This week the first of two CPD webinars, which will look at Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax from different angles, will take place. More details on each are available below. Once again, we encourage members with clients affected to book onto both of these webinars. HMRC has also recently launched a new software choices page. CPD webinars Tim Palmer’s two hour CPD webinar takes place later this week on Thursday 11 September and is still open for booking. This webinar will deal with the detail of the technical rules and practicalities of MTD. Planning opportunities will also be considered. Next week at 1pm on Tuesday 16 September, HMRC are delivering a 1 hour webinar which will mainly focus on key readiness tips for agents and taxpayers. Spaces are still available to book. The detailed agenda for Tim Palmer’s webinar is as follows: The requirements of MTD for income tax, Which self-employed individuals and landlords will be mandated to comply, The turnover test, Digital record-keeping, The submission of quarterly updates, including what must be submitted, The election to use calendar quarters instead of fiscal quarters, Traders with turnover below the VAT threshold, The submission of the final declaration, Planning opportunities, The software decision, Practical case studies, The transitional rule, Pre-populated income, The impact on the construction industry, and A general overview of MTD for income tax. The HMRC led webinar on 16 September will be delivered by Sam Wood BSc ACA. Sam works with agents within HMRC’s MTD programme and has a background in accounting and digital transformation. Sam is responsible for Cross Cutting Stakeholder Engagement, Policy and Strategy at HMRC and is a Chartered Accountant and a member of ICAEW with wide experience of MTD from its inception. Software choices page The software decision is a vital one for both agents and taxpayers affected by MTD for income tax. In recognition of this, HMRC has been working in recent months to enhance the support available to users selecting MTD for income tax compatible software. A new and improved software choices tool (which HMRC refers to as a ‘MVP’ (Minimum Viable Product)) was launched over the summer to help users find the right product for their needs. This new tool builds on the existing software choices guidance page, which has also been significantly updated. According to HMRC, it reflects extensive user research and close collaboration with external delivery partners and stakeholders, to ensure it is shaped by real user needs and experiences. Importantly, it is designed to be intuitive and accessible and should be of assistance in helping all taxpayers (including those without an appointed agent) navigate their options. However, HMRC is reminding users that this is an early iteration of the tool. The aim overall is to empower more users to take the next step in their MTD journey independently.

Last week we shared details of three technical consultations which were launched on ‘L-day’ in July that the Institute will be responding to. There’s still time to share your feedback on these consultations, two of which are of particular relevance to tax agents. Share your views by close of business on Friday 12 September by emailing tax@charteredaccountants.ie.

The OECD has published a revised BEPS Action 5 Transparency Framework on tax rulings following its review of the of the effectiveness of the transparency framework. This review has resulted in several changes to enhance the effectiveness. In addition, the report contains revised terms of reference applicable from the 2025 review year, as well as the revised assessment methodology for peer reviews to commence in 2026.

In this week’s detailed miscellaneous updates which you can read more about below, HMRC has sent an update on employee car ownership scheme changes and the latest bi-monthly Employer Bulletin was published recently. In other news this week: Last month HMRC published its internal manual on the administration of the Multinational Top-up Tax and the Domestic Top-up Tax under the UK’s Pillar Two rules,  The latest schedule of HMRC Talking Points live and recorded webinars for tax agents are available for booking. Spaces are limited, so take a look now and save your place, and Check HMRC’s online services availability page for details of planned downtime and the online services affected. Update on employee car ownership scheme changes and Euro 6e emissions standard As part of L-day on Monday 21 July the Government published draft legislation on changes to employee car ownership schemes. The decision has since been taken to delay implementation six months to 6 October 2026. The draft legislation on this remains open for technical consultation prior to final legislation being brought forward at the next Finance Bill. The relevant publications are as follows: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament, and Finance Bill 2025/26. In addition, the Government will be consulting in due course on introducing the Euro 6e emissions standard for cars and vans from April 2026. This standard will introduce more stringent real-world testing for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) which in turn will lead to higher official CO₂ emission ratings and thus higher benefits in kind (BIKs). However, it was also announced on L-day that the Government does not intend for this to apply to BIKs until April 2028, in order to avoid significant increases for PHEV company cars. Further details are awaited on how this will work, however the overall intention is to ensure that BIK charges will be based on current emissions standards until April 2028, rather than the new Euro 6e standard.  Latest Employer Bulletin The August edition of HMRC’s Employer Bulletin includes articles on: 2024/25 P11D and P11D(b) forms, PAYE settlement agreements: calculations and payments, Disputed PAYE charges, Preparing businesses for the vaping products duty and the vaping duty stamps scheme, and Implementation of the Employment Rights Bill.

