This is a complete overview of the most important changes to UK accounting that you should be aware of.
The adoption of IFRS 17 has brought about a significant change in the accounting for insurance contracts, which replaced IFRS 4. IFRS 17 will come into force on 1 January 2023, to give all insurance contracts a uniform accounting model, increasing comparability and transparency.
To comply with this standard, insurers must disclose additional information about their insurance obligations and risk management procedures.
UK GAAP, or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, has undergone major revisions at the request of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). The basic standard for non-publicly liable entities, FRS 102, has been revised to better align with IFRS requirements.
These changes in financial instruments and revenue recognition procedures, as well as new disclosure requirements, will be effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022.
With the aim of strengthening the culture of good governance and increasing board accountability, changes have been made to the UK Corporate Governance Code. The 2023 update prioritizes stakeholder engagement, long-term sustainability, and financial reporting integrity.
Reports from businesses on how they create and sustain value over the long term are now mandatory, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of corporate responsibility.
The digital transformation of accounting is accelerating due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and blockchain technology. These technologies are automating routine tasks, reducing errors, and increasing the accuracy of financial data.
For example, AI-powered tools are now capable of complex data analysis, fraud detection, and predictive analytics, offering deeper insights and better decision-making.
In an effort to simplify the process of paying tax and managing their affairs, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is expanding the scope of its Making Tax Digital campaign. By April 2024, MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) will be required for companies and landlords earning over £100,000.
Because of this change, digital records must be kept up to date and updates sent to HMRC using appropriate software.
Accounting organizations are increasingly concerned about cybersecurity due to the growing dependence on digital technology. Strong security measures are required to safeguard sensitive financial data from cyber threats, as demonstrated by recent developments.
Adoption of multi-factor authentication, enhanced encryption, and frequent security audits are now considered best practices to prevent data breaches and guarantee adherence to data protection laws.
The field of accounting professional development is changing, with a focus on continuing education becoming more and more important. To ensure accountants stay up to date with the latest standards and practices, the FRC has introduced additional CPD requirements.
It covers the required guidelines in technology expertise, ethics, and sustainability reporting.
Due to investor demand and regulatory pressure, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting is becoming more and more popular. Accountants are now expected to incorporate ESG considerations into financial reporting.
So, it provide stakeholders with a thorough understanding of a company’s governance, social responsibility, and environmental impact. This change highlights the importance of specialized training and certification in sustainability reporting by requiring new skills and knowledge.
Technological improvements, changing professional standards, and regulatory changes are driving significant changes in the accounting profession in the United Kingdom. Accountants must keep up with these advancements in order to successfully negotiate the complexity of today’s financial environment.
Accounting professionals can improve their practices, provide more value to their clients, and support the larger objectives of corporate governance, sustainability, and transparency by adopting these reforms.