Channel Islands Conference - June 2024

ACCA’s annual Channel Islands Conference focuses on the key issues faced by finance professionals in the Channel Islands. The Conference provides the perfect opportunity to update your knowledge and gain up to 21 CPD units. Our expert speakers will keep you informed of the latest developments in the profession, as well as answering your questions live.

The sessions are a blend of technical, compliance, professional development,technology insights, well being and innovation to provide you with a balance of information to meet the needs of the changing role of today’s accountant.

Please see the list of topics below:

• Building a Culture of Cyber Awareness
• Financial Reporting: IFRS Update
• Financial Reporting: UK GAAP Update
• UK Tax Update
• Problem Solving Skills
• Economic Crime Review
• Jersey Law Update
• Effective planning and business case evaluation
• Guernsey Law Update
• International Tax Update
• Guernsey Tax Update
• Jersey Tax Update
• Wellbeing at Work
• Tapping in to Creativity
   

These events were recorded from 17 until 21 June 2024

• Introduction
  - Overview of the importance of cyber awareness.
  - Setting the context: Growing cyber threats and the need for proactive measures.
  
  
• Understanding Cyber Threats
  - Types of cyber attacks (phishing, ransomware, social engineering, etc.).
  - Real-world examples and their impact on businesses.
  
  
• Creating a Cyber-Aware Culture
  - The role of leadership in fostering a security-conscious environment.
  - Employee engagement - awareness and training
  
  
• GDPR Compliance
  - How cyber awareness aligns with GDPR requirements.
  - Practical steps to ensure compliance.
  
  
• Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene
  - Policies & procedures
  - IT Governance.
  

Speaker: Dr Stephen Hill

SESSION OVERVIEW

Consideration of relevant guidance in UK GAAP as we continue to navigate the pandemic landscape as well as a look at what might be coming down the line.

Speaker: Helen Kerrigan

SESSION OVERVIEW

Consideration of relevant guidance in UK GAAP as we continue to navigate the pandemic landscape as well as a look at what might be coming down the line.

Speaker: Helen Karrigan

SESSION OVERVIEW

A very practical session, outlining the main recent changes in UK taxation, including:

• Corporation tax changes and developments
• IR35 update and recent tax cases
• The new company capital allowances regime, expensing capital expenditure
• Tax and NIC changes for UK directors and employees
• Tax changes in the last year that affect UK businesses
• UK capital gains tax, SDLT and inheritance tax refresher and planning
• UK VAT changes
• Case studies and general overview.

Speaker: Tim Palmer

SESSION OVERVIEW

This workshop considers 2 aspects of problem solving and provides working frameworks.

Method – Cause & Effect, 5 Whys, Diagnostic Roles (6 Hats) System Thinking & Mapping

Application – Communication, Assessment, Innovation & Change, Shared Purpose

Speaker: David Wallis 

SESSION OVERVIEW

This session will seek to ensure that delegates appreciate the necessity of the very real and increasing need to ensure that traditional risk management migrates more speedily into ‘real world’ risk management wherein the true nature, extent and impact of risk is properly determined, assessed and proactively responded to. In order to place real world risk management into an appropriate context, delegates will be taken through two threat vectors, procurement fraud and forced labour (modern slavery), respectively, and shown how inherent risks within the supply chain can be more successfully identified and mitigated.

This session will address the following issues:

• Nature of ‘real world’ risk management with its focus on understanding the broader threat environment within which corporations operate which
• Necessitates a retreat from adherence to the notion of ‘risk appetite’ and a reduced reliance upon the ‘Three Lines of Defence’ mode or risk engagement
• Requires the use of lateral rather than vertical thinking I order to determine the nature, interconnection and impact of geo-political, economic, technological, environmental and societal risks upon the current or prospective corporate engagement within the provision of goods and/or services in new jurisdictions and/or with new suppliers
• Demands an appreciation of the evolving impact of transnational organised crime groups and networks as drivers of the aforementioned risks, not least of all in terms of their responsibility in creating, driving or exacerbating the economic crime experienced directly or indirectly by corporations.

Delegates will leave the session with an appreciation of the threats posed by economic crime (broadly defined), with an understanding of the of the importance of placing the notion of risk and risk management into a national, regional and global context in order to effectively challenge the notion of fixed threat vectors within an ever-evolving risk environment and to be equipped, using procurement fraud and forced labour as exemplars, for tackling corporate risk vectors in a proactive rather than reactive manner.

Speaker: Rob McCusker

SESSION OVERVIEW

In an informative and engaging presentation, Vicky Milner and Nic Le Breuilly will highlight a range of interesting legal developments of which ACCA members in Jersey will wish to be aware.

Updates will be provided on Jersey law developments in relation to company, property, private client, regulatory and employment law matters, all in the context of the current global and local economic situation.

Vicky and Nic will also be looking into their crystal ball and discussing what may be coming over the horizon.

Speakers: Vicky Milner and Nic Le Breuilly

SESSION OVERVIEW

In an environment of increasing economic and financial uncertainty and pressures, major capital and non-capital expenditures on business plans, projects and initiatives will require close scrutiny and evaluation to ensure that best value outcomes are achieved and financial and business risks properly evaluated. Qualitative and quantitative techniques may be used to achieve these aims leading to the construction of robust and compelling business plans and cases.

How do you benefit?

• Understanding the components of a compelling business plan and business cases
• Getting beyond simple measures of business case desirability
• Taking proper account of risk and ensuring appropriate returns Vs risk
• Enhanced ability to choose between competing demands on precious resources

Key Features

• What is a business plan and business case for?
• What makes them compelling?
• Who will examine the business plan and cases – Internal management, External investors, Banks and other funding providers?
• Importance of a compelling business narrative - What, How, Why?
• Why traditional evaluation measures (ROI, ROCE, etc.) are inadequate
• Financial risk is only part of the picture – understanding the different elements of business risk
• How can I quantify intangible benefits that may accrue from a business plan and business cases?

Speaker: John McKenzie

SESSION OVERVIEW

• An update on Guernsey law issues
• An overview of the key developments of the last 12 months

Speaker: Mark Savage, BDO Guernsey

SESSION OVERVIEW

The talk should be of interest to anyone who has clients who are internationally mobile or multinational companies.

Speaker: Jeremy Mindell

SESSION OVERVIEW

• An update on Guernsey tax issues
• An overview of the key developments of the last 12 months.

Speaker: Mark Savage, BDO Guernsey

SESSION OVERVIEW

• An update on Jersey tax issues
• An overview of the key developments of the last 12 months

Speaker: Zaeem Youssouf

SESSION OVERVIEW

This workshop looks at building a healthy and thriving work environment:

• Defining Wellbeing at Work – Understand the dimensions: physical, emotional, mental, social
• Creating a Positive Work Culture – open communication, balance & flexibility, managing conflicts, celebrating achievements
• Physical Wellbeing – ergonomics & comfort, movement & breaks, nutrition, stress management & sleep hygiene
• Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health Support – recognising challenges, building a culture of empathy, inclusivity and psychological challenges, support for mental health issues

Speaker: Fran Wallis

SESSION OVERVIEW

Do you want to develop the ability of your team to meet challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing business environment? This workshop is designed to help you foster a culture of creativity and innovation that will unlock your full potential and the potential of your people.

Speaker: Kay Thompson-Barker