In this week’s post EU exit corner, we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications relevant in the post EU exit environment. The most recent Trader Support Service bulletin is also available as is the latest Brexit and Beyond newsletter from the Northern Ireland Assembly EU Affairs team. DEFRA has also sent an email setting out details of locations which are no longer valid points of entry for plant health imports into Northern Ireland. Miscellaneous guidance updates and publications This week’s miscellaneous guidance updates and publications are as follows: Designated export place (DEP) codes for Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service, Report a problem using the Customs Declaration Service, CDS Declaration Completion Instructions for Imports, CDS Declaration Completion Instructions for Exports, Short shipments at temporary storage locations, Appendix 1: DE 1/10: Requested and Previous Procedure Codes, Appendix 1: DE 1/10: Requested and Previous Procedure Codes, Requested Procedure 10: Permanent Export or Dispatch, Requested Procedure 11: Inward Processing Prior Export Equivalence, Requested Procedure 21: Temporary Export under Outward Processing, Requested Procedure 22: Temporary Export or Dispatch under Outward Processing if not covered by Procedure 21, Requested Procedure 23: Temporary export for return of goods in the unaltered state (Returned Goods Relief), and Requested Procedure 31: Re-export or Dispatch of non-Union goods following a Special Procedure.  

The OECD has published the 2025 edition of Taxing Wages , which enables stakeholders to understand how tax systems affect incomes and income distributions, as well as incentives to work. This publication offers a timely snapshot of how labour taxation is evolving, as real wages recover, inflation eases and the need for higher revenues increases.

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup, our first edition after the summer break. This edition contains updates from 1 July to date. In developments since the last edition, Minister Burke has announced the commencement of Section 22 of the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024 resulting in a change to the current audit exemption regime, and the Minister has also signed into law Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 309/2025 - European Union (Corporate Sustainability Reporting) Regulations 2025 which transposes the ‘stop the clock’ EU Directive  and corrects other anomalies. Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has published its Feedback Statement on its response to the IASB’s Exposure Draft Provisions – Targeted Improvements. The Feedback Statement sets out the feedback received from stakeholders and explains how this input was used to inform their final comment letter. EFRAG has also updated its EU Endorsement Status Report, which includes some recently endorsed IASB and IFRS documents. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has proposed some narrow scope amendments to FRS 102 in its Exposure Draft FRED 87. This proposes changes to the prescribed formats for balance sheets where an entity applying FRS 102 uses the option to adapt the presentation format. FRED 87 remains open for public comment until 10 October 2025. The IFRS Foundation Conference 2025 took place on 23 and 24 June with the theme of ‘Knowledge in Practice’. In June, the International Accounting Standards Board launched its review of IFRS 16 Leases. The initial stage of this review involves a Request for Information, which is open for comment until 15 October 2025. EFRAG and the UK Endorsement Board have both published drafts of their comment letters. The IFRS Foundation has developed stand-alone modules for each section of the IFRS for SMEs with the second of the updated modules now available. Free CPD- learn about the upcoming changes to FRS 102 Please join us for some free CPD at our events in Belfast on 15th October and Dublin on 16th October, registrations can be made through these links. The focus of these sessions is the upcoming changes to FRS 102, which are effective from 1 January 2026. These changes will result in many FRS 102 preparers changing the way in which they measure and recognise leases and income, and these events will look at some examples of how accounting for these may change after 1 January 2026. Auditing and Assurance A new guidance Document TR 02/2025 Reporting under The Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2004 has been issued. This replaces two previously published documents: (1) Miscellaneous Technical Statement M46 which was issued in 2006 to provide guidance on the statutory duty on auditors to make an annual confirmation to the Financial Regulator as to whether there are matters to report in addition to, and including, any reports already submitted to them. (2) TA 05/2016 Update for auditors regarding prescribed enactments for the purposes of section 