‘People will always need accountants’

Accountancy still appears to be a profession attracting confident and demanding graduates. Despite pessimistic employment news in other sectors, according to an article in Accountancy Age magazine, today’s accountancy graduates have high expectations. The article by Rachel Fielding looks at a report from UCCA which says that graduates are looking for ‘aspirational and dynamic career paths’. They often seeing their professional financial training as the basis for a broader business career. Many are also prepared to look outside of traditional companies in order to find something challenging and with good career progression. The article includes an interview with Nadim Choudhury head of career services at London School of Business and Finance who comments, “The recession…has helped propel accountancy to the forefront of career choices. "We don't know if some of the investment banks will be around in the long term but people will always need accountants," Choudhury adds. Read the full article at http://www.accountancyage.com/aa/feature/2153953/-aayp-generation-ys-expectations

Financial red tape - getting better or worse?

In a recent research report, ‘The regulatory environment on UK business’ the Institute for Chartered Accountants in England and Wales reports that most businesses think that red tape is still a problem. The respondents, including senior finance professionals, said that they have seen little improvement in the regulatory environment with some thinking that things have got worse. According to the report, “employment legislation, employment tax and health and safety regulation are most likely to be cited as hindering the operation and development of their business.” Respondents were asked whether they were aware of the government’s ‘one in, one out’ policy to company and financial regulation. The majority weren’t aware of this and of those who did, few were confident of it helping the situation. Whether you are a chartered accountant or work elsewhere in the financial industry, see where you stand on the discussion on the ICAEW’s website http://www.icaew.com/home/about-icaew/what-we-do/~/media/Files/About-ICAEW/What-we-do/business-confidence-monitor/special-reports/the-impact-of-the-regulatory-environment-on-uk-business-icaew-research-report-january-2012-2-.ashx

Events for the actuarial profession

How would you define the sector where you work as a professional actuary? If it’s in the healthcare sector, risk or pensions industries, several national conferences are being held in the next few months to meet fellow professionals and experts. Take a look at the website of The Actuarial Profession which also represents member of the The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries – the chartered professional body for actuaries in the UK.
Six conferences are taking place this year along with a range of CPD events (continued professional development). The first event from 30th April to 2nd May is aimed at the Health and Care sector and takes place in Manchester. It includes a wide range of speakers with plenary sessions including ‘Reputation management’ and ‘Putting the patient first’. For more details on which of the range of this year’s events could give you an opportunity to meet your peers visit the website at http://www.actuaries.org.uk/events

Bristol takes new financial step

The new Bristol pound is soon to take to the streets and the pockets of Bristolians. Unlike other local currencies, this one, according to the article on the BBC West website, will have the backing of the council and a credit union. One Bristol pound will be worth £1 sterling.
The article explains that ‘People will open an account with the Bristol Credit Union…for every pound sterling they deposit, they will be credited one Bristol pound.’ The funds will also be guaranteed by the Financial Services Authority. As such the article explains that an account with Bristol pounds will have the same protection as any other deposit account. The standard government scheme guarantees up to £85,000 per person.’ The new local currency will be the first such scheme that can be used to pay local business taxes. For the full details including local reaction to the new currency see the article on http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-16852326