Accountancy Insights

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In this podcast series from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a panel of guests dissect the latest headlines and provide expert analysis on the top stories from across the world of business, finance and accountancy

  1. Behind the Numbers: How to get to the c-suite

    FEB 10

    Behind the Numbers: How to get to the c-suite

    This episode looks at routes to the C-suite, and the traits, skills and capabilities you’ll need to get you there. Accountants are highly represented in the C-suite, with one in four CEOs holding the qualification according to research by Robert Half. However, the working world is going through rapid technological and cultural transformation. So how is that changing the competencies that organisations look for in their leaders?  And how can you best prepare yourself for taking on those roles in the future? Transcript Read the full transcript of this episode here - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/how-to-get-to-the-c-suite/transcript Links ICAEW: Soft skills for leaders (CPD) - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/jul-2025/free-cpd-soft-skills-for-leaders ICAEW: Traits of modern CFOs - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2024/jul-2024/what-traits-make-up-the-modern-cfo ICAEW: Eight lessons from my first year as CFO - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/feb-2026/eight-lessons-from-my-first-year-as-a-cfo ICAEW: How to deal with team conflict - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/jan-2026/management-skills-how-to-deal-with-team-conflict Host Philippa Lamb Guests Neil Cutting, Transformation Director at OracleZana Goic Petricevic, leadership transformation expertRichard Davis, founder and CEO, FNLYProducer Natalie Chisholm  Episode first published: 10 February 2026 Podcast recorded: 21 January 2026

    39 min

  2. FEB 2

    Accountancy Insights: How to use AI in tax ethically, and group audit best practice

    This episode covers AI and tax work and ISA 600 on group audits, following the release of two pieces of guidance on the topics.  With several tax cases in which AI has been used and provided incorrect or misleading information, we outline how to apply the five fundamental ethical principles to AI use.  ISA 600 on group audits was revised, effective for audits of financial statements for periods commencing on or after 15 December 2023. These changes are quite wide ranging, particularly when it comes to the treatment of component auditors. We go through the details.  Links: ICAEW: Professional conduct in relation to taxation (PCRT) - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/working-in-tax/pcrt ICAEW: Auditing groups of companies - https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/audit/group-audit HMRC v Gunnarsson - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688240632b6fd60b7c16100d/HMRC_v_Gunnarsson_final_decision.pdf ICAEW: PCRT Guidance on ethical use of AI - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/working-in-tax/pcrt/topical-guidance-application-of-pcrt-to-ethical-use-of-artificial-intelligence-tools ICAEW: Use of AI criticised in tax case - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/aug-2025/use-of-ai-criticised-in-tax-case ICAEW: Group auditing: nine key changes for auditors - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/jan-2026/group-auditing-nine-key-changes-for-auditors Host Philippa Lamb Guests Sophie Wales, Director of Regulatory Policy at ICAEWCatherine Hardinge, Partner, Price Bailey    Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 3 February 2026 Podcast recorded: 28 January 2026

    19 min
  3. Behind the Numbers: How the Celsius scandal is reshaping Crypto regulation

    JAN 12

    Behind the Numbers: How the Celsius scandal is reshaping Crypto regulation

    Celsius network claimed to be a safe place to trade digital currencies and assets. In reality, it was using customers’ money for its own ends. In the first Behind the Numbers of the New Year, we explore the collapse of digital currency platform Celsius network, the scandal that followed, and its lasting impact on crypto asset regulation, particularly custody.   Since that scandal, international regulators including the Financial Conduct Authority have been looking at custody rules and wider regulation around digital assets. But are they on the right track? Transcript Read the full transcript of this episode here - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/how-the-celsius-scandal-is-reshaping-crypto-regulation/transcript Links Founder of Celsius sentenced to 12 years for fraud - https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/founder-celsius-sentenced-12-years-fraud-and-market-manipulation Celsius investigation: all the red flags - https://fortune.com/2023/02/07/celsius-network-investigation-red-flags/ FCA Crypto Roadmap - https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/documents/crypto-roadmap.pdf FCA: Stablecoin issuance and Cryptoasset Custody proposals - https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp25-14-stablecoin-issuance-cryptoasset-custody ICAEW: The Future of crypto regulation: key considerations - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/nov-2025/the-future-of-crypto-regulation-key-considerations Host Philippa Lamb Guests Polly Tsang, Senior Financial Services Regulatory Manager, ICAEWJessica Caws, Co-Head of Financial Services at Birketts LLPShermeen Kazmi, Partner, Grant ThorntonProducer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 12 January 2026 Podcast recorded: 16 December 2025

