HMRC: A general anti-abuse rule

Comments from ACCA to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), September 2012

IASB: Annual improvements to IFRSs - 2010-2012 cycle

Comments from ACCA to the International Accounting Standards Board, 3 September 2012

The changing role of the CFO

This joint report with IMA discusses the future of the finance function, and in particular the future role of the CFO. Emerging challenges are identified in the areas of regulation, globalisation, technology, risk, transformation, stakeholder management strategy, reporting, talent and capability.

Talent management in a shared services world: 2012 survey

This report provides results from one of the largest-ever surveys on talent management practices across the global finance profession. It provides some simple data points on the current state of talent management activities from global finance functions that have adopted shared service centres. Over 1,200 finance functions with shared service centres responded to this survey.

100 drivers of change for the global accountancy profession

This study identifies the drivers shaping the landscape for businesses and professional accountants over the next decade.

All change: Financial Reporting Council reformed

On 2 July the structure and functions of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) changed conspicuously following parliamentary approval of its proposed reform

Finance Act 2012

The Finance Act 2012 received royal assent on 17 July 2012.

Working Together Groups - your communication channel with HMRC

Got an issue to raise with HMRC and fellow accountants? Contact your local Working Together group.

Proposed changes to ESC A19

Following a tribunal decision, HMRC issued a consultation on the removal of taxpayer protection from ESC A19.

Michael J Harte and Brenda A Harte v HMRC

This case was based on whether a property was eligible for main residence relief during a very short period of occupancy.

European VAT update

Following numerous announcements concerning VAT in Europe, we summarise the most significant changes.

VAT: face value vouchers

HMRC has released comments following a recent face value vouchers European Court of Justice (ECJ) case. This alters the tax point for recognition of a supply.

Anthony Metcalfe v RCC

Private residence relief; multiple properties; house that taxpayer claimed for was not connected to the electricity supply.

Malcolm Springthorpe tax case

This case was based on whether a property was eligible for main residence relief during a short period of occupancy while it was being refurbished.

FRC: Proposed revisions to International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) to adopt changes to International Standards on Auditing addressing the use of internal audit

Comments from ACCA to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), August 2012

HMRC pilot to improve post response times

HMRC pilots a "signpost" scheme in an attempt to improve response times for incoming mail.

IFRS Foundation: Due process handbook

Comments from ACCA to the IFRS Foundation, August 2012

IFA: Eleven principles for effective business reporting processes

Comments from ACCA to the International Federation of Accountants, August 2012

Green taxation in a recession

Chas Roy-Chowdhury, August 2012. This paper addresses some of the issues surrounding environmental taxation in the light of the current global financial situation and provides recommendations for policy-makers.

Integrated reporting: the influence of King III on social, ethical and environmental reporting

This study analyses the annual reports of 10 major South African companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) to assess the impact of the required introduction of integrated reporting on social, environmental and ethical reporting.

IASB: Draft IFRIC interpretation DI/2012/1: Levies charged by public authorities on entities that operate in a specific market

Comments from ACCA to the IFRS Interpretations Committee, International Accounting Standards Board, August 2012

Technical factsheet 178: high income child benefit charges

High income child benefit charges

Corporate governance and risk: a study of board structure and process

ACCA research report 129, by T. Nulty, C. Florackis and P. Ormrod.

HMRC: The taxation of controlling persons

Comments from ACCA to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), August 2012

Reporting pre- and post-King III: what’s the difference?

This discussion paper summarises the findings of the report 'Integrated reporting: the influence of King III on social, ethical and environmental reporting' written for ACCA by Jill Solomon and Warren Maroun. It outlines ACCA’s recommendations made on the basis of this research.

Closing the value gap: understanding the accountancy profession in the 21st century

This research asked the accountancy profession and the public about trust and public value. The findings reveal a profession keen to re-examine its future.

Managing cashflow guides

This collection of 10 guides can be helpful to small business clients as a quick reference and to practitioners as a trigger for more in-depth discussions on cashflow and related services.

Global perspectives on health challenges

Sharon Cannaby, August 2012. This paper brings together the views of senior ACCA members around the world on the key challenges facing healthcare systems globally. The discussions provide an interesting insight into some of the country-specific issues facing healthcare delivery around the world.

Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission: The regulation of sponsors

Comments from ACCA to the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, July 2012

FRC: Consultation on the draft revised UK stewardship code

Comments from ACCA to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), July 2012

UITF: Residential management companies financial statements

Comments from ACCA to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), 2012

FRC: consultation on proposed revisions to international standards on auditing (UK and Ireland) to give effect to the FRC effective company stewardship proposals

Comments from ACCA to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), July 2012

Environmental aspects of sustainability, SMEs and the role of the accountant

ACCA research report 128, by J. Spence, G. Agyemang and L. Rinaldi.

Sanctions guidance for AADB tribunals under its accountancy scheme

Comments from ACCA to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), July 2012

Register of charities: review of information collected from charities

Comments from ACCA to the Charity Commission, July 2012

The ACCA-WWF Pakistan Environmental Reporting Awards

The ACCA-WWF Environmental Reporting Awards were launched in Pakistan in 2002 and have helped raised the profile of corporate transparency and responsibility issues globally

High growth SMEs: understanding the leaders of the recovery

ACCA, July 2012. This report discusses the challenges, difficulties and the successes that Growth Oriented Entrepreneurs have in the US, European and BRICSA (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and compares them to an international benchmark created by this study. The implications of the findings for governments, financiers and advisors are considered in terms of what support entrepreneurs need to build sustainable companies and thereby continue to stimulate their domestic and global economies.

Confidence accounting: a proposal

A consultation to discuss the problem of uncertainty inherent in many of the values in a set of accounts.

HMRC: Withdrawing a notice to file a self assessment return

Comments from ACCA to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), July 2012

Universal credit and related regulations

Comments from ACCA to the Social Security Advisory Committee, July 2012

FRC: Consultation on the draft revised guidance on audit committees

Comments from ACCA to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), July 2012

FRC: Consultation on the draft revised UK corporate governance code

Comments from ACCA to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), July 2012

Capital Allowances and Buildings

The Finance Bill 2012 introduces new provisions with regard to claiming capital allowances on integral features.

Changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax

Changes to Stamp Duty introduced by Finance Bill 2012.

SDLT and property - a cautionary tale

A cautionary case regarding the apportionment of property and chattels when purchasing a property.

Global economic conditions survey report: Q2, 2012

The global economic conditions survey, carried out jointly by ACCA and IMA since late 2011, is the largest regular economic survey of accountants in the world, both in terms of the number of respondents and the scope of economic variables it monitors.

Insolvency newsletter - overview

This newsletter is prepared for and aimed at insolvency practitioners licensed by ACCA. It contains information relevant to their work and to their regulation by ACCA.

Insolvency newsletter, Issue 22 - June 2012

This newsletter is prepared for and aimed at insolvency practitioners licensed by ACCA. It contains information relevant to their work and to their regulation by ACCA.

CPD and tax relief

A look at the rules around tax relief on your – and your employees' – continuing professional development.

Making a late tax appeal

Madan Salhan looks at some of the issues and pitfalls to be considered in making a late tax appeal.