27B of the Central Bank Act 1997 which was a supplementary piece of guidance. All guidance can be found on the Institute’s Technical Hub. The FRC has published a Practice Note Exposure Draft – Guidance for audits of smaller and/or less complex entities to help auditors deliver more proportionate audits of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The consultation period is open until 17 October. The FRC has published a consultation on proposed amendments to the PIE auditor Registration Regulations in the UK. The consultation period is open until 2 October. IAASA has issued its Insights Podcast Episode #3: Understanding the Annual Audit Programme and Activity Report. The FRC has published its first guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in audit.  This new guidance outlines a rational approach to implementing a hypothetical AI-enabled tool designed to support innovation across the profession. On 18 July 2025, the FRC has published version 2.1 of Technical Actuarial Standard 300: Pensions (TAS 300). The FRC has issued a podcast ‘In Conversation: What’s the difference between statutory audit and assurance?’ hosted by Kate O'Neill, Director of Stakeholder Engagement and Corporate Affairs. Sustainability The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a thematic note on sustainability-related claims used in non-regulatory communications. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has published two exposure drafts proposing amendments to the SASB Standards and consequential amendments to the Industry-based Guidance on Implementing IFRS S2. In an interesting and thought provoking article published by the IFRS Foundation, Jenny Bofinger-Schuster, member of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) looks at some of the deeper insights on the topic of disclosure of information about anticipated financial effects  of sustainability-related risks and opportunities in a company’s financial statements. The European Commission has adopted a set of measures to simplify the application of EU Taxonomy which will reduce the administrative burden for EU companies while preserving core climate and environmental goals. ESMA and the European Environment Agency recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to reinforce their collaboration in the area of sustainable finance. The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board is hosting a three-part webinar series in October to assist sustainability assurance practitioners and professional organizations as they adopt, implement, or apply International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000, General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements (ISSA 5000). European Sustainability Reporting Standards On 31 July, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) launched a 60-day public consultation on the revised and simplified European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This consultation is a major step and follows on from the European Commission’s Omnibus proposal which seeks to make reporting under the CSRD more manageable, while maintaining alignment with the European Green Deal. The public consultation remains open until 29 September and some of the notable goals achieved in the revised draft standard include; Mandatory datapoints (which need to be reported if material) have been reduced by 57% The full set of disclosures (both mandatory and voluntary) have been reduced by 68% The overall length of the standards has been shortened by over 55% VSME Over the Summer, the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs (VSME) was recommended for voluntary use by the European Commission. While the use of this standard is not mandatory, the Commission believes that its use may be beneficial for SMEs, particularly those who are in the value chain of companies who report- or will report - under the CSRD. UK Sustainability Reporting Standards Over the Summer the UK government launched three separate consultations which aim to develop the sustainability reporting framework in the UK. These consultations address the following; UK Sustainability Reporting Standards Assurance of sustainability reporting Climate-related transition plan requirements European Union (Corporate Sustainability Reporting) Regulations 2025 In July, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment signed into law Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 309/2025 - European Union (Corporate Sustainability Reporting) Regulations 2025. The purpose of this Statutory Instrument (S.I.) is to transpose the ‘stop the clock’ EU Directive into Irish law and to amend the anomalies that were present in previous S.I.s relating to the transposition of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in Ireland. For more information on this please refer to our news item. Reports issued in July/August 2025 IAASA has published its 2024 Annual Report.   The Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) has published its Annual Report for 2024. A new report has been published showing the progress made on the recommendations from the Independent Review of Charity Regulation in Northern Ireland. The Charities Regulator has published its 2024 annual report. The UK Companies House has issued its annual business plan which outlines their priority commitments for the year ahead. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (CCPC) Annual Report for 2024 was published in July 2025. Anti-Money Laundering & Sanctions Chartered Accountants Ireland has introduced an Annual Return for those firms supervised for AML purposes pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering Supervision Regulations - TCSPs and Bookkeepers. Readers can find out more by clicking to read a news item on the new Annual Return from our colleagues in Professional Standards. AMLA, the EU’s new Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism has published its Annual Work Programme (AWP) for 2025. The Europe Banking Authority (EBA) published its 2025 Opinion on money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks affecting the EU’s financial sector in July 2025. Click link for the full EBA report. On July 30, 2025, HM Treasury in the UK issued a consultation response on improving the effectiveness of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLRs). The response contains a summary of the UK Government’s feedback and next steps setting out the areas where it intends to make changes to the MLRs. Readers can access the consultation response on MLRs here. In Sept 2025 the UK Government issued a draft statutory instrument (SI) and policy note on the proposed amendments to the MLRs. It seeks review of the practical operability, clarity, and effectiveness of the SI and welcomes feedback on errors, ambiguities, or unintended consequences by 30 September 2025. In sanctions news, on 18 July 2025 the EU adopted its 18th package of sanctions against Russia. In August 2025 the EU Sanctions Helpdesk issued a guide on ownership and control. It details the rules about a Listed Person owning or controlling an entity, what ‘ownership’ of an entity and ‘control’ of an entity means and there is also some discussion of firewalls about which see more on our Technical Hub sanctions pages. Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) The Central Bank of Ireland updated and republished the Cross Industry Guidance on Operational Resilience in July 2025. The guidance is updated to align with the Digital Operational Resilience Regulation and Directive (DORA). Click link for the Guidance document. Credit Union Lending Regulation Changes The CBI announced planned targeted changes to credit union lending regulations on 14 August 2025. This will allow the sector increased scope to provide house and business lending to members following changes in lending limits. The announcement of these changes came about following an evidence-based review and public consultation process regarding proposed changes to the lending regulations for credit unions set out in Part 4 of the Credit Union Act 1997 (Regulatory Requirements) Regulations 2016. In addition, the CBI consulted with the Minister for Finance and various stakeholders including the Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC) and credit union bodies regarding the draft amending regulations. The final changes to these lending regulations will come into effect on 30 September 2025. CBI AML/CFT Sector Specific Risk Evaluation Questionnaires The CBI is adapting its supervisory approach for AML/CFT risk in the context of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, the new EU AML Framework, and future data requests from the EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA). This is resulting in a phased implementation of sector specific AML/CFT Risk Evaluation Questionnaires (‘REQs’), which was recently announced by the CBI. Initial implementation will apply to credit, payment, and electronic money institutions. Revised REQ templates have been published for these sectors. The REQ reporting requirements apply to Regulated Financial Service Providers (RFSPs), which are subject to supervision by the CBI. This change is being highlighted for Institute members who work in RFSPs. News on the Charities sector Click for the press release on the Charities Regulators 2024 Report. The report includes details on statutory investigations and actions and the new tool to shine light on compliance status for charities. The Charities Regulator recently issued their third e-zine for 2025 It includes details of publication of their new Statement of Strategy 2024-2027. The Strategy outlines the Regulator’s Strategic Objectives and Indicators being the regulatory approach, the Register, Stakeholder Engagement and Organisational Capability. Other interesting items in the e -zine include how to carry out a board appraisal and dates are confirmed for Charity Trustees’ Week 2025 which is from Monday, 10 November to Friday 14 November 2025. A recently published article from the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland highlights some reflections from the Charity SORP-making body on the responses it received from the recent consultation on the proposed amendments to the Charity SORP. While the final version of the SORP is not yet available, the article sets out some of the feedback received from the almost 150 responses to the consultation. New or proposed legislation Minister Burke has announced the commencement of Section 22 of the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024.  