ICB News Channel

October in Australia is Cyber Awareness Month and this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, puts a strong focus on why this is so critical for all Bookkeepers and Small Business owners across Australia. There is a Cyber incident affecting Australians every 6 to 7 minutes and Bookkeepers and the Small Business community are not immune to this sad fact. Cyber specialist, Rutland Smith from Harvey Norman Technology for Business joins Rob in this episode to tackle things such as - what are the common mistakes when it comes to cyber and how can they be avoided, what are the things to be on high alert for currently in this ever changing world of cyber, how can bookkeepers understand their obligations when it comes to cyber and what is the difference between a hacker and a scammer ... are just a few of the things discussed in this episode. Cyber can become one of those "I have heard it all before" type topics, however it is critical that we do not take our eye off the ball with what is happening on a day by day basis and Cyber Awareness Month calls out for you to take a listen to this episode and reevaluate your approach to the ever looming threat of Cyber. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We celebrate our 50th episode of the ICB News Channel but lifting the lid on some pretty big issues confronting not only Bookkeepers across Australia right now, but also Businesses and Communities in every corner of the nation. Dealing with regulations and approvals in local communities and in business, the ever growing rise and rise of AI and the challenges confronting communities with this, a tax system that needs constant reform as well as simply the impacts of the economic reforms that individuals and organisations are craving at the moment. All of these topics plus much more including key articles from the recent ICB monthly newsletter are examined by News Channel host Rob Marshall and ICB Executive Director Matthew Addison in this episode and in particular off the back of the recent Economic Reform Roundtable sessions in Canberra, attended exclusively by Matthew Addison. Some wonderful insights into what this was actually all about and what are the potential flow on affects for Bookkeepers and Small Businesses here in Australia. A bumper edition to celebrate a special milestone for the Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you are in Small Business or knows someone who is in Small Business ... or you are a Professional Bookkeeper or in fact anyone who engages with Business owners on a regular basis, then if you only listen to one Podcast episode this year of the ICB News Channel, then this is the one. This episode could well be a Business saver. Our guest today on the Podcast is Kimberley Roberts Salee, the Head of Marketing and Communications at Cyber Wardens. In this episode we will hear, what exactly is Cyber Wardens and why it is so critical that every small business in Australia should be aware of it and have an action plan in place to engage with the Cyber Wardens program. We also discuss how Bookkeepers play a crucial role with this pressing need, what are the habits that inadvertently make Small Businesses vulnerable to cyber attacks, what are some simple wins that Small Businesses can take to help protect themselves online, plus much, much more. Make this one a "must do" to listen to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first episode of the ICB News Channel for the new financial year of 2025/26, Rob and Matthew discuss the most important things to be across as Bookkeepers and Small Business owners here in Australia as the new year begins. Changes to the minimum wage and some pitfalls to avoid regarding these changes, Superannuation guarantee changes and how that has played out both historically and what the future is for compulsory Super in Australia as well as the looming shadow of Pay Day Super and what it all means for Small Business owners, are all discussed in this edition. What is STP Finalisation and why it is important to get it right, some tips the ATO suggest to ensure you do get it right and finally who to consider to get it right, is a major topic of conversation that needs to be heard. An ongoing update into the world of Quality Management Systems, the why, who, what and when of Caretaker Contingency Planning as well as further discussion about the ongoing impacts of AI for Bookkeepers and Businesses are also here in this episode to generate your own thoughts and understandings as well as conversations to have with peers. This is a bigger than normal but action filled episode of the ICB News Channel, full of essentials for Bookkeepers and Business owners alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a unique episode of the ICB News Channel which was recorded live during a recent Question and Answer session hosted online with Bookkeepers and BAS Agents from all around Australia. The purpose of the Q&A session was to tackle many aspects of the recent TASA Code determinations that are impacting on services provided by Financial Service Agents including BAS Agents. This includes a requirement for BAS Agents and those related to Bookkeeping to demonstrate their processes and approach to providing financial services via a Quality Management System in accordance with the Tax Agents Services Act of 2009 (TASA) and the Code of Conduct that surrounds providing these types of services. Questions that were raised and tackled by Podcast host Rob Marshall and ICB Executive Director Matthew Addison, include what authorities are needed for processes, data entry, payroll, super and lodgements that Bookkeepers and BAS Agents provide to Business owners and clients on a regular basis, proof of identity checks when dealing with business owners and clients, incapacity of a Bookkeeper or BAS Agent and how that impacts on business owners, engagement letters and the approach to storing client data and the use of external storage apps ... just to name a