professional Indemnity Insurance
Marsh Commercial, appointed insurance broker for ICAS Members, provides an update on the rapidly evolving risk landscape. A number of events in recent years have impacted the professional indemnity (PI) market, creating a lack of supply and driving premiums up. Insurers are paying close attention to your ability to identify and manage risk. This webinar aims to help Members achieve the cover they need at renewal.
9 September – Ask ICAS: VAT Update
As the rules about the administration of VAT continuously and quickly evolve, keeping on top of it all can be difficult. In this webinar we highlighted all the key recent and upcoming changes, clarified their impact on the treatment of VAT and ensured that you’re up to date with the current guidance.
August 2021
26 August: Ask ICAS: Basis period reform - where are we heading?
Tax is moving to real-time but what does this mean for businesses and advisers? Join the ICAS Tax and Practice teams to hear more about HMRC’s proposals for basis period reform and to hear the Member views that are helping to shape ICAS’ response to the consultation.
17 August: ICAS Insights: Five key strategies to build a resilient mindset
Former lawyer and judge, Emma J. Bell spent three years travelling over 35,000 miles around the world to interview 50 extraordinary people who were flourishing in the face of adversity. She wanted to discover their resilience strategies and whether it's possible for us all to thrive through difficulty. Emma’s research identified nine 'Secrets to Thriving’ that we can all apply to thrive each and every day. In this webinar, Emma shared some stories of the ’50 Thrivers’ and the five key strategies to build a resilient mindset.
June 2021
30 June - How can good disclosure enable the green finance agenda?
This joint event, with ICAS, ACCA, ICAEW and CFA Society (UK), was one of a series to mark the first anniversary of the launch of the Green Finance Education Charter and to coincide with London Climate Action Week. The panel of expert and insightful speakers explored how good disclosures can enable the green finance agenda, discussed whether disclosures are driving the necessary change, and examined the challenges in building the capacity and skills required to achieve the agenda.
24 June - Ask ICAS: Essential tips for starting in practice
Join ICAS experts from Practice Support, Regulatory Authorisations, and a Member who has recently gone through the process of starting in practice, and get the essential tips to get your career in practice off to a flying start.
17 June - Ask ICAS: Exiting the pandemic - business finance schemes
We heard from the British Business Bank and UK Finance on COVID-19 business finances schemes including the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, the Pay As You Grow options and the new Recovery Loan Scheme. They outlined how these schemes are evolving to support this new stage in financing businesses and heard feedback from Members on how the schemes operate in practice.
10 June - Ask ICAS: Corporate governance and stewardship – what you need to know
We were joined by David Styles, Director of Corporate Governance at the Financial Reporting Council, for an update on corporate governance and stewardship and to get outline of key upcoming issues for listed and large private companies.
9 June - Strategic change – a sustainable future – hosted by the ICAS Grampian Area Network
In this session, hosted by the ICAS Grampian Area Network and Robert Gordon University, we were joined by Robin Watson CBE – CEO of Wood plc. Robin discussed transforming an oil-and-gas-dominated company into a diversified organisation and how through strategic change all businesses can work to address the energy-transition agenda.
8 June - ICAS Insights: Climate change - from reducing emissions to going net zero
In 2015 global leaders came together and committed to limit global warming to well below 2°C. Six years on from this defining moment, with the new Biden administration, the UK’s climate leadership and COP 26 in Glasgow there’s renewed momentum to meet this world-critical target.
The ICAS Sustainability Panel explored some of the key questions of the climate debate: what does Net Zero mean and why does this matter to you?How to take action and measure progress? The panel brought the perspectives of companies, investors and climate experts to discuss this existential journey and the challenges and opportunities it represents.
3 June - Ask ICAS: Spring Tax Update Part 3 – Tax administration, Timely Payment and raising standards in the tax advisory market
Join members of the ICAS Tax team for this interactive overview of key calls for evidence issued by HMRC on ‘Tax Day’ – the proposals will impact on all taxpayers and agents’ working lives going forward.
2 June - Employment-law update 2021 – hosted by the ICAS Highlands Area Network
In this session, hosted by the ICAS Highlands Area Network, and open to all ICAS Members and Students, we heard from Kirk Tudhope, a Partner at solicitors Ledingham Chalmers. Kirk presented an informative update that wasn’t full of legal jargon but was packed with everything businesses need to know about employment law, from redundancy issues to discrimination claims and TUPE.
