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Beyond Finance

In ICAEW's Beyond Finance podcast you hear news from across the profession, as well as deep dives into major business issues. Hear panel of guests dissect the latest headlines and provide expert analysis on the key issues from across the world of business, finance and accountancy.

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Podcasts by topic

Audit and assurance

Alex Russell and David Smith, Director of Quality and Professional Standards at Kreston Global
What does Modernising Corporate Reporting mean for auditors?
  • 06 Oct 2026
On the first ever episode of The Audit Report – the podcast that looks at the factors shaping modern audit – we’re discussing the long-awaited consultation on Modernising Corporate Reporting.
Polly Tsang, Senior Financial Services Regulatory Manager
Understanding tokenisation plans; rethinking the audit report
  • 03 Jun 2026
The government has plans to tokenise financial markets. What exactly is tokenisation? What might it look like in practice and what are the big questions about it that still need answering? Polly Tsang, ICAEW’s Senior Financial Services Regulatory Manager, explains.
Fahad Asgar, Technical Manager and Philippa Lamb
Can businesses mitigate rising energy prices? Plus AI in audit, UK GAAP
  • 06 May 2026
Everyone’s talking about energy costs at the moment. Greenfields Energy Group’s co-founder Liam Conway walks us through the energy impacts of the Iran War and outlines the best ways for businesses to protect themselves from global energy shocks.
Catherine Hardinge, Partner, Price Bailey and Philippa Lamb
How to use AI in tax ethically, and group audit best practice
  • 03 Feb 2026
This episode covers AI and tax work and ISA 600 on group audits, following the release of two pieces of guidance on the topics.
Ramana McConnon, Jon Morris and Martin Brown
How should audit firms use AI?
  • 11 Nov 2025
This episode focuses on the integration of AI in audit processes, emphasising the need for practical guidance from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to build industry confidence, especially with smaller firms.
photo of post office building sign
Inside the Post Office Inquiry and new mid-tier research
  • 24 Jul 2025
We discuss the findings of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s first report, including lessons for other companies around culture and values.

Business

Kay Daskalakis, Senior Solutions Architect, Philippa Lamb and Oli Venn, Watchguard Technologies
Is your identity at risk?
  • 08 Oct 2026
In this episode, we take a look at how cyber criminals use identity theft to target individuals and organisations, who’s most at risk, and how businesses can protect themselves.
Alex Russell and David Smith, Director of Quality and Professional Standards at Kreston Global
What does Modernising Corporate Reporting mean for auditors?
  • 06 Oct 2026
On the first ever episode of The Audit Report – the podcast that looks at the factors shaping modern audit – we’re discussing the long-awaited consultation on Modernising Corporate Reporting.
Charles Hecker, Geopolitical Risk Expert, Philippa Lamb and Luke Blake, Founding Director, Business advisors Oakwood Risk Group
How to plan for a Russian test of NATO
  • 19 Aug 2026
In today’s volatile geopolitical environment, businesses need to plan for these events. So in this episode, we run through an exercise: what if Russia tests NATO resolve by firing on Poland and amassing troops near the region?
Peter van Veen, Philippa Lamb and Shefaly Yogendra
When is CEO pay a problem?
  • 17 Jun 2026
What are the implications for organisations if they’re perceived to be over-paying their CEOs? ICAEW’s Peter van Veen discusses the issues with an independent board director.
Fahad Asgar, Technical Manager and Philippa Lamb
Can businesses mitigate rising energy prices? Plus AI in audit, UK GAAP
  • 06 May 2026
Everyone’s talking about energy costs at the moment. Greenfields Energy Group’s co-founder Liam Conway walks us through the energy impacts of the Iran War and outlines the best ways for businesses to protect themselves from global energy shocks.
Philippa Lamb and Tess Buckley
What does the Iran conflict really mean for British business?
  • 31 Mar 2026
We’ve already seen immediate spikes and fluctuations in the oil price and the wider financial and commodity markets. But how will the UK economy be affected in the months to come and how heavy a price will British business pay? RSM Chief Economist Tom Pugh shares his thoughts.