few. This is just a snapshot in this episode of the levels of professionalism Bookkeepers and BAS Agents work towards daily and demonstrates the incredible commitment Professional Bookkeepers have to ensuring they deliver on all the right approaches when dealing with the Business community and other communities in need here in Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cyber Security and it's ever growing threat to Business and individuals here in Australia, as well as the impacts on Bookkeepers and the role Bookkeepers need to consider in the fight against Cyber, is the focus of this episode of the ICB News Channel. Rutland Smith, Director of Harvey Norman Technology for Business joins host Rob Marshall to outline the best approaches and tips for Business owners and Bookkeepers to be across and consider in combatting the scourge of Cyber. Rutland also explains some recent exposure situations of cyber that many need to be aware of and how Bookkeepers can get involved with some free opportunities to get analysis of their own Cyber risks and suggestions of how to overcome any threats identified and best practice approaches. In the second half of this episode of the Podcast, Rob is joined by Matthew Addison to discuss the recent Election here in Australia and how the result of the return of the Labor Government to another term in office, will have any effects on Bookkeepers and compliance. As always, Rob and Matthew discuss other matters currently affecting Bookkeepers here in Australia, including a recent court decision to jail an unregistered agent and preparer for misconduct. Great insights and behind the scenes information as always, in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Budget has just dropped for 2025 and in this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, Rob and Matthew discuss firstly, should Bookkeepers and Small Business Owners try and stay engaged with a Federal Budget each year and secondly, if the answer to that is yes, to what degree should you be engaged and what (if any) is in this years budget, that has major impacts on Bookkeepers and Small Businesses. Another side impact of this years Budget and a looming Federal election coming up in Australia, is the scenario of Pay Day Super. Could anything change if there is a new Government, what is the current update on how things are currently tracking with Pay Day Super, and finally if things do continue to keep tracking towards a 1 July 2026 commencement, are their any flaws that need sorting out and is it indeed possible for the new requirements to start happening from that date. Other current scenarios bubbling for Bookkeepers and Business owners that are discussed in this episode of the Podcast, include Quarterly to Monthly changes for GST reporting for some businesses here in Australia at the moment, whats happening for Members and at ICB for End of Financial Year this year, plus more ... makes this another must listen for this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to become better connected as a Treasurer and why Treasurers are so incredibly important for Not for Profit organisations, including Sporting Clubs and Associations, Community groups, Churches and more ... is a major discussion point in this episode of the ICB News Channel. We also delve into dealing with the ATO and how offsetting of refunds to pay other debt works, a sneak peak into the ICB Annual Bookkeepers report for 2024 as well as actionable steps for Bookkeepers to consider when dealing with Cyber Security, amongst other topics in this episode. We finish with a really important interview with Stephen Dixon from Hamilton Murphy Insolvency and Business Recovery. Insolvencies and financial strain in Australia amongst Small Business right now, has never been at higher levels. This interview shines some light on why this is happening and the how of working around this to avoid the worst possible outcomes. Highly valuable listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dealing with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) can have its challenges sometimes, and we examine this in this episode of the ICB News Channel. It is possibly through a different lens to what you might expect however. What to expect is also discussed by Matthew and Rob in this episode regarding ICB's approach to the QMS conversation (Quality Management Systems) and how you can get some direction and opportunity to engage in this as it continues to play out. Cash versus Accrual Accounting, BAS Agent practice mail, options and opportunity looming for NFP's and their Treasurers and a shift in understanding what is required when negotiating Fixed term contracts as an owner of a Business, all get a run in this episode, plus much more. We finish with a spotlight on a wonderful Professional Bookkeeper from Albany in Western Australia, who has recently been crowned the Professional Bookkeeper of the Year here in Australia. Plenty to hear. Plenty then to discuss with others in this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Its a New Year and Bookkeeping and Bookkeepers in Australia are set to again take on new tech, new compliance, new businesses challenges and most all, anything that is basically thrown at them. The ICB News Channel Podcast is here again in 2025 to help support, educate and assist Bookkeepers and those doing the books in Small Businesses right across Australia. In this episode, the year kicks off with a new law change as of January 1 2025, that is a must listen and understand for Bookkeepers and Business owners. The new "Criminal Underpayment Laws" that have now just kicked in, have a number of key and important takeaways and key features that Rob and Matthew discuss at length in this episode. How small business prepare for these changes is probably the number one reason for tuning in on this discussion, amongst others. What is ahead in 2025 for ICB Members and those thinking of joining Australia's biggest network of Bookkeepers in Australia, what