1 June - ICAS Insights: CAs in arts and culture
COVID-19 has left the UK’s world-leading arts and culture sector fighting for survival. Following on from our recent CA magazine article, Culture Shock, magazine editor, Laurence Eastham chatted to three CAs from the arts and culture sector who shared how their work has been upended and what their recovery roadmaps look like post-pandemic.
May 2021
27 May - Ask ICAS: Regulatory update - Keeping on the right track
This webinar will give you an insight into the ICAS Monitoring team and its role in promoting quality and compliance across key areas of the profession. The session also includes key findings from their monitoring activities over the past 12 months, specifically in relation to anti-money laundering and audit – topics that ICAS and its member firms will be required to place significant focus on in the coming months.
25 May - Diversifying your career – hosted by the ICAS Lothian & Borders Area Network
Hear from a wide range of CAs all at different stages of their career, whose paths have included various levels of diversification and deliberate choices to achieve their aspirations. Get insights into what prompted their decisions and hear first-hand experiences of what it takes to make a big career move. They told us about how their ICAS membership and their CA qualification have enabled their professional diversity and shared advice for those who might be considering a change of their own.
13 May - ASK ICAS: Spring Tax Update - Part 2 - Taxation of businesses
Join members of the ICAS Tax team for this essential roundup of the latest business-tax matters including developments in the Finance Bill 2021.
In part two you’ll get a general tax update covering business and employment taxes, including an overview, a reminder of what’s changing and pointers on where to get further information.
11 May - ICAS Insights: How to empty your ‘stress bucket’
Too much negative thinking can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Understanding the biological process involved can enable you to manage these symptoms and leave you feeling better, mentally and physically.
To help us towards this positive goal we were joined by Gin Lalli, a qualified Solution Focused Psychotherapist for a pragmatic, engaging and informative session examining the science behind anxiety, stress and depression. Using examples and metaphors, Gin provided an accurate, straightforward explanation of brain function and how, by improving just one underestimated area of your life, you can empty your ‘stress bucket’.
ICAS Insights: Ending workplace stigma linked to mental health
It’s well known that healthy and energised employees enhance business performance. Yet within many workplaces there still exists a great deal of stigma linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
To help us consider the problems and identify practical solutions, we were joined by Geoff McDonald, former Global VP of Human Resources for Unilever. A keynote speaker, business transformation advisor and campaigner, Geoff now uses his personal mental-health insights and his professional experience to help inspire business leaders to embrace mental-health issues and empower their organisations to make positive change.
April 2021
29 April - Ask ICAS: Supporting business through redundancies
Whether you’re part of a business considering the need to make redundancies or advising clients on options to restructure and reduce costs, this webinar will help you to understand the options. We’ll consider everything from the employment law implications to the support available to employers and employees throughout this difficult process.
28 April - CAs in Sport webinar, hosted by the Glasgow Area Network
CAs working in sport shared their story and how their CA qualification benefited them in their role in sport. Our speakers will also gave us insight into how their sport has managed through COVID-19, the learning they’ll bring with them moving forward and how the pandemic has impacted large-scale sporting events like the Olympics, Euros and Lions Tour.
22 April - Ask ICAS: Spring Tax Update - Part 1 - Taxation of individuals
In part one of this three-part update series, experts from the ICAS Tax Team provided a general tax update which covered individual taxes, including an overview, a reminder of what is changing and pointers on where to get further information.
15 April - ICAS/CIOT webinar: Building a better tax system
Experts from ICAS and CIOT were joined by a leading polling expert on awareness and understanding of devolved taxes in Scotland for a panel discussion on our priorities for the devolved tax system in the 2021-26 Scottish Parliament.
8 April - Ask ICAS: Funding business recovery and expansion
Our panel of experts discussed the availability and accessibility of different funding options to help businesses choose the most appropriate finance for them and their stakeholders.
