Tech Faculty
Find out more about the ICAEW Tech Faculty, governance, constitution, annual general meetings and annual reports.
Technology
Keep up-to-date with tech issues and developments, including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, big data, and cyber security.
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In this section
Artificial intelligence
Technology and the changing role of the accountant
Damon Anderson from Xero looks at how technology is changing the world of accountancy.
Building the future
Thomas Toomse-Smith examines how technology could evolve the annual report.
Tech Talk
Technology is at the heart of all organisations today. The pace of change is growing ever faster. In the coming years, the finance profession will be profoundly altered by new and evolving technologies.
Cover story: A glance at what the future holds for technology
Over the past decade, many technologies have been launched that promised to fundamentally change the way business and society operate, including virtual reality, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and more. But has this come to pass?
Blockchain
The essential guide to blockchain
This guide from the ICAEW sets out the key features of blockchain, and the challenges it must face to reach widespread adoption. It includes case studies of real-life applications, as well as examining its impact on accountancy.
What is blockchain?
Blockchain technologies have the potential to disrupt the work of finance teams – particularly those focused on transactional tasks – by offering a system of universal entry bookkeeping, removing the need for independent verification. Here ICAEW’s Tech Faculty and Deloitte outline the basics of this complex and developing technology.
Cloud computing
Financial Forecasting and Budgeting
Financial forecasting and budgeting software should be capable of supporting the forecasting and budgeting functions for which it was designed.
Technology and the changing role of the accountant
Damon Anderson from Xero looks at how technology is changing the world of accountancy.
Byte size: Tech news roundup
A roundup of the latest news surrounding technology. This edition includes La Liga being fined €250,000 for violations of the General Data Protection Regulation, marketers needing new ways to get the attention of generation Z, and companies struggling to fill digital roles.
The common tech challenges for accountants
Jessica Pillow offers her takeaways from the Alternative Accountancy Strategic IT Conference, which showed that accountants have common ground when it comes to tech issues.
Cyber security
Byte size - tech news roundup
A roundup of the latest news surrounding technology.
Better understand the risks and protect your firm from cyber attack
Financial services firms reported 145 breaches to the Financial Conduct Authority in 2018, an increase of 480% from 2017. Here, cybercrime experts give their thoughts on what firms need to do to protect themselves
GDPR continues to prove challenging for many
As the GDPR has created fresh challenges for businesses that share personal data with third-party processors, the Tech Faculty offers some practical tips.
Python
Official Python programming language website which includes tutorials and guides.
The weakest link in the supply chain
KPMG’s George Quigley explains how smaller firms can assess cyber risk in their supply chain.
Insurance companies playing catch up with Big Data
Insurance companies need to put their best foot forward to make the most of big data in providing better services for customers, says Peter Wilson
Better understand the risks and protect your firm from cyber attack
Financial services firms reported 145 breaches to the Financial Conduct Authority in 2018, an increase of 480% from 2017. Here, cybercrime experts give their thoughts on what firms need to do to protect themselves
Excel tips: The many uses of data analysis expressions, part two
In the second part of this series, Simon Hurst continues to break down how data analysis expressions work.
An excel-lent adventure to the EUSPRIG conference
David Lyford-Smith recaps the 20th annual European Spreadsheet Risk Interest Group conference in London.
The many uses of data analytics expressions
Simon Hurst breaks down how data analysis expressions work and what they can achieve.
Finance in a Digital World
Digital transformation
ICAEW has brought together these resources to help you understand how digital technologies are transforming economies and workplaces. Learn what it means for businesses and accountancy practices.
AI for finance professionals
ICAEW has brought together these resources to help you understand artificial intelligence and what it means for finance functions. Here you'll find support on identifying how AI can benefit your organisation and how it to start implementing the technology.
RPA for finance professionals
ICAEW has brought together these resources to help you understand Robotic Process Automation (RPA), what it means for your organisation and how it to start implementing the technology.
The future of accountancy work
Digital technologies are set to have a revolutionary impact on the work of accountants, both in business and in practice. ICAEW has gathered together these resources to ensure its members understand how finance functions will change, the skills that will be needed and the role you will play.
IT management
Webinar resources
Thank you for registering on to the Business and Management Faculty's webinar, Five key questions all boards should ask about fraud, broadcast on 16 October.
Behind the clouds: Getting the hang of cloud computing
Develop your awareness of cloud computing and its risks, with Peter Mandich’s introduction to the faculty’s new report for internal auditors.
Bring your own devices policy
Mark Taylor of the IT faculty explains the pros and cons of adopting BYOD and runs through practical tips for developing effective a BYOD policy.
Exploring CPU flaws Meltdown and Spectre
Almost every central processing unit is under threat from two flaws – Meltdown and Spectre. Leo Waldock explains what are they and why they are so dangerous, including tips for keeping them at bay.
Software
Python
Official Python programming language website which includes tutorials and guides.
Accounts Production Final Accounts Software
Listed below is all of the Accounts Production / Final Accounts Software that ICAEW has given accredited status.
Financial Forecasting and Budgeting
Financial forecasting and budgeting software should be capable of supporting the forecasting and budgeting functions for which it was designed.
Technology and the profession
Digital transformation in finance functions: ASEAN and UK perspectives
This thought leadership report provides a rare insight into how digital transformation is being managed in practice across a range of different business settings and highlights pertinent considerations for leaders undertaking their own transformation projects.
New technologies, ethics and accountability
This thought leadership report delves into the ethics of new technology and the seismic developments currently taking place in AI and algorithms, which are both exciting and morally concerning.
Fintech innovation: perspectives from Singapore and London
This international research report, in partnership with the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), explores the strengths and challenges for Singapore and London as fintech hubs, and identifies the key elements that underpin successful fintech innovation.
ICAEW on tour
David Lyford-Smith recounts a two-week trip across South-East Asia, discussing how technology is changing accounting.