    30 min
  4. Behind the Numbers: A World Cup bump, an AI slump? 2026 predictions

    12/30/2025

    Behind the Numbers: A World Cup bump, an AI slump? 2026 predictions

    In the first episode of 2026, our usual team of soothsayers David Williamson, Frances Haque and Iain Wright review the events of the past 12 months, and look ahead to what we might expect in the coming year. Will 2026 be more of the same, or will there be some reasons to be cheerful? Could the AI bubble burst, or will it just deflate? And did our panel get anything right last year? Transcript Read the full transcript of this episode - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/a-world-cup-bump-an-ai-slump-2026-predictions/transcript Links ICAEW: The 2025 predictions episode - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/accountancy-insights/trump-tariffs-and-eu-turmoil-2025-predictions ICAEW: UK Business Confidence Monitor - https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/business-confidence-monitor ‘The AI bubble will burst’ - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0m7h23s Host Philippa Lamb Guests Iain Wright, Managing Director, Reputation and Influence, ICAEWDavid Williamson, Political Editor, Sunday ExpressFrances Haque, Chief Economist, Santander UKProducer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 31 December 2025 Podcast recorded: 15 December 2025

    31 min
  5. Behind the Numbers: Best of 2025

    12/17/2025

    Behind the Numbers: Best of 2025

    With Christmas round the corner, we’ve put together a special best of episode of Behind the Numbers, featuring some of the most memorable conversations from throughout the year.  From discussions of Trump and tariffs on our 100th episode to one of our favourite conversations on the history of money, it’s an excellent way to remind yourself of what went on this year – or catch up on what you’ve missed.  Links: ICAEW: Rebuilding trust in volatile times - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/rebuilding-trust-in-volatile-times ICAEW: Appraising Starmer’s Labour - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/appraising-starmers-labour ICAEW: How to bounce back from a cyber attack - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/how-to-bounce-back-from-a-cyber-attack ICAEW: Dealing with uncertainty and mental health - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/dealing-with-uncertainty-and-mental-health ICAEW: Can history teach us anything about digital money? - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/can-history-teach-us-anything-about-digital-money Host Philippa Lamb Clips featuring Iain Wright, Chief Policy & Communications Officer, ICAEWDavid Williamson, Chief Political Commentator, The Express Frances Haque, Santander Chief Economist Neil Hare-Brown, Founder, STORM GuidanceMichael Hoare, partner, Kekst CNCPaul Guess, Case Management Officer at CABARiaz Shah OBE, Professor of Practice, Hult International Business SchoolTony Moore, Lecturer in Finance, Henley Business SchoolPolly Tsang, Senior Financial Services Regulatory Manager, ICAEWProducer Natalie ChisholmEpisode first published: 18 December Podcast recorded: 7 November 2025

    18 min
  6. Accountancy Insights: Budget 25: where’s the growth?

    11/28/2025

    Accountancy Insights: Budget 25: where’s the growth?

    This episode is all about the Budget. What was in it? What are the implications? Was there anything positive to glean from it?  Stepping in for Philippa Lamb on this episode, Guy Ruddle speaks to the usual economic dream team of Santander Chief Economist Frances Haque, David Williamson, who joins us from Portcullis House, and Iain Wright, ICAEW’s Chief Policy and Communications Officer.  They share their views on the early publication of the OBR’s projections, the constant leaking ahead of the Budget, the economic implications of the measures included within it, and who it was actually for.  Time codes 01’53”: The OBR’s leaked report 05’48”: The content of the Budget and its implications 10’07”: The lack of growth measures Links ICAEW: Budget 25: Do the tax changes meet the tenets? - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-track/budget-25-do-the-tax-changes-meet-the-tenetsHost Guy RuddleGuests Frances Haque, Chief Economist, SantanderDavid Williamson, Chief Political Commentator, The ExpressIain Wright, Chief Policy and Communications Officer, ICAEWProducer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 1 December 2025 Podcast recorded: 27 November 2025

    29 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Accountancy Insights: How should audit firms use AI?