March 2021
25 March - Building Resilience: The business case for doing good
In today’s world, the way in which companies use natural resources, employ their workforces, and position themselves in the face of critical societal issues will affect performance, access to capital, and long-term value creation. There isn’t just a moral imperative for businesses and organizations to behave responsibly, but a financial one. It makes business sense to do good. Finance and accounting professionals have a significant influence on companies, and are well-positioned to help businesses think not just about their profit but their whole value creation process. In this process, embedding sustainability issues into a company’s strategy, business model and risk and performance management will enable them to create more resilient organizations that also positively contribute to people and planet.
Join us to learn more about the business case for the sustainable development agenda, and hear from leaders who have innovated responsible business solutions, and contributed to a changing culture around positive impact.
25 March - Ask ICAS: A view from the Investigation Committee
We were joined by Ian Robertson CA, past-President and immediate past Convener of the Investigation Committee, and Robert Mudge, Director of Investigations, to explore key parts of the ICAS complaints system and discuss how to avoid common complaint areas.
23 March - ICAS Insights: Hidden disabilities in the workplace
Dyslexia is a condition that is estimated to occur in at least one in 10 people. We were joined by ICAS Council Member Emily Cheyne CA who shared her personal experiences with dyslexia, and by Dyslexia Routes founder Sharon Hall who explained the nuances and intricacies of the neurodiversity.
22 March - ICAS Insights: BEIS White Paper (Part one)
We were joined by Sir Jon Thompson, Chief Executive of the Financial Reporting Council, to discuss the recently published BEIS white paper on Governance and Audit reform. Interviewed by Michelle Mullen, ICAS Executive Director of Standards, Sir Jon explored what the future holds in store for ARGA, and the prospective recalibration of the corporate ecosystem.
18 March - Ask ICAS: Off payroll working, employment taxes and law update
We were joined by Dawn Dickson, Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, for a lively discussion on the latest Off Payroll Working and termination-payments highlights. We also provided an update on the key employment-related issues that came from the March UK Budget.
16 March - ICAS Insights: The USA post-election
We were joined by two policy experts to consider some of the changes that have already taken place since Joe Biden was elected. They guided us through his first 100 days, gave an overview of his key priorities and the administration personnel who will help to deliver them, outlined changes in Congress and explored the regulatory outlook and other developments of relevance.
8 March - ICAS Insights: International Women’s Day
We celebrated International Women’s Day 2021 with a panel of CA speakers from the education, fashion and sport sectors. They shared their career journeys, including the challenges they faced along the way.
4 March - Ask ICAS: CJRS / SEISS – what's next?
The Chancellor's Budget on 3 March contained further announcements about COVID-19 support for business. From the furlough extension to support for the self-employed, the Ask ICAS experts provided a detailed analysis of all the latest news and developments.
February 2021
25 February - Ask ICAS: Managing the costs of property taxes
The Ask ICAS team was joined by experts from Revenue Scotland for an in-depth look at all things related to property taxes. They discussed everything from notifiable lease changes to the new reporting requirements around Capital Gains Tax. Watch the recording to help ensure that you’re fully informed and managing your clients’ costs efficiently.
23 February - ICAS Insights: Top tips to strengthen your cyber security
18 February - Ask ICAS: Company climate change reporting and audit
In 2020 the FRC undertook a thematic review of climate-related considerations by boards, companies, auditors, professional bodies and investors.
For this webinar, Hannah Armitage from the Financial Reporting Lab of the FRC, and Julia Morris, a Senior Inspector in the FRC’s Audit Quality Review (AQR) team, joined ICAS’ Anne Adrain to present the findings of the review.
They also led a discussion around the expectations of the FRC in relation to climate considerations and what this means for ICAS and our Members.
9 February - ICAS Insights: The business of food and drink
Our business of food and drink webinar brought together leading CAs from the food and drink industry for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of the industry.
Following on from a recent CA magazine article, the future of food, the webinar, led by Editor Laurence Eastham, explored the future of the food and drink industry.
Our four expert CAs shed light on the impact that Brexit, climate change and COVID-19 will have on the industry.
4 February - Ask ICAS: MTD for Corporation Tax - what you need to know
Anyone within the charge to corporation tax, and their agents, needs to understand HMRC’s plans for making CT digital and should consider giving input to the current consultation (Making Tax Digital: Corporation Tax).