This provision relates to a change to the current audit exemption regime, whereby small and micro sized companies will not, in future, automatically lose the privilege of audit exemption on a first occasion, in a five-year period, of late filing of an annual return with the Companies Registration Office.  Please see the press release here. The UK Government has passed the Protection and Disclosure of Personal Information (Amendment) Regulations 2025 which extends the types of personal information an individual can request that Companies House makes unavailable (including signature, date of birth, residential address) on the public register. The UK Parliament published a draft of the Companies (Directors’ Report) (Payment Reporting) Regulations 2025 (“Regulations”). It has also published a draft explanatory memorandum. The purpose of the draft Regulations is stated to be to make changes to reporting requirements to require large companies to report information about their payment practices and performance within directors’ reports. Click for an Institute news item with further information. Artificial Intelligence & Cyber The EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) published guidance on the skills and roles for the cybersecurity professionals needed to meet NIS2 legal requirements.  Click link for the Guidance document. The Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence established by the Oireachtas held its first public meeting in June 2025. IBEC have recently launched their new AI Hub as part of their campaign to reinforce their role as a trusted partner to policymakers, influencers, regulators, and members on their AI journey. Other News   The Companies Registration Office has recommenced the involuntary strike-off process in mid-August 2025. Approximately 35,000 companies are facing involuntary strike-off due to a failure to file annual returns. The backlog is because the process was paused during Covid-19 and was again paused in 2024. It will take some time to work through the backlog, but companies with the most annual returns outstanding will be dealt with in the first instance. The Housing Agency is holding evening information meetings around the country for stakeholders, including residents, owners, and directors of Owner Management Companies (OMCs).  The meetings will take place in Carrick on Shannon, Galway, Dublin, Limerick and Cork. They will cover challenges faced by OMCs and managed estates, roles and responsibilities and resources available. The case of Downtul Limited (in liquidation) contains an extensive examination of the grounds for restricting a director under section 819 of Companies Act 2014. Click here to read the Institute’s recent news item on the Starbucks case. The respondents were found to have discharged the burden of showing they acted honestly but because they had not acted responsibly this was enough to trigger the operation of the restriction provisions. The directors were restricted for 5 years. The Institute made a representation to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service and Digitalisation to raise concerns expressed by members regarding the Statement on Internal Control (SIC) – a key requirement under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. IAASA has issued its Work Programme draft 2026-2028.  While the date for response to the consultation has passed readers may still find the draft programme of interest. Readers may find interesting the Irish Revenue Commissioners e brief on Taxation of Partnerships dated July 2025. In addition to providing guidance on the taxation of partnerships, it describes the background to partnerships, the 3 types of partnership available under Irish law, the main types of partners and gives some information on joint and several liability. The Pensions Authority Supervision of pensions 2025 – 2029 conference will be held on Wednesday 17 September 2025 in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin 2. It issued the Pensions Authority statement of strategy 2025 to 2029 in July 2025. Readers can find out more details and about the objectives in the press release issued on 10 July 2025.     This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.

