Small Firm, Big Impact

In March, 2025 the new CA ANZ Professional Standards Scheme was approved by the Professional Standards Council. CA ANZ has provided a scheme for Australian members in practice since 1997. Kristen Wydell FCA, CA ANZ General Manager – Professional Standards, joins host Gillian Bowen to explain this latest development and what it means for CA ANZ members in public practice. Resources referred to in this episode: CA ANZ’s Professional Standards Scheme | CA ANZNew CA ANZ Professional Standards Scheme approved in Australia | CA ANZSharing Knowledge WebinarThe Scheme and Professional Indemnity insurance | CA ANZProfessional Standards Council and Professional Standards Authority | CA ANZCurrent Scheme Documents | Professional Standards CouncilsMinimum Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance calculator | CA ANZYour Professional Standards Scheme self checkup | CA ANZProfessional Standards Support | CA ANZCA ANZ podcast pageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Government has unveiled Budget 2025, which includes an ‘Investment Boost' to accelerate depreciation, significant changes to KiwiSaver, and additional funding for Inland Revenue. Peter Vial FCA, CA ANZ New Zealand Country Head, and John Cuthbertson FCA, CA ANZ New Zealand Tax and Financial Services Leader join Daniel Webster, CA ANZ New Zealand Public Affairs Manager in this special episode of Small Firm, Big Impact to unpack the announcements. As with any budget, there are winners and losers – tune in to hear the team's analysis, straight from the Beehive Lock-up. Resources referred to in the episode: CA ANZ’s 2025 NZ Budget CoverageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Gillian Bowen explores the cutting-edge advancements transforming the audit profession. Joined by Steven Watson FCA, Managing Director at National Audits Group and Masood Mehmood FCCA, CA, CA ANZ Senior Policy Advocate Audit and Assurance, the discussion looks at how Gen AI, automation, and other innovative tools are changing the audit process, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring higher quality outcomes. The discussion also addresses the opportunities and challenges for audit firms, especially smaller-sized practices, and highlights the new CA ANZ resource, Audit and technology playbook: A practitioner’s guide. Find out how to stay competitive in a tech-driven environment and gain valuable insights from our experts. Resources referred to in this episode: Audit and technology playbook: A practitioner’s guideAcuityCA ANZ Cyber Security PlaybookCertificate in AI FluencyExploring the IESBA Code - A Focus on Technology guideIESBA’s Technology-related Revisions to the CodeIAASB ISA 220 (Revised), Quality Management for an Audit of Financial StatementsIAASB ISA 315 (Revised), Identifying and Assessing Risks of Material MisstatementsInternational Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) 1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small Firm, Big Impact Host Gillian Bowen catches up with Ruth Owen, the Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman, about crucial updates and insights that Chartered Accountants need to know. Hear about recent focus areas for the Tax Ombudsman, including ATO service standards and ATO letters. Ruth also shares valuable information on the role of the Tax Ombudsman, elimination of the backlog for the complaints line and how you can effectively address and escalate client issues. This discussion gives a useful update on the evolving landscape of tax administration and how the Tax Ombudsman can also assist with Tax Practitioner Board matters. Resources referred to in this episode: Tax OmbudsmanTax Ombudsman’s work planTax Ombudsman’s systemic review of the effectiveness of the ATO’s registered agent phone linePoll on the ATO’s registered agent phone lineTax Ombudsman’s review of ATO letters and written communicationswebsite1300 44 88 291300 IGT TAX See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Treasurer handed down his fourth Federal Budget on March 25, 2025, and his last before the Australian election. CA ANZ experts were in the Budget lock-up to analyse the announcements, including tax cuts, a missed opportunity for small business and proposed sanctions for tax agents. Tax, Superannuation, and Financial Advice Leader Susan Franks CA joined Gillian Bowen to go through the announcements that impact Chartered Accountants. Resources referred to in the episode: CA ANZ’s Federal Budget Coverage Smaller Practices CentreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re a smaller practice, you may be wondering about the implications of mandatory sustainability assurance on your firm and your clients, and what the practical application of the new International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (IESSA) will look like. To help explain – the