Across the pond

A global convergence of auditing standards could be nearby, according to the ACCA, after the European Commission published a study comparing future EU and US standards.

The study, conducted independently by the Maastrict Accounting, Auditing and Information Management Research Center (MARC) evaluates the differences between international standards in auditing (ISAs) and those of the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).

Accountants, to kiss or not to kiss? That is the question.

Have you noticed how suddenly everyone's kissing? I'm not talking continental kissing, pecking one cheek, and then the other. I mean a bit of a hug then a kiss on the cheek or the side of the face at least. And it's not just extended family and very close friends here. Though certainly they're at it too. No, I mean kissing in a business context.

Seems to me the rule is, if you have ever met the person before even just once, then you greet them with a kiss. Male-female kiss, yes. Female-male kiss, sure.

Recently I had the pleasure of 12 hours on a Boeing 777 with a disgruntled ex-banker. Having recently parted ways with his £250K a year job, he was heading into the sun to contemplate his next move. Between copious quantities of G & Ts my new best friend opined on everything from the Government to cooking tips.

Most of his advice was highly questionable, but one of his pearls of wisdom did strike a chord. He commented that in a down turn people look out for themselves, and the smart business owner shouldn't trust anyone.

A summary and update on the issue members are calling the 'great unqualified debate.' In the UK, an HMRC consultation document published in April, entitled Working with Tax Agents provoked a lively debate among AccountingWEB.co.uk members on both what HMRC should do about agents who act incompetently or fraudulently, and the issues surrounding unqualified accountants. With this article we will try to capture some of this debate, as well as bringing in views from professional bodies.

The Internet is a global medium and so any Web store owner automatically has access to a worldwide market. This can seem a scary prospect but it is also a huge opportunity. Chris Barling, writing for BusinessZone.co.uk gives the British perspective on some tips and tricks on international sales as well as areas to watch out.

Establish credibility

Firstly, surprising as it is to those of us who live here, the UK still has an excellent reputation around the world. This means we have an advantage.