Members of the ICAS Tax Team outline the key proposals, the likely timeline and some possible impacts on businesses of all sizes and charities.
4 February - ATO Briefing: New CA syllabus update
Watch our webinar on the new CA syllabus. Our speakers take you through the latest updates on a variety of areas, including teaching, exams and transition from the old to our new syllabus.
The webinar also features an introduction to our new TPS subject, Risk and Technology, which will be run and assessed differently from the other TPS subjects.
January 2021
28 January - Ask ICAS: Why financial modelling has never been more important
Forecasting and financial modelling should be at the heart of business management. Whether it be to support business growth, funding applications or managing cash flow crisis. Financial modelling has perhaps never been more relevant than in todays business environment.
Join our experts to find out why financial modelling for clients is important to carry out now, pitfalls to avoid and some hints and tips to maximise value for clients.
26 January - Diversity in the accounting profession: What do ideas of inclusion lend to understanding success
Achieving diversity in the accountancy profession remains a challenge. At senior level in particular, the profession continues to be predominantly white and male. While the advantages of having a diverse workforce have become well known, there are barriers to cultural shift.
ICAS President Catherine Burnet CA, Regional Chair for KPMG in Scotland, is passionate about increasing diversity in the profession. During this virtual event Catherine delivers a keynote speech in which she talks about some of the diversity issues she has encountered during her career.
21 January - Ask ICAS: Update from Companies House
Companies House is a key organisation that accountants and businesses interact with and is set to play an increasingly important role according to Government plans.
This webinar provides an opportunity to hear directly from Companies House about key developments within Companies House services which affect the accountancy profession.
20 January - Career Conversations
Are you considering a career as a Chartered Accountant and want to learn more about the qualification and the doors it could open for you? Are you an ICAS Student looking ahead to your first steps as a CA? Or are you in your first few years post-qualification and considering how to progress?
If you are, then this webinar will help answer some of the questions you may have about a career as a CA.
14 January - Ask ICAS: 2021 – what you need to know
At the start of a new year, find out from the experts at ICAS some of the key issues and developments that members in practice and business need to be aware of in the year ahead.
12 January - ICAS Insights: How to lead like an entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are often described as the lifeblood of the economy. They help shape the business landscape and generate new job opportunities, create new solutions to everyday problems and represent some of the most innovative individuals in the business landscape.
But there is much more to being an entrepreneur than starting your own business. Leading like an entrepreneur requires a blend of being able to recognise a fantastic idea, whether that’s your own or someone else’s, and having the drive to make that dream a reality.
Catch up on our webinar to learn how to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to you career, whether that is starting your own venture or using these skills to bring a great idea to life in your organisation.
December 2020
8 December - ICAS Insights: Risk, resilience and sustainability
Join us as we explore the risk and opportunities for businesses in their transition to a more sustainable economy.
As international governments and standard-setters place sustainability at the top of their agenda, our speakers look at the importance of corporate resilience and how companies can embed sustainability within their strategy, scenario planning and corporate reporting.
3 December - Ask ICAS: Brexit: Customs transition and VAT
With four weeks until the end of the Brexit transition period this webinar looks at customs transition focusing on:
- What is changing
- When customs declarations must be made and options available
- Postponed VAT accounting
- What help and guidance is available
2 December - Grampian Webinar: Accounting for Crypto, in conjunction with Robert Gordon University
This event, jointly hosted by the ICAS Grampian Area Network and Robert Gordon University, has its sights set firmly on the future of accounting. For many, cryptocurrency is the future of finance, existing outside the control of governments and central authorities and harnessing technologies such as bitcoin and blockchain.
With these advances come disruption and the need for new understanding and new ways of working. To aid your understanding, Elizabeth Gammie CA, Chair of the ICAS Grampian Area Network and Head of Aberdeen Business School at RGU, are joined by Kris Lindahl CA, an award-winning blockchain FinTech entrepreneur.
The session is split into three sections, covering an introduction to cryptocurrency, a look at global adoption trends and then a focus on decentralised finance and accounting automation.
