ICB News Channel

AI is changing bookkeeping. The real question is: Are you ready for what's next?In this latest ICB News Channel Podcast, Rob Marshall speaks with Patrick Kidd from the Future Skills Organisation (FSO) about the opportunities and challenges facing bookkeepers as technology transforms the profession.From AI-driven productivity and evolving client expectations to the critical skills that will define success over the next five years, this episode provides practical insights for every bookkeeping professional.🎧 Tune in to learn: • Where AI will have the biggest impact • Which skills are becoming essential • How to add greater value to clients • Why collaboration across the profession is so important • How leaders can help their teams embrace change with confidenceA must-listen conversation for bookkeepers, BAS agents, practice owners as well as Small Business owners, preparing for the future of work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What exactly does an Economic Futurist do, and why should Australian bookkeepers care?In this special episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, host Rob Marshall sits down with renowned Economic Futurist Evan Lucas ahead of his highly anticipated appearance at the ICB Australian Bookkeepers Summit, being held in Adelaide at the end of October 2026.During this engaging conversation, Evan explains what it means to be an Economic Futurist and how global trends, emerging opportunities, technological change, and economic forces shape the future of Australian business. More importantly, he shines a spotlight on the critical role bookkeepers play in Australia's economic ecosystem.Evan shares why bookkeepers are far more than compliance professionals. They are trusted advisers, financial interpreters, and essential contributors to the health and success of small and medium businesses across the country. From providing timely financial insights to helping business owners make informed decisions, bookkeepers influence the economic wellbeing of thousands of Australian enterprises every single day.Rob and Evan explore the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in today's rapidly changing environment, including the impact of technology, productivity, workforce trends, and economic uncertainty. The discussion highlights why the bookkeeping profession has never been more important and why those attending the Summit can look forward to valuable insights from one of Australia's leading economic commentators.Whether you're a bookkeeper, BAS Agent, accountant, or business adviser, this episode offers a fascinating preview of what to expect when Evan takes the stage in Adelaide.Listen now and discover why understanding the future of the economy starts with understanding the vital role bookkeepers play in driving Australian business success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, host Rob Marshall is joined by Institute of Certified Bookkeepers CEO Amanda Linton for an important discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing Australia's small business community.Following up on our previous episode examining the state of regional small business, this conversation broadens the lens to explore the outlook for small businesses across Australia, drawing on insights from the COSBOA National Small Business Summit 2026, held over two days in Sydney during August.Amanda shares the key themes, concerns and opportunities raised by business leaders, industry representatives and policymakers, including the ongoing impact of regulation and compliance requirements on Australia's small business sector.The discussion also highlights the critical role that bookkeepers play as trusted advisors, helping business owners navigate government red tape, improve productivity, make better-informed decisions and identify opportunities for growth.Amanda also provides an update on the National AI Skills Forum, where she represented the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, outlining the growing importance of artificial intelligence and digital capability development across the Australian economy.Together, Rob and Amanda examine one of the forum's most pressing themes: addressing workforce challenges while accelerating AI adoption. They discuss why Australia is falling behind many parts of the world in enterprise AI implementation, what this means for businesses and their advisors, and how the ICB is working to equip bookkeepers with the knowledge and tools needed to support clients through this transition as well as in their own Bookkeeping practices..This episode explores why AI readiness is not just a technology issue or a challenge for selected industries, but an "all of us" challenge that requires coordinated action across business, education and government.Key topics discussed:• The state of Australia's small business sector• Key takeaways from the COSBOA National Small Business Summit 2026• Red tape, regulation and productivity challenges• The evolving role of bookkeepers as business advisors• Insights from the National AI Skills Forum• Australia's AI adoption gap and workforce challenges• Upskilling Australia at scale for an AI-enabled future• How the ICB is helping bookkeepers lead the conversation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, host Rob Marshall is joined by COSBOA CEO Skye Cappucio to discuss the newly released COSBOA Small Business Perspectives Report 2026 and what it reveals about the realities facing regional, rural and remote small businesses across Australia. Based on feedback from 572 business owners, the report paints a compelling picture of the pressures impacting business confidence, profitability and growth, with many of the findings likely to resonate with small businesses and bookkeepers regardless of their location.Rob and Skye explore the key issues highlighted in the report, including workforce shortages, rising wages, increasing operating costs, energy efficiency challenges, insurance pressures and the growing demand for flexible working arrangements. The conversation goes beyond the statistics to examine what these trends mean for the long-term sustainability of Australia's small business sector and the critical support networks that surround it.A particularly thought-provoking discussion centres on the report's message that "resilience is not a policy setting", challenging the expectation that small business owners can simply absorb every new challenge placed before them. Together, Rob and Skye unpack why meaningful policy, practical support and informed advocacy are essential if small businesses are to survive and thrive in an increasingly uncertain environment.This is an important conversation for professional bookkeepers, who play a vital role in supporting the financial health, continuity and success of small businesses. Whether you work with clients in regional Australia or major metropolitan centres, this episode provides valuable insights into the challenges facing the sector and why these issues matter now more than ever.A must-listen episode for bookkeepers, advisers and small business owners alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EOFY 2026: The Bookkeeper & Small Business Need to KnowThe end of the financial year is here, and with it comes a raft of important updates, compliance considerations, and upcoming changes that bookkeepers and small business owners simply cannot afford to ignore.In this episode, host Rob Marshall is joined by Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Executive Director Matthew Addison to unpack the key issues shaping EOFY 2026, while also looking ahead to what’s coming in 2027 and beyond.From software developments surrounding Stapled Super Funds and the importance of Letters of Engagement, to the latest updates and last-minute considerations for the rollout of Pay Day Super, Rob and Matthew cut through the complexity and provide practical insights for bookkeepers, BAS agents, and small business advisers across Australia.Whether you're wrapping up the current financial year, preparing clients for future compliance changes, or simply wanting to stay ahead of an evolving regulatory landscape, this episode delivers the knowledge and guidance you need.Essential listening for Australia's bookkeeping community and everyone supporting small business success. Tune in now. 🎙️📊✅ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.