In Irish news this week, the Institute, under the auspices of the CCAB-I, met with Minister Donohoe to discuss the CCAB-I’s Pre-Budget 2026 submission, Revenue has published new guidance on the domestic layer of the EU VAT SME scheme, and the Pillar Two registration facility and hub are now active. In UK news, read our latest update on Making Tax Digital for income tax and we’d like to hear your views on three technical consultations on draft legislation. Irish 1. Read about the recent meeting with Minister Donohoe to discuss the CCAB-I’s Pre-Budget 2026 submission. 2. Revenue has issued guidance on the domestic element of the EU VAT SME scheme. 3. Revenue has launched a dedicated Pillar Two hub and the registration portal for Pillar Two in scope companies is now active. UK 4. Read our update on the latest developments in Making Tax Digital for income tax which includes details of two CPD webinars this month, each with a different focus, and news of a new HMRC agent outreach campaign. 5. We’re seeking your feedback on three consultations launched on L Day in July, two of which are of particular significance to tax agents. Keep up to date with all the latest Irish, UK, and international tax developments through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Tax Newsletter. Subscribe to the Tax News by updating your preferences in MyAccount. You can also read this week’s post EU exit corner here.  

The earning potential for Chartered Accountants working in Leinster has increased significantly, according to the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society Salary Survey 2025. The survey results show the average salary package of Chartered Accountants in the region now stands at €131,654. This figure is a 6.6% increase on the 2024 average (€123,466) and marks a salary increase of 20% since 2020 (€109,989).   The annual survey of nearly 1,000 Chartered Accountants, launched today by Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society in partnership with Barden, Ireland’s leading accounting and tax talent advisory and recruitment firm, provides the most up-to-date guide to Chartered Accountant salaries and employment prospects in the Leinster region.    The research, conducted by Coyne, shows earning potential across the profession remains strong, with:   Average salary package of €131,654 for Chartered Accountants working across all sectors. This figure includes base salary, car or car allowance, and bonus.  Average salary package for a chartered accountant with 5 years post qualified experience now stands at €97,527, an increase of over 8% on 2024. Newly qualified respondents across all sectors saw their pay increase to €72,450 from €68,121 last year, an increase of 6%. The average salary package of newly qualified respondents working in industry now stands at €82,279 (up almost 16% on 2024 data).   Satisfaction with remuneration   Respondent satisfaction is high, with 65% satisfied or very satisfied with the salary they receive. The data highlights several positive trends, with 88% of respondents saying their total remuneration has increased in the past three years and 27% reporting more than a 25% increase. 77% expect their total remuneration to increase within the next 12 months.   Uptake of artificial intelligence (AI)  28% of Chartered Accountants use AI in some form to assist their day-to-day work, doubling from 14% in 2024. In this way, the potential of AI to streamline workflows and increase efficiency is already being felt across the profession.   Over half (57%) of respondents say AI represents a significant opportunity for the profession, and that it will allow the profession to move further up the value chain in terms of the work it does.  Two-thirds of respondents feel that artificial intelligence will impact positively on their career, with only 9% believing it will have a negative impact. Looking beyond AI to the wider impact of technological development, 69% feel that automation solutions will impact positively on their career, with 66% of respondents saying the same about online collaboration tools.   Sarah Murphy, Chairperson of Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society, said:   “Salary increases across the sector are evidence of the value that employers place on the work of chartered accountants in businesses, practices and more. Looking to the future, the potential for progression is also strong, with 44% of respondents having received a promotion in the last three years.    “As the role of accountants continues to evolve, to see a year-on-year doubling of the numbers using AI in their day-to-day work points to a profession that is highly adaptable and open to the opportunities that technology presents. Chartered Accountants hold positions of significant trust in organisations, and their ethical standards, critical thinking and analytical capabilities will be in even greater demand as business leaders as AI becomes more established. These results are a strong endorsement of Chartered Accountancy as a sustainable and fulfilling career, full of opportunity.”  Attractiveness of the profession  Becoming a Chartered Accountant remains attractive for those seeking career progression pathways while maintaining work-life balance. In the last three years, 44% of respondents received a promotion and almost 80% cited the ability to work remotely as a key way in which their employer provides flexibility.   