November 2020
26 November - Ask ICAS: Going Concern - Revised ISA (UK) 570
The significant documentation requirements of the revised ISA (UK) 570 will start to impact significantly on audits of financial statements with a 31 December 2020 year end. The added impact on going concern as a result of COVID-19 will present a further challenge for auditors in both managing client’s expectations around disclosures in the financial statements, and the potential impact on the audit report.
The ICAS Audit Monitoring team provide an overview of the revised standard and how the new requirements may impact the auditor’s consideration of going concern in the current environment.
25 November - Bank of England Update
Bank of England Agency for Scotland provide an update on the Scottish economy. Agent for Scotland, Will Dowson gives an “off the record” briefing on the economic outlook, followed by a Q&A session.
24 November - ICAS Insights: CAs can be a force for good
Join us as we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Power of One, the ICAS ethics initiative that was launched in November 2015. The webinar offers an opportunity to reflect on what has happened in the last five years and will explore recent and forthcoming changes to the Code of Ethics and look at how CAs can be a force for good.
We hear from our speakers about the importance of ethics, The Power of One and learn from their experiences of using their CA to benefit society.
19 November - Ask ICAS: Managing risk in the tax practice
Join ICAS staff to learn from their experience of:
- where Members can end up exposed to risk
- the topics of tax avoidance and standards, and why PCRT remains high up the agenda
- maximising client relations and therefore maximising income/minimising costs (time lost and PI claims can be costly), and
- the added concerns arising from the pandemic, which highlight pinch points such as cash flow, ability to pay taxes, and support scheme claims.
18 November - London Area Network Webinar: Business survival in a global pandemic
Join our London Area Network as they host an essential event for any CA with an interest in learning more about the impacts that COVID-19 has had on the global economy, and the real-time impacts it continues to have on business leadership.
11 November - Glasgow & West Area Network webinar: Charities in challenging times
Hear from our Glasgow & West Area Network as its Chair, Craig Maxwell CA, and an expert panel discuss how challenging times have affected charities and the third sector, the funding issues they face and the importance of good governance. In this webinar, Glasgow & West Area Network Chair, Craig Maxwell CA, is joined by an expert panel consisting of Alan Kilpatrick BEM CA, Marcella Boyle and Stewart MacGregor.
10 November - ICAS Insights: Social mobility in the accountancy profession
How can we ensure the accountancy profession is open and accessible to all? Catch up with this webinar to learn about the latest research in this area and what we can do to improve social mobility and access to the profession.
5 November - Ask ICAS: Coronavirus Employer and business support update
Justine Riccomini and Jeremy Clarke explain the latest updates to the coronavirus assistance programmes including those announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 22 October.
October 2020
29 October - Ask ICAS: Legal Update for IPs
David Menzies CA, Director, Practice, and Stuart Clubb. Partner at law firm Shoosmiths, provide a legal update for insolvency practitioners.
28 October - ICAS Insights: How has the US performed after 4 years of President Trump?
As US elections loom, join economist Trevor Williams and former British Ambassador to the US Sir Christopher Meyer for perspectives on the country past, present and future.
22 October - Ask ICAS: The Pressures of Practice
David Menzies CA, Director of Practice, and Jeremy Clarke CA, Assistant Director of Practice, discuss the pressures of practice and how to deal with them with Caroline Christie CA and Marie McKeown from the Scottish Accountant’s Benevolent Association.
20 October - ICAS Insights: Challenging racial inequality in the workplace
Racial inequality and the devastating effects that it has on those who experience it cannot be understated. October marks Black History Month in the UK, an opportunity to reflect and look back in recognition at the accomplishments of black businesspeople. It is also an opportunity to learn and look forward at what more can be done to embed a culture of equality and inclusion in the workplace.
15 October - Ask ICAS: Brexit
Join Tony Buckley, ex-head of Irish Customs at this webinar, in partnership with Chartered Accountants Ireland, who gives an overview of the practical impacts of Brexit and answers your questions. He will explains why Brexit needs urgent preparation regardless of the outcome of current negotiations, and discusses the implications of the Northern Ireland Protocol. After this webinar, you will have a clearer idea of the practical issues that will face Scottish business and services in 2021, and will be better able to assess the challenges and decide how best to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
8 October - Ask ICAS: Life after CJRS and SEISS – new measures for employers and business
Justine Riccomini and Jeremy Clarke explain the new Coronavirus assistance programmes announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 24 September and what the transition between schemes might look like.
