ICB News Channel

Rob Marshall

A Podcast all about the latest in Bookkeeping news, for either Professional Bookkeepers, Bookkeepers in Employment or Business Owners throughout Australia, grappling daily with the latest from the ATO, legislation and other initiatives that define the approach to compliance, Financial Services, HR and general Business health and wellbeing. Join ICB Executive Director, Matthew Addison, ICB Support, Resources and Training Manager, Rob Marshall and a host of the specialist team at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, as they unpack and discuss key information for Bookkeepers and Business, coming directly from the highly valued monthly ICB Newsletter as well as the thousands of resources contained in the ICB resource library. Current news, as it happens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    ICB News Channel Episode 64 - Bookkeepers & the AI Productivity question

    In this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, host Rob Marshall is joined by Institute of Certified Bookkeepers CEO Amanda Linton for an important discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing Australia's small business community. Following up on our previous episode examining the state of regional small business, this conversation broadens the lens to explore the outlook for small businesses across Australia, drawing on insights from the COSBOA National Small Business Summit 2026, held over two days in Sydney during August. Amanda shares the key themes, concerns and opportunities raised by business leaders, industry representatives and policymakers, including the ongoing impact of regulation and compliance requirements on Australia's small business sector. The discussion also highlights the critical role that bookkeepers play as trusted advisors, helping business owners navigate government red tape, improve productivity, make better-informed decisions and identify opportunities for growth. Amanda also provides an update on the National AI Skills Forum, where she represented the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, outlining the growing importance of artificial intelligence and digital capability development across the Australian economy. Together, Rob and Amanda examine one of the forum's most pressing themes: addressing workforce challenges while accelerating AI adoption. They discuss why Australia is falling behind many parts of the world in enterprise AI implementation, what this means for businesses and their advisors, and how the ICB is working to equip bookkeepers with the knowledge and tools needed to support clients through this transition as well as in their own Bookkeeping practices.. This episode explores why AI readiness is not just a technology issue or a challenge for selected industries, but an "all of us" challenge that requires coordinated action across business, education and government. Key topics discussed: • The state of Australia's small business sector • Key takeaways from the COSBOA National Small Business Summit 2026 • Red tape, regulation and productivity challenges • The evolving role of bookkeepers as business advisors • Insights from the National AI Skills Forum • Australia's AI adoption gap and workforce challenges • Upskilling Australia at scale for an AI-enabled future • How the ICB is helping bookkeepers lead the conversation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Aug 1

    ICB News Channel Episode 63 - COSBOA Small Business Perspectives focus.

    In this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, host Rob Marshall is joined by COSBOA CEO Skye Cappucio to discuss the newly released COSBOA Small Business Perspectives Report 2026 and what it reveals about the realities facing regional, rural and remote small businesses across Australia. Based on feedback from 572 business owners, the report paints a compelling picture of the pressures impacting business confidence, profitability and growth, with many of the findings likely to resonate with small businesses and bookkeepers regardless of their location. Rob and Skye explore the key issues highlighted in the report, including workforce shortages, rising wages, increasing operating costs, energy efficiency challenges, insurance pressures and the growing demand for flexible working arrangements. The conversation goes beyond the statistics to examine what these trends mean for the long-term sustainability of Australia's small business sector and the critical support networks that surround it. A particularly thought-provoking discussion centres on the report's message that "resilience is not a policy setting", challenging the expectation that small business owners can simply absorb every new challenge placed before them. Together, Rob and Skye unpack why meaningful policy, practical support and informed advocacy are essential if small businesses are to survive and thrive in an increasingly uncertain environment. This is an important conversation for professional bookkeepers, who play a vital role in supporting the financial health, continuity and success of small businesses. Whether you work with clients in regional Australia or major metropolitan centres, this episode provides valuable insights into the challenges facing the sector and why these issues matter now more than ever. A must-listen episode for bookkeepers, advisers and small business owners alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ICB News Channel Episode 63 - COSBOA Small Business Perspectives focus.

About

A Podcast all about the latest in Bookkeeping news, for either Professional Bookkeepers, Bookkeepers in Employment or Business Owners throughout Australia, grappling daily with the latest from the ATO, legislation and other initiatives that define the approach to compliance, Financial Services, HR and general Business health and wellbeing. Join ICB Executive Director, Matthew Addison, ICB Support, Resources and Training Manager, Rob Marshall and a host of the specialist team at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, as they unpack and discuss key information for Bookkeepers and Business, coming directly from the highly valued monthly ICB Newsletter as well as the thousands of resources contained in the ICB resource library. Current news, as it happens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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