S5E7: CA ANZ’s Professional Standards Scheme – your questions
In March, 2025 the new CA ANZ Professional Standards Scheme was approved by the Professional Standards Council. CA ANZ has provided a scheme for Australian members in practice since 1997. Kristen Wydell FCA, CA ANZ General Manager – Professional Standards, joins host Gillian Bowen to explain this latest development and what it means for CA ANZ members in public practice. Resources referred to in this episode: CA ANZ’s Professional Standards Scheme | CA ANZ New CA ANZ Professional Standards Scheme approved in Australia | CA ANZ Sharing Knowledge Webinar The Scheme and Professional Indemnity insurance | CA ANZ Professional Standards Council and Professional Standards Authority | CA ANZ Current Scheme Documents | Professional Standards Councils Minimum Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance calculator | CA ANZ Your Professional Standards Scheme self checkup | CA ANZ Professional Standards Support | CA ANZ CA ANZ podcast page See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
16:55
S5E6: Insights from the 2025 New Zealand Budget
The New Zealand Government has unveiled Budget 2025, which includes an ‘Investment Boost' to accelerate depreciation, significant changes to KiwiSaver, and additional funding for Inland Revenue. Peter Vial FCA, CA ANZ New Zealand Country Head, and John Cuthbertson FCA, CA ANZ New Zealand Tax and Financial Services Leader join Daniel Webster, CA ANZ New Zealand Public Affairs Manager in this special episode of Small Firm, Big Impact to unpack the announcements. As with any budget, there are winners and losers – tune in to hear the team's analysis, straight from the Beehive Lock-up. Resources referred to in the episode: CA ANZ’s 2025 NZ Budget Coverage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
19:25
S5E5: Audit Innovation: tech-driven opportunities for smaller firms
In this episode, host Gillian Bowen explores the cutting-edge advancements transforming the audit profession. Joined by Steven Watson FCA, Managing Director at National Audits Group and Masood Mehmood FCCA, CA, CA ANZ Senior Policy Advocate - Reporting and Assurance, the discussion looks at how Gen AI, automation, and other innovative tools are changing the audit process, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring higher quality outcomes. The discussion also addresses the opportunities and challenges for audit firms, especially smaller-sized practices, and highlights the new CA ANZ resource, Audit and technology playbook: A practitioner’s guide. Find out how to stay competitive in a tech-driven environment and gain valuable insights from our experts. Resources referred to in this episode: Audit and technology playbook: A practitioner’s guide Acuity article on the guide CA ANZ Cyber Security Playbook CA ANZ’s Certificate in AI Fluency CA ANZ’s micro courses Exploring the IESBA Code - A Focus on Technology guide IESBA’s Technology-related Revisions to the Code IAASB ISA 220 (Revised), Quality Management for an Audit of Financial Statements IAASB ISA 315 (Revised), Identifying and Assessing Risks of Material Misstatements International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) 1 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
24:36
S5E4: Tax System Challenges: Insights from the Tax Ombudsman
Small Firm, Big Impact Host Gillian Bowen catches up* with Ruth Owen, the Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman, about crucial updates and insights that Chartered Accountants need to know. Hear about recent focus areas for the Tax Ombudsman, including ATO service standards and ATO letters. Ruth also shares valuable information on the role of the Tax Ombudsman, elimination of the backlog for the complaints line and how you can effectively address and escalate client issues. This discussion gives a useful update on the evolving landscape of tax administration and how the Tax Ombudsman can also assist with Tax Practitioner Board matters. Resources referred to in this episode: Tax Ombudsman website Tax Ombudsman’s work plan Tax Ombudsman’s systemic review of the effectiveness of the ATO’s registered agent phone line Poll on the ATO’s registered agent phone line Tax Ombudsman’s review of ATO letters and written communications Escalate complaints about the ATO with the Tax Ombudsman via its website or telephone on 1300 44 88 29 (1300 IGT TAX) *This episode was recorded on 2 April 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
15:20
S5E3: Federal Budget 2025-2026: Insights for CAs
The Treasurer handed down his fourth Federal Budget on March 25, 2025, and his last before the Australian election. CA ANZ experts were in the Budget lock-up to analyse the announcements, including tax cuts, a missed opportunity for small business and proposed sanctions for tax agents. Tax, Superannuation, and Financial Advice Leader Susan Franks CA joined Gillian Bowen to go through the announcements that impact Chartered Accountants. Resources referred to in the episode: Check out CA ANZ’s Federal Budget Coverage Visit the Smaller Practices Centre See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘Small Firm, Big Impact’ is the podcast small and medium sized practices need right now. The latest series is full of factual and practical content from experts, giving chartered accountants, the up-to-date information they need to do their jobs. Each episode Chartered Accountants ANZ Public Affairs Manager Gillian Bowen will pick the brains of a range of people across the profession including CA ANZ experts as well as guests who know a thing or two about public practice.
New Zealand