7 October - Grampian Area Network webinar: An event to inspire young CAs
Join two of our Grampian Members, Karen Maclennan CA and Kimberley Oliver CA, for an informal and candid conversation about the interesting and varied career paths of CAs.
1 October - Ask ICAS: Practice pitfalls and how to avoid them
Join Alasdair Millar, Senior Reviewer, Practice Monitoring, as he examines how Members can avoid the most common regulatory and compliance pitfalls.
September 2020
30 September - Career Conversations
Are you considering a career as a Chartered Accountant and want to learn more about the qualification and the doors it could open for you? Are you an ICAS Student looking ahead to your first steps as a CA? Or are you in your first few years post-qualification and considering how to progress?
If you are, then this webinar will help answer some of the questions you may have about a career as a CA.
29 September - ICAS Insights: Challenging Conversations - bullying in the profession
In this webinar, hosted in partnership with the Law Society of Scotland and Adam Smith Business School, we will provide examples of bullying experienced by members of the accountancy and legal professions and explore what needs to be done by organisations to eradicate such behaviour.
24 September - Ask ICAS: In conversation with the Small Business Commissioner
The expert panellists will highlight key information that CAs need to know as well as answering your questions live.
22 September - Bank of England: Agency for Scotland September 2020 Briefing
Bank of England Agents, Will Dowson and Iain Duff give an “off the record” briefing on the economic outlook, followed by a Q&A session.
18 September - ICAS Insights: In conversation with Mel Stride MP, Alison Thewliss MP and Lucy O'Carroll
Join us for a conversation with the Chair of the House of Commons Treasury Committee, Mel Stride MP, Committee Member Alison Thewliss MP, and Director of Taxation in the Scottish Government, Lucy O’Carroll, to discuss the Committee’s open inquiry ‘tax after coronavirus’.
17 September - Ask ICAS: Debt management for firms and their clients in a COVID-19 environment
With businesses across the world affected by Coronavirus and many suffering cash flow difficulties, join us to take a look at how to balance supporting clients or customers with maintaining a positive cash flow and avoiding bad debt within your own business.
The expert panellists highlight key information that CAs need to know as well as answering your questions live.
9 September - ICAS Insights: In conversation with Iain Stewart MP
Join us for a conversation with Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Iain Stewart MP, to learn about the latest government support for economic recovery.
3 September - Ask ICAS – VAT Update
Join us for a roundup of the latest information and developments in relation to VAT. The expert panellists highlight key information that CAs need to know as well as answering questions live.
August 2020
27 August - Ask ICAS: Coronavirus Updated and Hot Topics
Join us for a roundup of the latest developments on a range of topics which are affecting business and those in practice.
The expert panelists highlight key information that CAs need to know as well as answering your questions live.
13 August - Ask ICAS: The future of UK taxation - reformed and digital
Members of the ICAS tax and practice teams outline the extension of Making Tax Digital to income tax for business and landlords.
Tax compliance or business accounts? With mandation of quarterly reporting for income tax by April 2023, tax compliance can no longer be a footnote to annual business accounts preparation. A new approach is needed.
12 August - Accounting for COVID-19: Sustainability, Impact & Accounting Professionals
We hear from our panellist on how finance professionals and functions should ‘account’ for COVID-19 in ways that are transparent, consistent and does not produce inadvertent inequities?
In this webinar, presented by ICAS in partnership with Adam Smith Business School, an expert panel consisting of practitioners, professional bodies and academics will outline some of the key challenges and discuss best practices emerging from the accounting profession during and post COVID-19.
6 August - Ask ICAS: HR in a remote environment - redundancies, hiring, disciplinary
COVID-19 has changed the way of working. Accountancy practices’ most important asset is the people that work in them. But how has HR and managing people changed in a remote environment?
In this webinar we will be joined by HR experts to understand how recruitment and job hunting has changed and how remote working has impacted HR processes such as onboarding new staff, performance management, disciplinary and redundancy processes.
July 2020
30 July - Ask ICAS: Latest update and hot topics
Join us for a roundup of the latest developments related to COVID-19 which are affecting business and those in practice.
