19 reasons to attend AAT Future Finance 2022 Live: 19 October

We’re excited to bring you the next evolution in learning – AAT Future Finance Live from Birmingham. Join us for a full day of learning, skills development and networking live and in person.

Whether you’re working in practice, just starting off in finance or are an established professional, AAT Future Finance Live is the unmissable opportunity for you to finetune your skills.

Build your own unique programme from the variety of sessions listed below.

1. A new chapter for AAT

Sarah Beale, who was appointed as AAT’s new CEO in November 2021, will outline why she believes there couldn’t be a better time to be an AAT member as well as detailing her vision and some of the ways in which AAT can become more significant to members in the years to come.

2. That’s VAT

Join VAT expert Simone Hurst as she looks at some of the most common pitfalls that businesses fall foul of, as well as a review of the most important changes from the last 12 months.

3. Financial wellbeing and creating peace of mind

With many continuing to feel the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, having greater control of one’s personal and business finances has become increasingly important. In this session, Jack Silk, Wealth and Financial Management Consultant will outline how both individuals and businesses may be more financially efficient.

4. Personal impact for professional success

While qualifications are all very important in business, in today’s market you need more to excel. How we interact with others at work, both internally and externally, is key to individual career progression and business success. In this session, Joanna Gaudoin looks at the importance of professional relationships.

4. Employment law: The essential update 2022

In this session, HR expert Toni Trevett will take you through some of the recent developments in UK employment legislation that may have an impact on businesses both small and large. Toni will also review some of the most interesting key cases from the last year.

5. Creating change in the fight for prompt payment

In this session, Liz Barclay, who was appointed the role of Small Business Commissioner in July 2021, discusses her goal to crack down on poor payment practices which cause thousands of small businesses to close every year. Liz will also share how accountants can create change in the fight for prompt payment best practice.

6. UK GAAP: update and pitfalls to avoid

In this session, join Steve Collings, a member of the UK GAAP Technical Advisory Group at the Financial Reporting Council, for an update on the periodic review of UK and Ireland accounting standards, deferred tax, and the increase in the corporation tax rate to 25% and the suitability of FRS 102 or FRS 105.

7. How to confidently sell and deliver advisory that works

In this session, Shane Lukas will share with you the exact proven steps that you can take to become a great business advisor to your clients that makes a profound difference to them, and as a happy consequence, you get well rewarded both financially and emotionally.

8. AAT Talks: Coaching conversations – a crucial leadership skill

In this session, coaching specialist Toni Trevett will use the GROW model to show how formal and informal coaching conversations can be structured to give maximum benefit to both parties.

9. AAT Talks: Unlocking the power of professional apprenticeships

In this session, Katherine McKenna, Head of Employer Engagement at Mindful Education, will explore the benefits of hiring an apprentice, the funding options available and how hybrid/blended learning can be used to meet the needs of employers and employees.

10. Keynote address: the future of work

Small business expert Carl Reader will share some of the future issues facing the workplace and practical ways to deal with them for yourself and your team.

11. Avoiding payroll pitfalls

Payroll is one of the most important functions of an organisation, however, it can be very complex and sometimes hard to keep up with the fast pace of change. Small payroll mistakes can lead to major headaches — fines, penalties, and hectic year-ends. Hosted by payroll expert Alexandra Durrant, this session is designed to highlight some of the key payroll pitfalls.

12. ITSA coming

With MTD for ITSA fast approaching, accountants and bookkeepers have genuine concerns about how some of the new rules and regulations will be implemented, and what the impact will be on them and their clients. Looking for direct answers, we take your questions straight to HMRC, Sage, and fellow practitioners to uncover insights.

13. The secrets to successful finance business partnering

Finance business partners (FBPs) are accountants who work closely with a particular business unit to create a real and active partnership with both operations and management.

This panel will discuss the key elements of being a truly great, value-adding FBP, drawing on fresh perspectives and real-life examples.

14. Strengthening public financial management

In this panel debate, we’ll focus specifically on big issues within the public sector. If you work within the public sector or have an interest in current issues within the sector, this is a must-attend session.

15. Topical tax tips and problems

Finance professionals agree tax is always a hot topic. That’s why this session is designed to take you through some of the key issues affecting tax right now and support you to overcome them. Chartered Accountant, lecturer, author, and all-around tax expert, Rebecca Benneyworth, will discuss the hot tax topics of the moment as well as the issues causing you problems.

16. Presenting with impact

In this session, professional actor, director, and presentation skills coach, Jonas Cemm, will share his insights from the world of theatre on how to deliver an engaging and powerful presentation. This entertaining and interactive workshop is not to be missed, especially if you’re a regular presenter.

17. Accelerate your career with CPD

In this practical and informative session, a qualified coach and trainer Rosilda Clark will help you prioritise growth and learning in your job, define your career goals and aspirations undertake a personal audit, and reflect on how to use and develop your strengths to reach your career goals.

18. Managing mental health at work

It’s important for all of us to be able to spot signs of mental ill health and thankfully talking about mental health is becoming more and more common. During this inspirational session Amanda Chadwick, an expert in the field of HR and wellbeing will cover what mental health is and why managing it is so important plus the signs of poor mental health.

19. Networking opportunities

Aside from the key sessions listed above – attending AAT Future Finance 2022 live will give you the opportunity to network and swap ideas with your peers and industry experts. It’s a day not to be missed!

Full session and venue details available here.

Hannah Dolan is AAT Comment’s Content Editor.