Contributors

Editor’s welcome

2 A s I write this, the UK has left the European Union after years of negotiation and wrangling. What this development will mean in terms of trade for businesses is yet to be decided, however. The consequences for finance professionals and how they should best advise their employers and clients therefore also remain uncertain.

AIA will continue to provide resources, guidance and advice to members to assist them throughout the transition period and highlight the opportunities and changes that will inevitably occur.

AIA has also officially launched its new brand and logo. Careful consideration has been taken throughout the rebrand process in order to not lose our identity; maintaining selected elements from our rich heritage, and at the same time amalgamating them in a vibrant new primary colour with a revitalised modern look, tone of voice and dynamic feel. We believe it better represents AIA and its global membership and will support us as we work towards our ambitious strategy for the future. See page 10 for further details.

contributors to this issue

Rachel Rutherford Editor, IA

In this issue, we examine the impact of the Brydon Review and what it means for the changing landscape of the audit profession, looking in particular at how to tackle the expectation gap between what auditors do and what they are perceived to do. The report makes 64 recommendations, of which perhaps the most significant is the development of a new auditing profession. The report states that auditing should have its own governing principles, qualifications and standards, rather than being an extension of the accounting profession. See page 24. Whatever results from these recommendations, the AIA is a Recognised Qualifying Body (RQB) for statutory auditors, and is committed to ensuring that auditors are trained to the highest possible standard and properly equipped to undertake their role. Having supported the work of Accounting for International Development for many years, we take a closer look at how accountants and auditors can use their skills to provide pro bono or remunerated support to a broad range of non-profit organisations around the world; and also consider the rapid digital transformation in the accountancy profession and how to identify areas to prioritise. MILES DEAN

Miles Dean is the Head of International Tax at Andersen Tax. He advises privately held multinational companies and high net worth individuals on cross border tax issues. His focus is to forge lasting relationships with his clients and provide them with bespoke, commercially robust solutions.

JULES CARMAN

Jules Carman is head of digital transformation for accountancy at Sage. She is a member of the board of directors for the Information Technology Alliance. Her career includes building and executing on growth strategies for leading technology organisations to fuel revenue through expanded partnership agreements, technology integrations and new customer acquisitions.

NEIL JENNINGS

Neil Jennings is the founder of Accounting for International Development, supporting a broad range of non-profit organisations globally. AfID was inspired by Neil’s volunteer assignment to support a small Rwandan NGO in 2007. By the end of 2009, 22 charities were on board and 14 assignments had been successfully completed in six developing countries.

STEVE COLLINGS

Steve Collings, FMAAT FCCA is the audit and technical partner at Leavitt Walmsley Associates Ltd, chartered certified accountants and statutory auditors, where Steve trained and qualified. Steve specialises in auditing and financial reporting (UK GAAP and IFRS) and Solicitors Accounts Rules, as well as having an interest in taxation issues for small and medium-sized businesses.