Chair of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Taskforce that developed them, Mark Babington FCA (ICAEW), sat down with host Gillian Bowen when he was in Sydney in February, to explain what smaller firms should know about the value chain, the resources available to help accountants and the opportunities this journey toward sustainability assurance can present. Mark, who’s also the Executive Director of Regulatory Standards at the UK Financial Reporting Council, encouraged accountants to take up the opportunity to shape methodology and practice, in this important time of generational change. Resources referred to in the episode: Basis for conclusions - IESSAFinal Standard - IESSACA ANZ’s submission to the IESBA on the Proposed IESSAIESBA WebsiteContactWhat’s next for ethics and the profession? IAASB WebsiteSME sustainability hubCA ANZ Sustainable Business pageSustainability Tools & ResourcesSustainability Assurance playbookSubmissions to the IAASB, AUASB and XRB on sustainability assuranceSmaller Practices CentreCA ANZ websiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Ellis FCA is the CA ANZ President for 2025 and he sat down with Small Firm, Big Impact host Gillian Bowen, to share insights into his storied career, how he became a CA, his journey with CA ANZ and the value of an engaged membership. Find out what’s ahead with the CA ANZ strategy and why he’s remaining focussed, like his predecessors, on the future of the profession and the talent pipeline. Resources referred to in this episode: Get in contact with the President Regional Councils and Committees Make Epic Things Happen High School Toolkit New CA Pathways First letter from the 2025 CA ANZ President Ten years on: marking the coming together of ICAA and NZICA Smaller Practices CentreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of his year as CA ANZ’s 2024 President, Tinashe Kamangira FCA returns to Small Firm, Big Impact to reflect on his conversations with members, the challenges and opportunities facing smaller firms he met with, and what’s on the horizon for the profession in 2025. Tinashe also shares his experience of going back to school – talking to high school students about making epic things happen with a career in accounting. Resources referred to in the episode: Grant Ellis FCA elected CA ANZ President for 2025Smaller Practices CentreUpdate your communication preferencesHigh School ToolkitThe new CA PathwaysWhat’s next for ethics and the profession?Small Firm, Big Impact pageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a tax professional – do you know how to recognise the signs of the tax system being used for financial abuse? Experts in this area believe tax professionals are uniquely poised to recognise people experiencing intimate partner financial abuse, with the annual tax return providing a regular contact point. Associate Professor Ann Kayis-Kumar, the Founding Director of the UNSW Tax and Business Advisory Clinic, and Jasmine Opdam, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer at Redfern Legal Centre’s Financial Abuse Service NSW join Gillian Bowen to explain financial abuse, how the tax system is abused by perpetrators and how tax professionals can start to recognise the signs. Resources referred to in the episode: ‘Financial abuse in the tax system – recognise the signs’RegisterFinancial Services Regulatory Framework in Relation to Financial AbuseContactSmaller Practices CentreContact For anyone personally experiencing financial abuse support is available: In Australia refer to Yourtoolkit.com In New Zealand refer to Good Shepherd All CA ANZ members can access free EAP support Financial counselling and pro bono tax services: National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 Small Business Debt Helpline (national): 1800 413 828 National Tax Clinic Program (for tax clinics in each state) Financial abuse specialist legal and non-legal support: Financial Abuse Service NSW at Redfern Legal Centre (New South Wales): 0481 730 344 Family and domestic violence support services: 1800 RESPECT (24-hour national helpline): 1800 737 732 Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491 Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114 Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277 Additional workplace resources: UN Women resource (AU): Domestic and Family Violence is a Workplace Issue - The Facts UN Women resource (AU): Workplace Action on Domestic and Family Violence – Tools and Resources UN Women resource (AU): A Framework for Workplace Action on Domestic and Family Violence Employment NZ resource (NZ): Rights for Employees Affected by Domestic Violence Employment NZ resource (NZ): Managing Family Violence Leave See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Bill has been introduced into the Australian parliament to reform the Australian anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime. This episode explains to CA ANZ members what’s in the Bill, how it may impact you, your business and your clients and when to start getting ready to comply. CA ANZ Senior Policy Advocate for Business Reform, Jill Muir joins Gillian Bowen for this practical discussion. Resources referred to in the episode: Media statement on AML/CTF BillCA ANZ Q&A on Australia's AML/CTF regime Contact videosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, hear directly from two employers on why they get their employees to do the CA Program over other offerings, and how it benefits your business. You’ll hear how graduates bring immediate value and have the skills for what businesses need in the future. Erinn Stanley CA, a manager at mid-tier accounting firm William Buck, and Justin Enright CA, a managing partner at Morse Group join Gillian Bowen to explain the CA Program difference. Resources referred to the in episode: CA Program information for employersCA Program information for employees See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) is the professional body for chartered accountants and one part of its role is to investigate complaints against members. This episode of Small Firm, Big Impact takes a closer look at the conduct process, how the disciplinary bodies within CA ANZ work and what members should do if a complaint is made against them. Australian Conduct Leader Kate Dixon and New Zealand Conduct Leader Rebecca Stickney join host Gillian Bowen to explain. Resources referred to in the episode: complaintsCA Advisory GroupSmall Firm, Big ImpactDecisions RegisterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you make the big decision to go out on your own, to run an accounting business? To help members decide if it’s the right move for them, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and ACCA have developed new resources that highlight the pros and cons. Just like the discussion in this episode – the resources will definitely get your brain going. Two experienced members who contributed to ‘Look before you leap’ – Amanda Gascoigne FCA and Heather Smith FCA/FCCA join Gillian for this lively chat about working for yourself. Resources referred to the episode: Look before you leapSmaller Practices CentreHow to find balance in your firmSmall Firm, Big ImpactSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Budget has been handed down, so what’s the impact for Chartered Accountants? There is little in the way of substantive tax reform but there are announcements regarding ATO funding and powers, payday super and the instant asset write-off that members will need to be across for their clients. CA ANZ Senior Tax Advocate Susan Franks and CA ANZ Superannuation and Financial Services Leader Tony Negline were in the Budget lock-up in Canberra on Tuesday (14/05/2024) and have discussed some of what’s been revealed with Gillian Bowen. Check out all of the CA ANZ Federal Budget analysis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) has hosted a delegation from the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) for important discussions regarding ethical issues associated with rapidly evolving sustainability standards, firm culture and governance, and ethical considerations in tax planning and related services. The IESBA is the global standard setter for ethics in the accounting profession and sets the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the IESBA Code). Our local codes are based off the international code. Chair of the IESBA, Gabriela Figueiredo Dias sat down with Small Firm, Big Impact to explain why she’s in Australia, IESBA’s focus areas over the next four years and how it’ll impact you. Gabriela outlines what firms and professional accountants should be focused on in the ethics space. Resources referred to in the episode: The IESBA Strategy and Work Plan here My CACA ANZ website (This podcast episode was recorded on 8th May, 2024.) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do any of your business clients owe money to the Australian Tax Office? There is more than $50B of collectable tax debt to collect. 