Latest news with #accountancy
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cumbrian accountants named one of UK's top apprenticeship employers
Armstrong Watson has been named one of the UK's top apprenticeship employers for the fourth year. The accountancy, business, and financial advisory firm which has offices in Carlisle and Penrith, was ranked 29th in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2025, compiled by High Fliers Research. Paul Dickson, CEO and managing partner at Armstrong Watson, said: "We are thrilled that we continue to receive recognition for the quality of our apprenticeships. "We continue to invest in our training programmes year after year and are incredibly proud of our apprentices and the positive impact they have on our business. "This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality apprenticeship programmes that equip our apprentices with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their careers. "We're also pleased to welcome our new trainees to the business. "There are many opportunities ahead of them for a successful career and we wish them all the best in their qualifications." The new graduate intake for 2025 (Image: Armstrong Watson) The ranking comes as Armstrong Watson welcomes a record 43 graduate trainees, up from 37 last year. The next intake in September will see up to 34 apprentices begin their AAT and ATT level 4 qualifications, compared to 21 the previous year. Most new trainees, including seven based in Carlisle, will work toward ACA qualifications to become Chartered Accountants. Others will join the firm's ATT and CTA graduate schemes. Each apprentice will follow a three-year programme combining study with experience, coaching, mentoring, and support. Armstrong Watson's growing apprenticeship programme reflects business growth over the past 18 months, during which time the firm has made three acquisitions. The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list recognises organisations for their commitment to creating new apprenticeships, and achieving high completion rates. This is the fourth year Armstrong Watson has featured on the list. The firm has also appeared in the Department of Education's Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for the past three years, rising from 64th in 2022 to 46th in 2023 and 37th in 2024. The firm's investment in apprenticeships is part of its wider talent strategy to grow and develop its workforce across the North of England and Scotland. Armstrong Watson provides accountancy, audit, tax, and advisory services to businesses and individuals across a range of sectors.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Xeinadin expands with acquisition of AGS Accountants in UK
Xeinadin, a professional services group based in the UK and Ireland, has completed the acquisition of AGS Accountants & Business Advisors, an accountancy firm located in the West Midlands. Financial details of the deal have not been divulged by both the companies. Xeinadin chief executive Derry Crowley said: 'AGS is exactly the kind of firm we want in the group - trusted, practical and rooted in the local community. 'Their work with businesses across the Midlands and beyond is a good example of the kind of support that SMEs need right now, and we're looking forward to backing that with additional expertise and investment.' Established in 1989, the Dudley-based AGS delivers a broad range of services, including accounting, auditing, payroll, tax guidance, and business strategy support, catering to small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals in England and Wales. The acquisition will allow AGS to broaden its service offerings, incorporating specialised advice such as research and development tax credits and succession planning. Additionally, the deal also supports Xeinadin's goal of enhancing its transactional services and increasing its footprint in the healthcare sector. AGS director Kevin Corey said: 'At the heart of our success lies one simple principle, building trusted relationships by focusing on what truly matters to our clients and their businesses. 'From strategic year-end tax planning to compliance and advising on acquisitions or sales, we're there at every step, guiding them with clarity and confidence. 'Now, as we join Xeinadin, we're excited to take that commitment even further, with enhanced tools, deeper technical expertise, and more time to dedicate to what our clients value most. It's business as usual, but with even greater strength behind everything we do.' "Xeinadin expands with acquisition of AGS Accountants in UK" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AI is reshaping the work of accountants as automation offers greater opportunities and responsibilities
Dubai, UAE: AI will reshape the accountancy profession by changing how tasks are completed at all levels. Leading global accountancy body, ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) says that as AI becomes more commonplace, new responsibilities and tasks will emerge for finance teams as they focus on improving controls and specifying the desired information outcomes from machine use. New roles are also expected to support activities ensuring AI systems remain accurate and compliant with professional standards and regulations. ACCA's latest AI Monitor report explores how the gradual integration of AI over coming years is likely to change how accountants work and deliver value from the automation of repetitive tasks to increased knowledge support for decision making. The report points out that while AI can help make processes more efficient, human intervention needs to be retained at critical junctures. Ultimately, the integration of AI needs to reflect the fact that trust remains a fundamentally social concept built on human interaction, transparency, and oversight. And the future of accounting will involve navigating tensions between efficiency and human judgement, automation and control. Alistair Brisbourne, Head of Technology Research, ACCA, said: 'Professionals who can embrace uncertainty, develop strong judgement skills, and continuously adapt their expertise will thrive even as specific tasks change or become automated.' Brisbourne said: 'It should be remembered that over the decades accountancy has prospered by its intelligent and enthusiastic adoption of the latest technology.' Kush Ahuja, Head of Eurasia and Middle East at ACCA, added: 'Across the Middle East, the profession is embracing AI as a catalyst for transformation. Accountants in this region are increasingly being called upon not only to understand new technologies but to ensure their ethical and effective use. With a strong government focus on digital innovation and sustainable growth, finance professionals here have a unique opportunity to lead in building trust, resilience and long-term value.' The report sets out four key work trends that AI will drive for accountants: A contraction in routine processing; An expansion in strategic and advisory decision-making; An evolution of mid-level roles to incorporate more judgement and client interaction; and New responsibilities at the intersection of accounting, technology and strategy. The future that is unfolding isn't one where finance and accounting professionals are replaced – but one where their responsibilities will change. Success in this transition depends on making clear assessments of where AI will add value, establishing clear policies and governance in use, and the cultivation of skills that complement technical capabilities. ACCA expects that coming years will see organisations develop more integrated workflows based on the principle that AI adoption is not just about distinguishing high versus low-value activities – but focusing on outcomes, quality and value. Brisbourne said: 'Only a minority of finance and accounting teams have implemented AI solutions – but these resources are widely available, and organisations are reviewing opportunities and workforce needs. 