is the education pathway and future looking like for Bookkeepers in Australia as well as a focus on a Bookkeeper in regional NSW who is doing amazing things and ensuring the future looks bright for Bookkeepers in this land. An episode (as always), worth investing in. Happy New Year everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our last episode of the ICB News Channel for 2024, has a reflective theme to it throughout, as we delve back into the things that affected Bookkeepers, bookkeeping and Small Business in 2024, including the learnings and takeaways as well as what will continue to churn and have effect into 2025. Artificial Intelligence continued to evolve rapidly in 2024 and in this episode, Rob chats with Cameron Anderson, the General Manager of AI based software company Xbert, about what has changed throughout 2024 and what Bookkeepers need to be across and on top of as another year ahead dawns. Rob then sits down with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers CEO, Amanda Linton, to reflect on so much that has happened in the world of ICB and Bookkeeping in 2024, as well as a review of the recent ICB National Roadshows around Australia and the highly successful Summit held in Brisbane in early November. The winners and finalists of the inaugural Australian ICB Bookkeeper Luca Awards are celebrated in this episode. If you have been bookkeeping or working as a small business in 2024, this is a great opportunity to have some reflections of your own, as we start the move into 2025. A very Merry and Blessed Christmas 2024, to all of you who tune into the ICB News Channel Podcast. See you again in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas is coming and there are some important things to already be talking about as Bookkeepers and Business owners, to put into place. This episode of the ICB News Channel explores what those conversations should be right now and how to get the info you need to make Christmas a smooth and drama free event this year. What are the Luca Awards for Bookkeepers and why are they so important and how does this add to the greater importance of Community and working together as Bookkeepers is covered off in this episode. Also covered in this episode is, how will Pay Day Super have a major effect on Cashflow for businesses, the impending closure of the ATO's Superannuation Clearing House and the impact this will have, the greater importance than ever of Engagement Letters and recent updates everyone should be aware of, plus much, much more of what is a "need to know" right now for all Professional Bookkeepers and Businesses. Tap into the ever flowing and current info that Rob & Matthew can enlighten you into, in yet another full episode of the ICB News Channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October sees the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers travelling Australia on the annual ICB Roadshow series, chatting with large numbers of Bookkeepers about all things Bookkeeping and what is impacting right now. However, the wheels of a Podcast continue to spin and this episode of the ICB News Channel touches on a number of the subjects that are included in this years roadshow, but majors on a number of other issues that spiral around Bookkeepers and Small Business, currently. Pay Day Super is a constant "what if and when" discussion that Matthew and Rob tackle head on in this episode. What is a Bookkeeper versus a BAS Agent is always a discussion piece that is worth understanding as well as why Bookkeepers should consider an exit strategy as part of their planning for their future, also gets a run in this episode. Plenty of topics to keep you engaged and informed are part of this special edition episode, recorded live from an amazing part of Australia. You will have to tune in to hear where ... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The modern Professional and Employed Bookkeeper in Australia has to deal with an ever changing landscape when it comes to compliance, employment and so many other things that "once upon a time" would never have been so much of a consideration by the Bookkeepers of that day. This episode of the ICB News Channel continues to examine all the things that a Bookkeeper should consider as bubbling around Australia and affecting Australian Business, including a range of new Employment changes that kicked into action at the back end of August, the "Right to Disconnect" laws, changes to how Independent Contractors are now viewed plus a number of other very important changes. Understanding who is the Tax Practioners Board and why they are focussed on misleading statements right now is a big discussion piece for Rob & Matthew in this episode. And what about you as a Bookkeeper and Business owner. Taking care of you and what could happen if some form of incapacity occurred, is also included on todays Podcast. And then there is Cyber - it just keeps on giving. Listen in as Rob and Matthew put up a very tangible approach to combatting Cyber in your business that will have huge impact. And so much more ... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The TASA Code of Conduct Determination 2024 has polarised the Bookkeeping Community here in Australia in recent months and in this episode of the ICB News Channel, ICB Executive Director, Matthew Addison speaks with host, Rob Marshall about the impact the determination is having and the latest updates of what Accounting and Bookkeeping Professional Associations are doing to combat some of its effects. Matthew outlines what the new requirements look like from a Business perspective and how people can participate in conveying their objections to aspects of the determination. This episode tackles head on, what looms as a critical moment in the ongoing evolution of the Professional Bookkeeper in Australia. It is Taxable Payments Annual Reporting time again in Australia and TPAR is a point of discussion as is the Instant Asset Write Off laws on this episode of the