Findings show that employers facilitate healthy work-life balance for members through a range of non-monetary rewards. As well as the option for hybrid working, parental and carers’ leave (available to 48% of respondents) and an employee assistance programme (available to 48% of respondents) were offered across sectors. 64% of respondents were satisfied with the non-monetary aspects of their job (63% in 2024); 72% were satisfied with their work environment (76% in 2024); and 67% were happy with work-life balance (66% in 2024).   Elaine Brady, Managing Partner, Barden, said:  “Despite the continued backdrop of macro-economic uncertainty over the past 12 months, the inauguration of Donald Trump and the subsequent US trade policy changes, the demand for accounting talent from 2024 continued. This has resulted in very competitive offerings from employers across the board. There has never been a better time to enter the profession, with a widespread focus from employers on work-life balance and non-monetary rewards for employees.   “The findings of this years’ survey can act as a reference point for employers focused on talent acquisition and retention. With high standards across the sector in terms of salary packages and pension contributions, employers continue to look for new ways to recognise the value of their employees. This includes hybrid working, which 80% of respondents cited as a highly valued attribute of their role.”    Common elements across salary packages   The majority (89%) of members have a pension, with 95% of these members receiving pension contributions from their employer. After basic salary, this pension contribution is the most valued aspect of the Chartered Accountant salary package for 54% of respondents. The other most common elements in respondents’ salary packages are payment of professional subscriptions (79%); Cycle to Work scheme (57%); health insurance (53%); and sponsored professional development (46%).    

Emerging Technologies in Accountancy: A Guide for Newly Qualified Professionals Introduction The accounting profession is undergoing rapid changes due to technological advancements. For newly qualified accountants, understanding and embracing these technological changes is essential as your careers progress. "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower" – Steve Jobs 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning AI is the new technology in the accountancy profession, along with many of other industries. The benefit of AI to accountants is that it can remove more routine tasks by automating activities such as data entry, invoice processing, and reconciliations. To be clear accountants will still be needed to ensure the AI output is correct and help its learning of processes and will provide accountants with more time to focus on other more value-add tasks. Machine learning creates algorithms to analyse vast datasets to detect irregularities, forecast trends, and enhance decision-making precision. This again is an aid to accountants and allows for skilled individuals to make quicker decisions based on the data provided. Key Benefits: Real-time analytics for faster decision-making. Improved efficiency and giving more time back to accountants. Greater fraud detection and compliance monitoring. 2. Cloud Computing Cloud-based accounting platforms enable remote access, data storage and real-time collaboration. They support hybrid or remote work models and can usually integrate with other business systems. You may already have experience working with these tools as they have become quite ubiquitous in the industry. Key Benefits: Allows for hybrid and remote teamwork. Enhanced security for data and sensitive information. Can scale with the business as it grows. 3. Data Analytics Data analytics in accounting involves the use of innovative techniques to extract insights from financial data, thus enabling accountants to make more informed decisions.  Key Benefits: Performance Evaluation. Risk Mitigation. Understanding industry trends and developments. Forecasting and Planning. Fraud Detection. 4. Blockchain Blockchain offers a decentralized, tamper-proof ledger system that ensures transparency and security in financial transactions. It simplifies audit trails and enables real-time financial reporting. Key Benefits: Greater trust and traceability in financial reporting. Immutable transaction records. Increased efficiency in audits and reduced fraud risk. Real-World Use: Two of the Big 4 are actively exploring blockchain for audit accuracy Planning for the Future To thrive in this growing tech-driven era we live in, newly qualified accountants should: Ensure that you have familiarity with the digital tools used for data analytics and AI for example. Stay informed about regulatory changes and industry innovations, as these will allow for innovation and career advancement Embrace teamwork, especially in remote and hybrid work settings. Conclusion Developing technologies are not just reforming how accountants work—they're changing what it means to be an accountant and career opportunities that are arising. Being receptive to new technology is essential for both businesses and accountants to thrive and grow now and into the future. By being open to innovation, newly qualified professionals can position themselves as forward-thinking advisors, trusted business leaders who are ready to lead in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Author - Stephen Maguire | Chartered Accountants Ireland Careers Team 