Corporate governance

Peter van Veen, Philippa Lamb and Shefaly Yogendra
When is CEO pay a problem?
  • 17 Jun 2026
What are the implications for organisations if they’re perceived to be over-paying their CEOs? ICAEW’s Peter van Veen discusses the issues with an independent board director.
Philippa Lamb talking into the microphone
How to get to the C-suite
  • 10 Feb 2026
This episode looks at routes to the C-suite, and the traits, skills and capabilities you’ll need to get you there. Accountants are highly represented in the C-suite, with one in four CEOs holding the qualification according to research by Robert Half.
Letterhead with Companies House written on it
Companies House update, scaling up smartly and the Next Generation ACA
  • 11 Sep 2025
In this episode, we discuss the introduction of four statutory instruments to enforce Companies House reform, as well as the common mistakes to avoid when scaling up a business. We also cover the introduction and content of the Next Generation ACA qualification.
groupthink ep 78
Groupthink: the boardroom’s most pervasive problem?
  • 28 Jun 2024
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss strategies to prevent and tackle groupthink at board level.

Corporate reporting

Alex Russell and David Smith, Director of Quality and Professional Standards at Kreston Global
What does Modernising Corporate Reporting mean for auditors?
  • 06 Oct 2026
On the first ever episode of The Audit Report – the podcast that looks at the factors shaping modern audit – we’re discussing the long-awaited consultation on Modernising Corporate Reporting.
Ravi Abeywardana, ICAEW's Director of Sustainability Reporting and Assurance
UK SRS – what’s in it, and the FCA consultation
  • 10 Mar 2026
UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) are bringing sustainability reporting in line with international standards. So who will be mandated to use them and how will they apply in practice?
Philippa Lamb and Sally Baker
Corporate reporting is changing, MTD on the way
  • 04 Mar 2026
There’s just one month to go till Making Tax Digital kicks in for Income Tax; we take a look at how the transition will go. There’s also a lot happening in corporate reporting at the moment – Sally Baker brings us up to speed.
Photo of airplane beiong loaded with shipping containers
Adapting post-tariffs, MTD at 10, UK GAAP changes
  • 09 Apr 2025
In this episode, we discuss how the Trump administration’s tariffs will hamper the government’s growth plans, the progress made towards Making Tax Digital on its tenth birthday, and how changes to FRS 102 and 105 will affect the nation’s small businesses.
ep 90 sustainability
The financial case for sustainability
  • 12 Dec 2024
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the progress of sustainability reporting.
ep 77 corporate
Corporate reporting update and VAT on private hire vehicles
  • 06 Jun 2024
In this episode of Accountancy Insights, we discuss important developments in corporate reporting, including amendments to UK GAAP, new standards IFRS18 and IFRS19, and the timeline for implementing IFRS S1 and IFRS S2.

Ethics

Kay Daskalakis, Senior Solutions Architect, Philippa Lamb and Oli Venn, Watchguard Technologies
Is your identity at risk?
  • 08 Oct 2026
In this episode, we take a look at how cyber criminals use identity theft to target individuals and organisations, who’s most at risk, and how businesses can protect themselves.
Philippa Lamb and Katy Worobec
How did MTD go? The dangers of digital fraud
  • 27 Aug 2026
In this episode, we take a look at the government’s Fraud in the Digital Age report: what does it tell us about trends and what can businesses do to protect themselves?
Polly Tsang and Philippa Lamb around a table in a podcast studio
EY’s backing AI agents; and a new form of insider trading
  • 05 Aug 2026
In this episode EY’s Richard Harrison explains how EY are using AI agents to reshape audit, balancing human and tech roles alongside risk. Plus, Polly Tsang on prediction markets and insider trading risks.
Guy Ruddle, Tristan Yelland and Will Christopher
Are you taking fraud seriously enough?
  • 20 May 2026
Fraud is the largest reported crime in England and Wales and with failure to prevent fraud now an offence, there is some onus on business to address the issue. But are enough businesses taking it seriously?
Philippa Lamb with Martin Wheatcroft
LLMs and spreadsheets, Companies House IDV, and the OBR’s role
  • 28 Oct 2025
In this episode, we’re exploring just how useful Large Language Models (LLMs) are when it comes to spreadsheets; what needs to happen by 18 November when it comes to Companies House ID verification; and how the OBR comes to its conclusions.
Philippa Lamb with Peter Davenport and Michael Hoare
How to bounce back from a cyber attack
  • 14 Oct 2025
In this episode, we discuss how prepared organisations really are for cyber attacks, what to do if and when your business is affected, and how to manage the communications challenges.

