Sage CEO: AI is the future, but we’ll always need accountants
When Steve Hare first qualified as an accountant, he never imagined presenting to 4,000 people as chief executive of the UK's largest technology firm, steering it into the age of AI. However, he believes his accounting background will prove pivotal in managing one of the most transformational technologies seen in a generation. Hare joined AccountingWEB technology editor Tom Herbert at the Sage Future user conference in Atlanta last week, where he spelt out his vision for how artificial intelligence will be implemented across Sage’s product lines, helping the vendor leapfrog competitors and position Sage at the forefront of AI accounting – but also outlined why he believes there will always be a need for accountants.
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No Accounting for Taste ep190: Apprenticeship cuts, mid-market software and a new podcast
With the cut to Level 7 apprenticeship funding now confirmed, Richard Hattersley explains what it means for firms and training across the profession. He shares reactions from professional bodies and considers the long-term impact of the decision.
Tom Herbert looks at the shift in focus from vendors and investors, from small business cloud accounting to the mid-market. He breaks down what “mid-market” means, why interest is growing and how the competition is shaping up. Herbert outlines three key categories and who fits where before the team asks: who has it the hardest?
Though it almost feels taboo to mention on this podcast, Matthew Ord introduces the brand new Progressive Firm Podcast, which is out now. Episode one focuses on growth and Ord recaps the first episode – what was discussed, who joined and how it went. He also gives a sneak peek at what’s coming in episode two, so keep an eye out.
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The Progressive Firm Podcast - S1E1: Why Go for Growth?
In the first episode of The Progressive Firm Podcast, Laura Leslie of DSG and Scott Heath of DJH pull back the curtain on their growth journeys, looking at how such an idea is born and subsequently implemented.
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No Accounting for Taste ep189: Events season, tax avoidance and AI ethics
After attending six events this year, Tom Herbert wraps up the spring events season and shares what stood out. Suggesting there’s been a big push around software that sorts, stores and manages data, Herbert looks at why there’s an increased interest and whether firms actually want it or whether it’s a way for vendors to justify their GenAI investments.
Meanwhile, Richard Hattersley digs into HMRC’s latest move against one of the UK’s most well-known tax avoidance promoters, Paul Baxendale-Walker. With a Stop Notice now issued, Richard explains what it means and whether HMRC’s tougher stance is finally starting to bite.
And to round things off, Matthew Ord looks into the concerns about the ethical consequences of using AI. After chatting with Brad Channer, he explores the environmental cost of AI and whether the pressure to keep up with tech is worth the long-term impact.
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No Accounting for Taste ep188: Spring tax update, cybersecurity and IPO’s
Just ahead of the bank holiday, the government released a surprise Spring tax update. Richard Hattersley breaks down the key announcements, including the delay to the mandation of payrolling benefits and updates to the CEST tool. He also looks at proposed simplifications, such as helping businesses integrate gov.uk guidance with their AI products.
As cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated, Tom Herbert shares a conversation with the owner of a small family firm that recently fell victim to a breach. He explains why such firms are attractive targets and reflects on advice from Francis West of Security Everywhere on how firms can protect themselves and respond if a breach occurs.
Matthew Ord explores MHA’s decision to pursue an initial public offering (IPO), speaking with CEO Rakesh Shaunak about why he chose this route over private equity (PE). With few firms openly turning down PE investment, the team discusses MHA’s approach and whether more firms might follow with IPOs of their own.
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