The expert panellists highlight key changes in government business support programmes as well as answering your questions.
23 July - Ask ICAS: AML update - How COVID19 has changed how you should be doing AML
"If you're doing AML the same way you were in the pre-COVID world, you're doing it wrong." Nathan Lynch, Financial Crime Journalist.
From changing criminal activity to restrictions on movements and increased remote working, the impact on AML and accountants’ responses has changed. In this webinar we look at the issues accountancy practices need to be aware of, how the 5th Anti Money Laundering Directive has changed things, and how the AML requirements can be made easier for practice.
22 July - ICAS Insights: In conversation with Kate Forbes MSP
Join us for a conversation with Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes MSP, to learn about the Scottish Government’s current priorities and response to COVID-19.
21 July - ICAS Insights: An update from the FCA
In this webinar, the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Head of Scotland Office, Maggie Craig, introduces the FCA and its role as a regulator.
16 July - Ask ICAS: Should tax advisers be regulated, and if so who by?
HMRC has long had concerns about the standards of some tax practitioners – and the words of the Financial Secretary in the foreword to an open call for evidence are chilling ‘….Some advisers are incompetent, some unprofessional, a few actively corrupt.’
What is the government likely to do about this? Our panel discuss the thorny topic, outline the perceived problems, potential options, and the ICAS proposed policy positions on standards, greater reliance on professional body self-regulation, and an affiliate scheme.
9 July - Ask ICAS: The future of hospitality, tourism and leisure
The hospitality, tourism and leisure sector has been one of the hardest hit during the coronavirus crisis. As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, many organisations occupying this sector are looking for ways to adapt their business to the ‘new normal’.
An expert panel discuss what lies ahead for the businesses and how CA firms can best assist clients working in these sectors.
7 July - ICAS Insights: Speak up? Listen Up? Whistleblow?
Catch up on the ICAS Insights webinar: Speak up? Listen Up? Whistleblow? Led by James Barbour, we hear from Catriona Paisey, Professor of Accounting at the University of Glasgow, and Paul Boyle OBE, Chair of whistleblowing charity Protect, about how CAs can take a stand and speak up.
2 July - Ask ICAS: Preparing for a return to office working
Devolved governments across the UK have started to ease the lockdown restrictions which came into place to help tackle the spread of COVID-19.
But what does sectoral guidance look like for accountancy practices bringing workers back into the office?
This webinar examines the processes that employers and their staff will be required to adhere to as they begin to return to the office environment. We will hear from occupational health specialists and gain insight from CAs who have already started this process, as well as looking at how the new ICAS Guidance and Toolkit can help you with this process.
June 2020
25 June - Ask ICAS: Rescuing distressed businesses: Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill
The economic crisis arising out of the coronavirus pandemic is tipped to create a wave of financially distressed businesses. The government has announced new measures to help the UK's recovery and restructuring framework including a new Moratorium.
Expert panellists provide a comprehensive overview of the insolvency changes being brought in through the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill, expected to come into legislation by the end of June, as well as being available to answer your questions live.
23 June - ICAS Insights: The Future of Sustainability
In this webinar our panellists discuss key questions relating to sustainability and the coronavirus pandemic.
18 June - Ask ICAS – Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self Employed Income Support Scheme update
In this webinar, speakers give a roundup of the latest developments related to COVID-19-related government wage support measures. Expert panellists provide a comprehensive overview of changes to the CJRS and SEISS, as well as answering questions live.
17 June - Your career journey as a CA
Are you a final-year ICAS Student looking ahead to your first steps as a CA? Or are you in your first few years post-qualification and considering how to progress?
In this webinar the Glasgow & West ICAS Member Area Network brought together three CAs with recent experience of taking giant strides along their own successful CA journeys, all ready to assist with insights, knowledge and practical suggestions.
This webinar was held in association with Rutherford Cross.
11 June - Ask ICAS: Accounts and Audit: Going concern and events after the reporting period for small and micro-entities
In this webinar, speakers cover the considerations for small and micro-entities in relation to going concern and events after the end of the reporting period during COVID-19. We will explore the specific reporting requirements for these types of entities under FRS 102, specifically Section 1A, and FRS 105, and the potential disclosure implications.
