Compliance Update Conference
Our one day Compliance Update Conference has been specially designed for accountants who require an update on current compliance issues. Speakers will look at recent and upcoming key changes together with other current issues, to enable those attending to give the best possible advice to their clients.
Who should attend the conference
Mercia's Compliance Update Conference is a must-attend event for any accountancy firms who require an update on current compliance issues.
Through this one-day virtual conference, you will get practical advice about all the latest changes and challenges currently facing the accountancy sector.
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Full conference agenda
09:30
Welcome and Introduction
Julia Penny, JS Penny Consulting
This session will allow you to understand the key changes that are being introduced as a result of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) together with an update on key AML issues.
ECCTA:
- New powers for Companies House.
- Requirements for identification verification of directors, persons of significant control (PSCs) and others filing information at Companies House.
- Changes to filing requirements for small and micro entities.
- The known or likely timing for the above.
AML
- The potential implications for AML procedures of ECCTA.
- Reminders of common problem areas.
- Risk updates and how these affect your policies and procedures.
Gemma Archer, Mercia Group
This session will look at recent review findings from QAD and Mercia reviews related to practice assurance, client money and DPB areas to help firms self-assess those areas which may require attention before their next regulatory inspection.
11:30
Refreshment Break
Louise Dunford, LD Consultancy
This session will cover a full round-up of all the most recent developments in employment law, as far as they have been clarified at the time of the course. The session will also cover off any key developments in the tribunals during this year. which may be relevant to those advising SMEs or running HR in their practice.
- Whither employment status? The new categorisation and its implications.
- Changes to family friendly rights.
- Dealing with sickness, including disability discrimination developments and changes to sick pay.
- Discrimination - the current themes and the implications of the Race Equality Act.
- Unfair dismissal - dealing with the new reality.
12:45
Lunch Break
Peter Herbert, Insight Training
Client due diligence is a crucial element of the AML regime for firms operating in the regulated sector, but an aspect that many struggle with. This deep dive seminar will deal with all the common problem issues, provide practical advice and give participants a chance to ask their own questions. Topics covered will include:
- The firm-wide risk assessment – what it is and what professional bodies are looking for.
- Key risks and red flags when identifying clients.
- Documentation required when verifying the identity of personal and corporate clients.
- Using electronic databases - key tricks and traps.
- When enhanced due diligence is required and what is involved.
- Important requirements for ongoing due diligence.
15:00
Refreshment Break
Ros Martin, Consultant Advisor & Lecturer
This session will be an update on HMRC’s compliance activities so exact content will be decided closer to the event but we are likely to cover HMRC compliance initiatives, checking that HMRC are acting within the law (following on from a number of cases where it has been found that they are not), penalties and overpayment relief.
16:15
Close of Conference
Conference speakers
Julia Penny is a Chartered Accountant, specialising in writing about and training auditing and financial reporting. She has over 25 years' of training experience, covering a wide variety of course types, from quick updates to in-depth workshops, and she is renowned for her lively course delivery.
In recent years, Julia has become a social media enthusiast, so do follow her updates on Twitter.
Julia is very involved with ICAEW activities, being a Council and Board member and sitting on the Ethics Advisory Committee. She also sits on the Audit and Assurance Board of the AAT, their equivalent to an audit committee.
Gemma jointly leads the team responsible for Mercia’s file and compliance reviews, including performing reviews at client sites or remotely. She also lectures on Mercia’s Early Careers Programme and on specialist areas such as charities and academies, ESG and Mercia methodology, as well as advising clients on technical queries.
Gemma joined Mercia from audit practice in January 2021, where she had worked for 13 years, specialising in not-for-profit and charity clients for over a decade. Gemma has a keen interest in academies and sits on several ESFA working groups.
Ros is a consultant and lecturer covering all aspects of direct tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax. Until 2002, Ros was a fully trained Inland Revenue Inspector. She is now a consultant advising on tax planning for large and small businesses and individuals, as well as dealing with full and aspect enquiry work.
Her clients are mainly small and medium-sized accountancy practices. Her consultancy work means she understands the key issues of concern for accountancy professionals, and the practical application of the legislation.
Peter qualified as a Chartered Accountant with an international accountancy firm before working in industry. He has over 20 years of training experience. He writes and presents technical updates for firms of accountants and qualified accountants of private and listed companies. Peter specialises in financial reporting, auditing and practice regulation. Peter also regularly carries out compliance reviews for firms of accountants, which provides him with an invaluable insight into the practical financial reporting and auditing issues that they face.
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Louise has been continuously involved in training and consultancy since 1987, both for professional firms and for commercial organisations. She also worked as an associate senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth. Louise specialises mainly in aspects of practical employment law, company law and on professional negligence, and has published widely in leading academic and professional journals. She is an associate of Complete HR Ltd, providing practical and pro-active assistance with employment and HR issues for SMEs. |
One Day Conference
Previous Compliance Update Conferences
Explore the programme of our previous Compliance Update Conferences:
