KPMG Podcast Series: Building Confidence

Join Krishna Grenville-Goble and Phil Smart from the KPMG Board Leadership Centre as they explore the top priorities for audit committees in 2026. This episode covers how audit committees can address financial reporting challenges amid market volatility, adapt to evolving regulatory demands, and oversee critical areas like AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Gain practical insights on enhancing audit quality, strengthening internal audit, and building the right committee expertise to ensure effective governance and transparent stakeholder communication. You can read the full article and related committee focused papers in the series here.

Join Krishna Grenville-Goble, Director in KPMG’s Board Leadership Centre (BLC), and Melissa Geiger, Group Chair of KPMG's UK and Swiss firms, for an insightful conversation on the priorities shaping boardrooms in 2026 and beyond. In this episode, we explore: • How boards can stay agile amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty • The role of human-centred leadership in an AI-driven world • Why data governance and cybersecurity remain critical business risks • Practical steps to strengthen risk oversight and governance structures You can read the full article and related committee focused papers in the series here.

In this episode, Greg Stinson (Head of Accounting Advisory Services, KPMG) is joined by Manisha Santchurn (Corporate Reporting and IFRS 18 Lead, KPMG) and Geoff LeGouais (Case Director at the Financial Reporting Council) to discuss the latest findings from the FRC’s annual corporate reporting review. Tune in as we explore: • Upcoming legislative changes to streamline reporting and reduce the burden for UK companies • Key highlights and recurring issues identified by the FRC, including impairment, cash flow statements, and consistency in reporting • Practical advice for preparers on improving the quality and clarity of annual reports • Insights into the FRC’s new initiatives, including the ‘Sandbox: Simplifying Annual Reporting’ project • The future of corporate reporting and how companies can prepare for change Whether you’re a preparer, auditor, or simply interested in the evolving landscape of corporate reporting, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways.

In this episode, Greg Stinson, Head and Partner in Accounting Advisory Services at KPMG UK is joined by Silvan Jurt, Head of ESG Reporting Advisory, Jayesh Gajare, Director in Accounting Advisory Services at KPMG UK, and Manisha Santchurn, Director and IFRS 18 Lead at KPMG UK. Together, they unpack real-world use cases of AI in financial reporting, ESG, and technical accounting, from contract reviews and annual report drafting to compliance automation and AI-powered knowledge assistants. They also discuss where clients are on their AI journey, the challenges of implementation, and what the future of reporting teams might look like in an AI-enabled world. Whether you're just starting to explore AI or already piloting tools, this episode offers practical insights and leadership perspectives to help you navigate the next phase of finance transformation. To find out more, watch our webinar here: Accounting and Reporting update: Harnessing AI and navigating key issues

Join Ian Greenwood, Partner in KPMG’s Accounting Advisory Services, as he breaks down the upcoming changes to FRS 102 and what they mean for businesses. In this episode, Ian is joined by Mark Woodland, Senior Manager in the team, to explore the key updates on revenue recognition, lease accounting, and more. Together, they discuss the implications of the amendments, the timelines to be aware of, and the practical steps companies should be taking now to prepare. Tune in to get ahead of the changes and understand how to navigate this next phase of reporting with confidence. For more information, check out our hubpage on the 'upcoming changes to FRS 102'.

Join Pratik Vora, Director in KPMG’s Accounting Advisory Services, as he unpacks the power of Order to Cash and its impact on financial reporting under IFRS. In this insightful episode, Pratik is joined by Liang Zhang from KPMG’s Modelling team and Mark Warne Smith from KPMG’s Enterprise Performance Management team. Together they discuss the critical role of O2C in financial reporting, common challenges businesses face, and the strategies to optimise automation, compliance, and efficiency. Tune in to gain insights on how technology and best practices can transform your O2C process and enhance financial performance.

Join Manisha Santchurn (Corporate Reporting Lead, KPMG UK) and Karen Duncan from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) as they discuss the latest corporate review findings, including key trends in impairment, cash flow statements and climate-related disclosures. Karen also provides an update on the ARGA reforms. Tune in to gain valuable insights for improving transparency and consistency in your reporting practices. Click here to watch our latest Accounting and Reporting update.

Join Shen Lee, Director at KPMG's Corporate Treasury Advisory Practice, as he hosts a conversation on the new ISO 20022 payment standard. For the first time, KPMG’s podcast series dives into the world of corporate treasury, joined by experts Phoenix Green from KPMG UK and Benjamin Gayet from KPMG Switzerland. Together, they explore why ISO 20022 has become a hot topic in 2024, its impact on corporate treasurers, and the critical deadlines for adopting this global standard. Discover the benefits, challenges, and steps your business should take to ensure a smooth transition in this insightful discussion. Find out more in our recent article here.

How will IFRS 18 reshape financial reporting? In this episode Greg Stinson, Head of Accounting Advisory Services, KPMG UK, and Aishat Akinwale, Corporate Reporting Expert, KPMG UK discuss the implications of the newly issued IFRS 18 standard. They cover key changes including a more structured income statement, management-defined performance measures (MPMs), and enhanced aggregation and disaggregation requirements. The conversation highlights challenges and considerations for companies preparing for this new standard, providing essential insights. Click here to watch our latest 'Accounting and Reporting Update'.

What roles do people, processes, technology, and data play in shaping the future of financial reporting in audit? In our latest podcast, our host for the episode, Matt Campbell (CTO, Audit, KPMG in the UK) was joined by Rachel Kirkham (Vice President, AI and Product at MindBridge) to discuss the how AI can enhance the accuracy of financial reporting and audit quality, trusted technology, how to get the maximum return on investment from using AI, and how leading companies in this space are getting it right.