    This episode focuses on the integration of AI in audit processes, emphasising the need for practical guidance from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to build industry confidence, especially with smaller firms. The conversation highlighted the importance of human oversight, the role of third-party technology providers, the challenges of explainability and data security, and the need for clear communication with clients. Philippa Lamb is joined by Ramana McConnon, Head of Assurance Technology at the FRC, Jon Morris, Director of Audit and Professional Standards for Grant Thornton, and Martin Brown, Gen AI lead in Deloitte’s Audit technical team.  Time codes 04’50”: Discovering the AI use cases and benefits of the new technology for smaller firms13’49”: Understanding explainability and the need for human oversight with AI solutions18’25”: Are off-the-shelf solutions enough and will firms need to make big investments?Links ICAEW: FRC publishes landmark guidance on the uses of AI in audit - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/jul-2025/frc-publishes-landmark-guidance-on-the-uses-of-ai-for-auditFRC guidance on audit and AI - https://media.frc.org.uk/documents/AI_in_Audit.pdfICAEW: AI in audit: opportunities and challenges - https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/webcasts/ai-in-auditHost Philippa Lamb Guests Ramana McConnon, Head of Assurance Technology at the FRCJon Morris, Director of Audit and Professional Standards for Grant ThorntonMartin Brown, Gen AI lead in Deloitte’s Audit technical teamProducer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 11 November 2025 Podcast recorded: 7 November 2025

    22 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    Accountancy Insights: LLMs and spreadsheets, Companies House IDV, and the OBR’s role

    In this episode, we’re exploring just how useful Large Language Models (LLMs) are when it comes to spreadsheets; what needs to happen by 18 November when it comes to Companies House ID verification; and how the OBR comes to its conclusions. Host Philippa Lamb is joined by Simon Thorne, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, Cardiff Metropolitan University, to talk about his research into LLMs' effectiveness when it comes to spotting errors in spreadsheets, with some clear winners and losers from the process. Next, Mike Miller, ICAEW’s Economic Crime Manager, gives an update on Companies House ID verification and what Directors and accounting firms have to do to prepare. Finally, Martin Wheatcroft, Advisor on public finances for ICAEW, explains the role and methodology of the OBR. Time codes: Spreadsheets and AI – 01’06” Companies House ID Verification – 13’28” How the OBR works – 23’14” Transcript You can read a full transcript of the episode here: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/oct-2025/the-best-and-worst-genais-for-spreadsheets Links: ICAEW: The best and worst gen AIs for spreadsheets - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/oct-2025/the-best-and-worst-genais-for-spreadsheets Simon Thorne’s study on LLMs and spreadsheets - https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.17330 ICAEW: Authorised corporate service providers (ACSP) and ID verification - https://www.icaew.com/regulation/aml-supervision/aml-resources/acsp-and-id-verification ICAEW: ID verification is coming – everything directors need to know - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/oct-2025/co-house-id-changes-what-directors-need-to-know ICAEW: ID verification is coming – everything accounting firms need to know - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/oct-2025/co-house-id-changes-what-accountants-need-to-know ICAEW: Companies House: who needs to be an ACSP and when should they register? - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/aug-2025/companies-house-who-needs-to-be-an-acsp-and-when-should-they-register UK productivity downgraded - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0rpve82jxvo Rachel Reeves v the OBR: chancellor aims to loosen the watchdog’s grip - https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/oct/11/rachel-reeves-v-the-obr-chancellor-aims-to-loosen-the-watchdogs-grip Labour fury at OBR is understandable but misplaced - https://www.ft.com/content/f1b53cb4-ba83-4b0a-a8f3-65ffab93b299 New Economics Foundation – A democratic fiscal framework - https://neweconomics.org/2025/08/a-democratic-fiscal-framework Host Philippa Lamb Guests Simon Thorne, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, Cardiff Metropolitan UniversityMike Miller, Economic Crime Manager, ICAEWMartin Wheatcroft, Advisor on public finances, ICAEWProducer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 28 October 2025 Podcast recorded: 22nd October 2025 All views expressed on this podcast are those of the contributors and don’t necessarily reflect those of ICAEW or its members.

    34 min
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About

In this podcast series from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a panel of guests dissect the latest headlines and provide expert analysis on the top stories from across the world of business, finance and accountancy

Information

  • Creator
    ICAEW
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Accountancy Insights
  • Show Website
    Accountancy Insights

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