65% relates to small business so the answer is likely YES. There’s a major change coming on interest deductibility which CA ANZ members need to know about. From July 1, 2025, the general interest charge and the shortfall interest charge will become non-deductible, increasing the cost of tax debt. It means businesses will have a strong incentive to obtain finance from banks instead of sitting on tax debt and they’ll be looking to accountants for help. Senior Tax Advocate Susan Franks CA joins host Gillian Bowen to go through what’s changing, what accountants can do to help their clients and where to find resources. Register for the Director Penalty Notices Webinar in June – link coming soon! Read more in Susan’s article Register for ONLINE EVENT – Australian Federal Budget 2024 Check out the Small Firm, Big Impact podcast page See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to save 30 minutes a day, and your team too, right now using GenAI? The next 26 minutes is so action-packed with straightforward, real-world practical tips, you’ll be questioning why you haven’t been using artificial intelligence this way already to improve efficiency and productivity at work. Chartered Accountant, and GenAI expert, Kayur Patel CA returns for Part 2 of this two-part special on artificial intelligence and everyday accounting. He and host Gillian Bowen dive into GenAI use-cases (text, data and bespoke) available to accountants today, particularly those in small and medium-sized practices. Get ready to take notes! Resources referred to in the episode: GenAI for SMPs (Part 1)Artificial Intelligence AI and the transformation of the CFO roleGenerative AI in accounting applicationsWriting advanced Excel macros with GPT-4Six principles for the effective use of artificial intelligence large language modelsAccounting in the age of generative AIInnovative processes in finance and accounting (AI and automation)Generative AI and risks to CPA firmsThe future of accounting: how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the fieldEthical principles apply to AI (Accounting)Using ChatGPT with ExcelThe future of finance with ChatGPT and Power BI: transform your trading, investing, and financial reporting with ChatGPT and Power BI Small Firm, Big Impact podcast page See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time to check-in on the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence (AI) and learn how it’s impacting workplaces in 2024. Kayur Patel is a Chartered Accountant, and lecturer at the University of Auckland, who specialises in Generative AI. It’s his job to explain the state of play and to help educate accountants and their clients on how GenAI works, what it means for their businesses and why GenAI has a role in the future. This discussion takes place over two episodes. Part 1 sets the scene while part 2 focuses on accounting-specific use cases for small and medium-sized practices. Resources referred to in Part 1: Artificial IntelligenceAI and the transformation of the CFO roleGenerative AI in accounting applicationsWriting advanced Excel macros with GPT-4Six principles for the effective use of artificial intelligence large language modelsAccounting in the age of generative AIInnovative processes in finance and accounting (AI and automation)Generative AI and risks to CPA firmsThe future of accounting: how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the fieldEthical principles apply to AI (Accounting)Using ChatGPT with ExcelThe future of finance with ChatGPT and Power BI: transform your trading, investing, and financial reporting with ChatGPT and Power BIAccounting and generative A.I.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The results are in – and it’s CA ANZ’s ‘early-career’ members who are more likely to receive the highest percentage pay increase compared to their more experienced colleagues. They expect more too. So which members received higher bonuses and performance pay? What about additional benefits? And what’s the latest on the gender pay gap for chartered accountants? If you haven’t had time to go through the latest CA ANZ Remuneration Survey Report – this episode is for you. Charlotte Evett FCA, General Manager NZ Regions joins Gillian to take members through key data, and what it all means in the fight for talent and your plans to secure a pay increase. 2023 CA ANZ Remuneration Survey Report Exclusive insight into remuneration in your region – log into My CA. CA ANZ Gender Equity Charter & Playbook WGEA Gender pay gay definition Small Firm, Big Impact podcast page See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tinashe Kamangira FCA, the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand President for 2024, is making small and medium sized practices one of his focuses for this year. He’s passionate about supporting SMPs in their fight to find talent and empowering Members to inspire the next generation. In this episode hear Tinashe explain his plan to connect directly with SMPs, where being a CA has taken him and why safeguarding the profession’s reputation after a particularly challenging year, is crucial. He’ll also explain the role he is required to fulfill as the President, his place on the CA ANZ Board and how you can get more involved with your membership body. Resources referred to in the episode: CA ANZ High School Toolkit The new SMP Hub Check out what newsletters you’ve subscribed to by logging into MyCA Contact us about getting in touch with your Regional Manager and joining relevant groups/councils/committees See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.