Podcast. If you are a Professional Bookkeeper and incapacity to operate your Bookkeeping practice suddenly occurs, what should you consider and how can you ensure that contingencies are in place for others who may need to come in and take over. Rob and Matthew dive into this difficult conversation along with much, much more in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens with the GST when buying and selling a Motor Vehicle, the new Wage rate increases, Bookkeepers rates in Australia moving into a new financial year, Small Business resilience in tough times and how to protect your MyGovId (plus more), are what is tackled in this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast. As always, we look at things that go way broader in this Podcast than just processing data from a Bookkeeping perspective and the how and why of knowing things as a Professional or Employed Bookkeeper are examined and explained. This episode also puts the "Pub Test" on much on what is examined. Plenty to consider and talk about ... as host Rob Marshall and ICB Executive Director Matthew Addison dive deep into what you need to know as the new 2024/25 financial year kicks in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ICB General Manager of Community Engagement and Podcast host - Rob Marshall and ICB Executive Director - Matthew Addison, sit down and discuss in this episode, all things that are landing for this End of Financial Year for Bookkeepers and Business Owners around Australia. Included is a deep dive into the May 2024 Federal Budget and all the aspects of this that are rarely reported on in the mainstream media, that will impact and are essential for Bookkeepers to be across, this EOFY. Matthew and Rob also discuss the ongoing approach and the lobbying by the ICB, to overcome the challenges of Client / Agent linking in Australia, with some recent moves forward regarding this. And then there is "Agent Breach Reporting" about to kick in here in Australia from July 1 2024. What is it and what do you need to understand about it, is what is discussed at length in this episode. And then finally in this episode, Rob and ICB CEO, Amanda Linton, continue to unwrap the ICB Annual Bookkeeping Survey with some surprising results and interesting data to consider. Thanks for tuning in ... enjoy listening and we encourage you to open the conversation up, as we have done in this episode, with others in your Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The End of Financial Year and how to cope with all that it brings for Bookkeepers, is a major focus in this episode of the ICB News Channel. The role of a bookkeeper at EOFY in Australia seems to get bigger and bigger each year, with so many areas of compliance needing attention and new requirements being introduced constantly and it is many of those things that we tackle and discuss in this episode. The importance of early preparation and the tools to achieve this are hot topics for host Rob Marshall and the ICB's Executive Director, Matthew Addison to discuss. Other topics in this episode include, The Right to Disconnect Laws now impacting on Business, verifying Supplier details to avoid scams, what is CPE or CPD and tips as to how a Bookkeeper can get on top of these requirements, are all there for you to hear and engage with. Join Rob, Matthew and ICB CEO Amanda Linton and simply turn the volume up on this one is our encouragement to you, in this fact filled episode of the ICB News Channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of the ICB News Channel delves into discussing the growing urgency for Not for Profit organisations as well as Sporting Clubs and Associations across Australia, to be aware of a new "Self Review Process" that has become ATO compliance as of this year and is causing a number of challenges for those affected. Host - Rob Marshall and ICB Executive Director, Matthew Addison, dive deep into what this new compliance requirement is and how to deal with the Australian Business Register and the Online Services challenges this presents for NFP's of all types as well as grassroots sporting clubs and any community group currently with an ABN. The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is a significant lobbying voice for Bookkeepers and Business owners here in Australia and the impacts of this are examined in this episode of the Podcast, including an update on Client Agent Linking. Finally, the ICB Annual Bookkeeping Survey keeps throwing up some interesting and compelling stats and Rob is joined in the second half of todays Podcast by ICB CEO, Amanda Linton to discuss the impacts of education on Bookkeepers and where most Bookkeepers currently find themselves when it comes to up-skilling. Action packed and informative as ever. Enjoy listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The data is in. Episode 32 of the News Channel takes a deep dive into the results of the ICB Annual Industry Survey as ICB CEO, Amanda Linton joins host Rob Marshall, to discuss some outcomes of the survey and in particular, a close look at Bookkeeper charge rates across Australia and what they reveal. Some surprising results and some interesting data around disparities are examined in this episode. The 2023 survey has gathered information from over 1000 respondents and has data that will no doubt shape how Bookkeepers think moving further into 2024 and beyond. It is a great listen. Rob is then joined at the back end of the episode as he and ICB Executive Director, Matthew Addison unpack the "Closing the Loopholes" Bill, currently and into the future, affecting Business across Australia. There is a lot to take in with this critical information, essential for all Bookkeepers to understand. So start the Car with the bluetooth tuned in or put the airpods in the ears while you work ... this is an episode of the ICB News Channel that could well shape thinking as a Bookkeeper or as a Business owner of any size. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.