'AI adoption is expected to accelerate in coming years, especially as our data shows investment on AI initiatives is increasing, and widespread cloud adoption provides a crucial foundation for AI implementation.' The profession is still in the invention and adoption stage of AI, as demonstrated by investment data and current adoption/usage statistics. And the profession is embracing the learning and employment challenge offered by AI as shown by the recently announced changes to the ACCA Qualification which embraces emerging advances in technology and sustainability. The report adds that widescale use of a general-purpose technology, like AI, may take longer than anticipated. Read How is AI reshaping finance and accounting work? -Ends- For media enquiries, contact: Middle East media contacts: Natalie Glorney natalie@ Sheila Tobias sheila@ ACCA News Room E: newsroom@ About ACCA We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide. Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we've long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries. Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies. Guided by our purpose and values, our ambition is to lead the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we're strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all. Find out more at:
Irish Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
UK accountancy firm buys Dublin-based MSD in foray into market
UK accountancy firm DHJ has acquired Dublin-based MSD Accountants in Dublin and plans to use it as a platform for buying other firms, as consolidation in the sector gathers pace. DHJ, which is backed by London private equity firm Tenzing, said that MSD will continue to be led by managing partner Richard Daly and head of assurance Brendan Murtagh. Swords-based MSD has 30 staff in total. 'The partnership also gives us the perfect platform to target more M&A activity in Ireland,' said DJH chief operating officer James Beardmore. DHJ has already carried out 15 acquisitions in the United Kingdom since it was set up four years ago. READ MORE The small- to mid-tier Irish accounting sector has seen a surge in deal making in the past three years as overseas firms, often backed by private equity money, seek to tap into the EU's fastest growing economy and the European base for a host of global tech and pharmaceutical groups. The attraction of private equity to the sector lies in the fact that much of accounting revenue is recurring, which makes it easier for private equity firms to fund borrowings in takeover transactions. For small domestic practices, the burdens of mounting regulation and compliance, technology costs and succession planning are also driving consolidation conversations in the sector. ETL Global, the German-based accounting group, entered the Irish market in early 2023 by acquiring 51 per cent of the Noone Casey practice in Dublin and has followed up with other deals. London-based Azets also purchased Baker Tilly Ireland the same year before rebranding the firm and securing other purchases. Elsewhere, Dains, a UK accountancy group backed by investment firm Horizons, acquired McInerney Saunders Chartered Accountants in Dublin early last year and has given the Irish firm a mandate to find follow-on deals. Other UK firms Moore Kingston Smith and AAB are also among overseas players that have been actively acquiring Irish businesses in recent times.
Irish Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Impact of AI on hiring being felt in accountancy sector
The number of professional job openings overall increased by 10 per cent in the second quarter of the year, but graduate hiring in accountancy and related areas is starting to show significant signs of being impacted by artificial intelligence (AI), the latest Morgan McKinley Quarterly Employment Monitor suggests. Overall, the research suggests there is a slight, 1.8 per cent, decline in the number of vacancies, indicating a 'cautious employment environment'. However, 'the standout development this quarter is the significant impact of AI and automation, particularly within the accountancy and finance sectors', according to Trayc Keevans, global director at Morgan McKinley Ireland. 'The notable reduction in graduate hiring by major firms, driven by AI capabilities, highlights potential challenges ahead,' she said. 'The accounting and finance sector is experiencing a significant shift towards data analytics and AI-driven roles. Companies are increasingly leveraging AI capabilities to automate routine tasks such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control, and payroll.' [ Lack of skills, badly formatted applications: survey reveals why job candidates are rejected Opens in new window ] More broadly, she said, 'contract hiring among larger multinational firms has slowed this quarter, influenced by tighter cost controls prompting a shift towards permanent positions or offshore staffing solutions. The Juggle: the issues facing women with young children when balancing childcare and their careers Listen | 44:30 'Additionally, ongoing debates around hybrid and return-to-office working models continue to shape recruitment strategies, as employers seek the right balance between flexibility and in-person collaboration.' Separate research by Hays Ireland highlights the ongoing importance of remote working to professional staff. It finds 85 per cent say hybrid and flexible working has positively impacted upon their wellbeing. The survey also suggests there continues to be significant recognition of the importance of remote working on the part of employers, with more than half (61 per cent) investing in flexible working arrangements to boost wellbeing. The company says even the media focus on hybrid working and the repeated reports it is under threat is a source of anxiety, however. Its survey found 42 per cent of professionals found the news coverage of return-to-office policies negatively impacted upon their wellbeing. [ Significant growth in professional job seekers in first quarter, report shows Opens in new window ] Despite that, Maureen Lynch, managing director of Hays Ireland, said the research suggested a general alignment between employers and their staff with regard to issues of workplace wellbeing. 'It's encouraging to see a shared recognition between employers and employees that wellbeing is key to business success,' she said. Recruitment consultants Manpower Ireland, meanwhile, said prospects for hiring in the third quarter remain positive, with a Net Employment Outlook of 29 per cent. The figure is obtained by deducting the number of employers responding to its latest survey that indicate they are likely to cut staff numbers in the third quarter of this year from the number expecting to hire. The firm says 38 per cent of those indicating they expect to add staff suggest it will be the result of business expansion. Keeping up with technological development, changing service needs and skills requirements are among the main other motivations mentioned.