9 June - ICAS Insights: Coronavirus and its impact on the global economy
In this webinar our panel discusses what the lasting effects of COVID-19 on the global economy and society may be.
4 June - Ask ICAS: Spring tax update Part 2 - Taxation of business
In this webinar, members of the ICAS Tax team provide an update on the latest tax matters including developments in the Finance Bill 2020. Speakers also provide a general tax update which covers business taxes, i.e. an overview; a reminder of what is changing and pointers to where to get further information.
3 June - ICAS Insights: In conversation with the ICAS Office Bearers
Catch up on the ICAS Insights: In conversation with the ICAS Office Bearers webinar. ICAS CEO, Bruce Cartwright, speaks to our three ICAS Office Bearers about the CA Agenda.
Focusing on the three CA Agenda themes of Talent, Trust and Technology, our speakers shared their thoughts in a ‘Three-T’ discussion, giving us all food for thought.
May 2020
28 May - Ask ICAS: Hot topics and latest updates
Speakers provide a roundup of the latest developments related to COVID-19 which are affecting business and those in practice.
26 May - ICAS Insights: Equality, diversity and inclusion in the accountancy profession
How can we ensure the accountancy profession is open and accessible to all? This webinar covers what ICAS is doing to embed a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion across our membership and the wider profession.
22 May - ICAS Insights: In conversation with Douglas Ross MP
ICAS has been engaging with the UK and Scottish Governments during the coronavirus outbreak on behalf of ICAS Members.
Bruce Cartwright CA, ICAS Chief Executive, has written directly to UK Government MP and Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, on 24 April and 6 May.
These letters set out a number of concerns for ICAS Members, their practices, businesses and clients. They also raise queries and request further information on a range of issues relating to the government response to coronavirus.
This webinar was an opportunity for ICAS Members to hear from the Under Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Douglas Ross MP, and to put their questions directly to him.
21 May - Ask ICAS: Spring Tax Update part 1 - Taxation of individuals
Speakers provide a general tax update which covers individual taxes, an overview of what is changing and pointers to where to get further information.
14 May - Ask ICAS: Coronavirus: Insurance considerations
Coronavirus and the change to the working environment brings with it risks to business. Business insurance will often mitigate such risks but what are the potential issues in the current environment. How might business interruption cover, unoccupied properties, Employer Liability cover and PII amongst others be affected?
Our speakers will help to answer these and other questions throughout this webinar.
13 May - CA magazine webinar: Thriving in uncertain times
CA magazine editor Laurence Eastham hosts a conversation with Andrew Bone CA, co-founder and CEO of award-winning professional services software provider Airts.
Filmed during a period of unprecedented change, this timely webinar examines how firms and accounting professionals alike can adapt to new ways of working during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
12 May - ICAS Insights: Mental fitness in focus
Catch up on the Mental Fitness in Focus webinar featuring a conversation with Lianne Stewart CA and Jonny Jacobs CA.
7 May - Ask ICAS: Running your practice remotely
From staff to systems, serving clients to video meetings – how do you continue to run a practice remotely? With no clear indication that lockdown will end anytime soon how do you move from emergency business continuity to a newer norm?
April 2020
30 April - Ask ICAS: Coronavirus practice panel discussion
Members from across the practice community came together for a panel discussion covering key developments in the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the business and practice landscape.
23 April - Ask ICAS: Latest updates and hot topics
Some key takeaways from the fourth Ask ICAS webinar which looked at some of the latest COVID-19 developments and hot topics.
16 April - Ask ICAS: Charities and regulation
Some key takeaways from the third Ask ICAS webinar which looked at how the charity sector has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
9 April - Ask ICAS: Accounts, audit and cash as king
Some key takeaways from the second Ask ICAS webinar which covered accounts, audit and directors responsibilities
2 April - Ask ICAS: Employed & self employed support
Here are some key takeaways from the first Ask ICAS webinar which covered coronavirus employed and self-employed support.
Free CPD Partner webinars
In conjunction with our training partner BPP Professional Development, we also run a suite of free Professional Development webinars for Members and employers. These webinars provide the perfect opportunity to connect with industry professionals, share insights and discuss current trends. Browse our CPD Partners webinar page below to find out more about these events and to watch recordings of previous webinars: