Industry News

Growth can hide a loss. One firm's filings show how.

Retinue Accounting's rapid growth masked a staggering financial collapse, revealing the importance of tracking client profitability rather than just revenue.

No more surcharges: what it means for your fees and your clients' margins

As of 1 October 2026, Australian businesses can no longer add surcharges to card payments, significantly impacting their fees and margins. This change requires accounting firms to reassess their billing practices and…

Vinyl reaches 500 accounting firms in its first 12 months

Vinyl, the AI meeting intelligence platform for accounting and bookkeeping firms, has onboarded its 500th firm 12 months after launch, across Australia, the UK, the US, New Zealand and Canada. It has shipped Client…

The future of accounting in 2027: what the data says

A data-led look at the future of accounting in 2027, built from surveys, regulators and The Firm's own reporting rather than prediction. AI use is near universal but planning is not, the talent pipeline is thin and…

Accounting conferences 2027: dates and verdicts by country

A running calendar of the accounting and bookkeeping conferences worth knowing about for 2027 in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, plus what is left of 2026. Every date, venue and ticket figure was…

The TPB's penalty powers just got bigger. Here's what every tax agent needs to know.

The recent passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment Bill significantly enhances the Tax Practitioners Board's regulatory powers, raising individual civil penalties to $910,000 and allowing immediate suspensions of…

Advisory Amplified 2026: dates, cities, cost and whether it is worth your day

Advisory Amplified runs a six-city US tour of one-day events from 22 September to 9 October 2026, at roughly US$149 to US$199 a ticket with 6 CPE credits per stop. Here are the confirmed dates and venues, what happens…

Every Xero App Awards 2026 winner and finalist, in one place

Xero announced the 2026 App Awards at Xerocon Denver: six global categories, plus regional winners for Small Business and Practice App of the Year across eight regions. Here is the full winner and finalist list with a…

Xerocon Denver 2026: every announcement, and what it means for your firm

Xerocon Denver ran 19-20 August 2026 at the Colorado Convention Center. Where London was the agentic AI reveal, Denver was the US build-out: Gusto-powered payroll, native bill payments, Melio expense management and…

Your clients are about to start asking for a new type of letter

Accountants must now prepare for new requests from government agencies for viability letters related to licence and permit applications, as legislation mandates this documentation.

The Tax Institute is joining the IPA Group. Here is what it means for Australian accountants

The Tax Institute's recent agreement to join the IPA Group marks a significant development for Australian accountants, maintaining its distinct identity while enhancing member services.

Xero wants accountants to mentor small businesses for free. The profession is asking why.

Xero's new initiative, Xero For Good: Financial fitness, aims to enhance financial literacy among Australian small businesses by offering free resources and mentorship from accountants.

Everything Xero announced at Xerocon London 2026, and the three things that matter

Xero used Xerocon London to announce auto bank reconciliation, an AI agent builder, a mid-market tier and a stack of JAX features — most of them tagged "coming soon". We've sorted the announcements that will change your…

The Crunch 2026: why Australian accounting firms need benchmark data more than ever

The Crunch 2026 is Australia’s annual benchmark report for accounting firms. It provides data on AI adoption, pricing, and productivity to help practices stop guessing and start making evidence-based decisions.

AFR Top 100 accounting firms: the Big Four shrank, the mid-tier grew

The 2025 AFR Top 100 shows the Big Four shrinking while mid-tier firms such as BDO and RSM grow, and what it says about AI, mergers, capacity and advisory.

Bookkeepers vs Accountants: Why this battle is hurting clients more than anyone

The ongoing conflict between bookkeepers and accountants is not just an internal issue but one that directly impacts clients who suffer from confusion and delays. As both sides continue to argue over roles and…

Celebrating the finalists and winners of the Xero Global App Awards 2025

Is a CA, CPA or IPA membership still worth it? What over 60 accountants said

Over 60 accountants debated whether a CA, CPA or IPA membership still earns its fee. Many said CPD feels like a tick-box and advocacy is quiet. Leaving can cost you the limited liability scheme, audit and assurance work…