Sustainability

Philippa Lamb, Suren Thiru, Frances Haque David Wooding
Healey's budget options narrowing
  • 10 Sep 2026
We discuss the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recent speech, his goals for the budget and the options available to encourage growth, balance tax and spend, and calm the markets.
Ravi Abeywardana, ICAEW's Director of Sustainability Reporting and Assurance
UK SRS – what’s in it, and the FCA consultation
  • 10 Mar 2026
UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) are bringing sustainability reporting in line with international standards. So who will be mandated to use them and how will they apply in practice?
ep 90 sustainability
The financial case for sustainability
  • 12 Dec 2024
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the progress of sustainability reporting.
wind farm turbines sunset blue sky green land ocean sea
COP28: making the business case for nature
  • 11 Dec 2023
In the second of two special episodes, live from COP28 in Dubai, our experts discuss capacity building within the finance profession and making the business case for a nature-positive transition.

Tax

Philippa Lamb, Suren Thiru, Frances Haque David Wooding
Healey's budget options narrowing
  • 10 Sep 2026
We discuss the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recent speech, his goals for the budget and the options available to encourage growth, balance tax and spend, and calm the markets.
Philippa Lamb and Katy Worobec
How did MTD go? The dangers of digital fraud
  • 27 Aug 2026
In this episode, we take a look at the government’s Fraud in the Digital Age report: what does it tell us about trends and what can businesses do to protect themselves?
Stephen Relf, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEW; Professor Peter Jelfs, Brunel University of London; Andy Richens, formerly of the Office of Tax Simplification in the podcast studio
Why tax complexity matters
  • 12 Aug 2026
In this episode, we consider the pain points for businesses in meeting their tax reporting obligations and we explore the causes and implications of tax complexity, including what the UK stands to gain from addressing it.
Stephen Relf, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEW
New tax requirements for companies and directors
  • 08 Jul 2026
HMRC is increasing scrutiny of close companies and their directors. This episode covers new 2025/26 self assessment reporting requirements for directors and proposed additional reporting for close companies.
Suren Thiru, Chief Economist, ICAEW and Philippa Lamb
Looking ahead: HMRC’s digital moves and impacts of Iran war
  • 01 Jul 2026
Six months into 2026, what’s next? Suren Thiru discusses the economy and the Iran War, while Lindsey Wicks oulines the biggest changes that HMRC are bringing in. Finally, Junaidy Ab-Mutalib considers the impacts of world affairs on accountants.
Stephen Relf, Rob Janering and Simon Atkins
How to prepare for a VAT enquiry
  • 10 Jun 2026
HMRC is stepping up its compliance activities when it comes to VAT. In this episode, we explain what businesses can do to prepare for a VAT enquiry and we explore how HMRC and the government could better support businesses in meeting their VAT obligations.

Technology

Kay Daskalakis, Senior Solutions Architect, Philippa Lamb and Oli Venn, Watchguard Technologies
Is your identity at risk?
  • 08 Oct 2026
In this episode, we take a look at how cyber criminals use identity theft to target individuals and organisations, who’s most at risk, and how businesses can protect themselves.
Polly Tsang and Philippa Lamb around a table in a podcast studio
EY’s backing AI agents; and a new form of insider trading
  • 05 Aug 2026
In this episode EY’s Richard Harrison explains how EY are using AI agents to reshape audit, balancing human and tech roles alongside risk. Plus, Polly Tsang on prediction markets and insider trading risks.
Tom Pugh, Chief Economist, RSM UK
Is there really a growing AI bubble?
  • 15 Jul 2026
Will the AI bubble burst? This episode covers the signs of a potential AI bubble and the key considerations and safeguards businesses should keep in mind when adopting AI software.
Fahad Asgar, Technical Manager and Philippa Lamb
Can businesses mitigate rising energy prices? Plus AI in audit, UK GAAP
  • 06 May 2026
Everyone’s talking about energy costs at the moment. Greenfields Energy Group’s co-founder Liam Conway walks us through the energy impacts of the Iran War and outlines the best ways for businesses to protect themselves from global energy shocks.
Philippa Lamb and 2 other guests in a podcast session
Is AI accelerating the brain drain?
  • 14 Apr 2026
AI is already having an impact on the make-up of audit teams and there’s some evidence it’s already reducing the number of junior roles. But it’s all still new, and developing all of the time. What about the medium and longer term effects? How might it change training and career paths and will it ultimately boost or diminish the appeal of a career in accountancy?
Philippa Lamb and Sally Baker
Corporate reporting is changing, MTD on the way
  • 04 Mar 2026
There’s just one month to go till Making Tax Digital kicks in for Income Tax; we take a look at how the transition will go. There’s also a lot happening in corporate reporting at the moment – Sally Baker brings us up to speed.

Further resources

Podcasts
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The Tax Track

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