Everything doesn’t always go to plan, especially when it comes to your exams. When the results come in, you might feel like you have disappointed yourself and others. However, their disappointment is more about themselves than you and it can be overcome, says Cyril Conroy. When we don’t succeed at an exam, our heads can become flooded with thoughts and fears. We question whether we are good enough, what we did wrong and, most of all, what people will think.   There are a few things you need to keep in mind if you don’t get the result you expected in your exams. Under pressure Whatever stage of your Chartered Accountancy education you are in, the exams are hard. Really, really hard.  Because of this, you might have put a tremendous amount of time into your studies. Or, maybe you took it a little easy, thinking that you had a particular paper in the bag.  Then, a question comes up and you find yourself drawing a blank on the answer – it could be a lack of preparation, or it could be the pressure of other’s expectations making you clam up. Regardless of the reason, you have your result and it’s not good. You are down and feeling low. And it hurts. There is tremendous pressure and embarrassment when the result isn’t as good as you’d hoped it would be. Our reactions have meaning When some people fail, they just get right up, do it again and feel no pressure. Others might panic when even presented with the possibility of failing. The important thing is that we try to understand our reactions. What is driving our response to failure?  First, you should know that it’s OK to feel down in the dumps about not succeeding in your exams.  Second, know you are where you need to be. Feeling bad about the result and the prospect of repeating is understandable.  The statement “you are not an exam result” is very true. However, when presented with a less-than-stellar grade, you might feel like it does, in fact, define you.  The feeling can be exacerbated by other’s reactions. They say things like, “you’ll be fine” or “it all will work out in the end”. People throw so many clichés at you, you’ll regret ever telling anyone your result in the first place.  By making these comments, people are trying to be supportive; they are made with good intention and can be encouraging for some, just not everyone and, more importantly, they might just feel like piled-on pressure to you. We can receive encouragement and support from our parents, peers and employers but, sometimes, there can be an awful lot of expectation pointed in our direction.  Part of the reason we feel so disappointed in a bad result is because we feel we have let down our support network. Moving on When you feel the pressure from others – before, after or even during the exams – it’s important to remember that what these people do or say is more about them than it is about you. It’s about how they think you should feel and react to the pressure and expectation about your career, for good or bad. However, the way we react to these comments is about ourselves.   If you do not succeed at your exam, it’s important to separate yourself from the comments people are making about your exam result. If you are feeling overwhelmed – that the ‘failure’ overrides all words – talking to someone about the pressure could help. This could be a mentor, friend outside of the profession, or even a therapist. The word ‘fail’, simply put, is ridiculous. Things just don’t work out sometimes. Accepting this and having compassion for yourself is key at this time.  Not succeeding at something is an opportunity to learn so much about yourself. You may not feel it now, but it does make you stronger. You do learn from it.  The important thing I learned is that the fail was not me – and it’s not the definition of you, either. Thrive is the Institute's dedicated wellbeing service that provides a range of supports to members and students. If you are struggling exam disappointment, exam stress or anything related to student life, please know our in-house wellbeing team can help.  Cyril Conroy is a practicing therapist and relationship mentor in Killarney, Co Kerry.  Cyril is also a fully qualified Chartered Accountant, having worked in private practice and industry, and who failed many exams before qualifying.

Revenue has recently updated two other Tax and Duty Manuals. The updated manuals relate to iXBRL submissions and the completion of corporation tax returns. Details are set out below. The manual Submission of iXBRL Financial Statements as part of Corporation Tax Returns has been updated for a full list of taxonomies accepted by Revenue, together with a reference list of taxonomies that are no longer accepted. The guidance on the completion of Corporation Tax returns -Form CT1 has been updated to include links to the manuals relating to the completion of the corporation tax returns for 2024 and 2023.