In this podcast, we were joined by Hilary Eastman, Partner and Head of ESG reporting at KPMG UK and Anita Chan, Audit Partner at KPMG US as they dive into the latest developments within ESG reporting in the US, the SEC rules, what companies need to be considering and how these updates impact UK companies.

Greg Stinson, Partner and Head of Accounting Advisory Services (AAS), is our host for this episode and is joined by Manisha Santchurn who leads our Corporate Reporting team at KPMG and Geoff LeGouais from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). They discuss the key themes and findings from the annual corporate reporting review and the latest news on audit and corporate governance reform, including some recent changes and delays. To find out more, watch our November AAS accounting and reporting update here. Date: 28 November 2023, Listen now (18m 56s)

In this podcast, Matthew Campbell CTO of Audit at KPMG UK and Mark Wallington, Audit Tech Partner, KPMG UK discuss the relevance of AI in audit. Listen in as they discuss the rise of AI over the years, it’s capabilities today, and how we apply and use AI within our audits. Mark and Matthew also discuss challenges faced along the way and the key questions you should be asking your auditor. Date: 19 December 2023, Listen now (10m 13s)

In this podcast, we were joined by Sophie Gauthier-Beaudoin, Head of Investor Engagement as we delve into a topic that holds significant weight in the world of corporate governance, the review of the 2023 proxy season. Find out the key themes and insights from this year's AGM season in the UK, the growing focus from investors on engaging with companies on ESG issues, and the tension between investors voting to evidence stewardship vs creating real value. Date: 6 December 2023, Listen now (10m 22s)

Last month, the Government announced that it had withdrawn the proposed changes to Companies Act which introduced new requirements. In addition, the King’s Speech in November did not include primary legislation needed to set up the Audit, Reporting, and Governance Authority (ARGA), and shortly after, the FRC released a policy update on the proposed changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code. In our latest podcast, we are joined by Greg Stinson, Head and Partner of Accounting Advisory Services, and Manisha Santchurn, who specialises in advising our clients on the quality of their Corporate Reporting, to share what we are hearing from the different stakeholders and what these latest developments mean for companies. References: Annual Review of Corporate Reporting (frc.org.uk) What Makes a Good Annual Report and Accounts (frc.org.uk) FRC report looks at "Materiality Mindset" for better corporate reporting

In this podcast, KPMG's Accounting Advisory Services experts joined together in the first ever live panel discussion broadcasted from the KPMG studio to reflect on the latest topical accounting and reporting issues. The session focussed on the following topic areas: Watch the full discussion here. Resources: Accounting and reporting priorities - a forward look with the FRC | KPMG Podcast Series: Building Confidence (podbean.com) ESG reporting and assurance: the challenges and opportunities ahead The robustness of Modern Slavery Statements and Assurance Treasurer's checklist when preparing for increased interest rates Are you prepared for the changes to FRS 102? Challenges for Treasurers in 2023 Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive Is Transparency on Track? Consultation on the UK Corporate Governance Code Audit committees and external audit Audit and assurance policies: A guide for audit committees UK IPO values sink this year, but there’s hope for 2023 - KPMG United Kingdom Maximising the sale value of your business - KPMG United Kingdom Weighing up the sale options for your business - KPMG United Kingdom

With social issues being pushed up the agenda for UK reporters, stakeholders are now wanting to understand more about how social factors are critical and material to reporters, their business, and their operations. In this episode, we are joined by Tatiana Hardy-Stotz, Senior Manager of ESG Reporting to talk about why social issues are increasingly becoming an area of focus, where UK companies can start to prepare for the tidal wave of regulations at UK, EU and International level, and the tips and advice for clients when responding to these regulatory requirements. Resources: KPMG Global Survey of Sustainability Reporting Is Transparency on Track? - KPMG's UK Sustainability Survey Report

At our recent webinar, we found that 26% of our attendees see Corporate Governance and Audit Reform and the changes being proposed to UK GAAP as their primary work-related challenge over the next 12 months. In this episode our host, Greg Stinson, UK Head of Accounting Advisory Services, is joined by Jenny Carter, Director of Accounting and Reporting Policy, from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). Topics discussed include the evolving status of the Audit and Corporate Governance Reform, the changes recently announced to UK GAAP, and the proposed effective dates and what to expect from the FRC going forward. Click here to watch the full webinar from 23 March 2023.

Whether you are still in the 'wait and see' mode, or have started commencing programmes to implement or improve your controls framework, there are still some unknowns on how businesses will need to respond to some of the anticipated UK Corporate Governance Reforms. In this episode, Richard Andrews, Partner for our Financial Services Consulting, and Irene Sellars, Partner and Head of Controls Assurance will talk through regulation, controls, and assurance, and why well implemented internal controls programmes should be at the top of your agenda to keep ahead of the curve. Listen as our experts delve into the scope of the FRC changes, where businesses should be focusing on to build out their control frameworks, industry examples, why businesses should be thinking about this now, and what this means for boards and investors. References: Service Organisation Assurance Reporting (SOAR) - KPMG United Kingdom Internal controls | What can assurance cover? | ICAEW Information for management of a service organization in a SOC 1® engagement (aicpa.org) 2017 Trust Services Criteria (With Revised Points of Focus – 2022) | Resources | AICPA

The EU’s new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive also known as the CSRD is transforming ESG reporting. Almost 50,000 companies are subject to mandatory sustainability reporting. Even companies with longstanding experience in sustainability reporting will likely require advancements in their ESG data collection, processing, and reporting systems. The clock is ticking for CSRD reporting and companies should ask whether they are ready.