Receding tapering fears propel FTSE 100 to three-week high September 6, 2021 Waning fears over central banks in developed economies scaling back monetary stimulus measures helped to propel London’s FTSE 100 to its highest level for three weeks today. The capital’s premier-index gained 0.71 per cent to hit 7,189.00 points heading into the final hour of trading. The blue-chip index was led higher by advertisers and broadcasters [...]
KPMG and ex-partner accused of misconduct in FRC’s investigation into Carillion audit September 1, 2021 KPMG, ex-partner Peter Meehan and current and former staff at the Big Four accountant are alleged to provided false and misleading information to a City watchdog investigating its audit of collapsed construction giant Carillion. The allegations are part of a Formal Complaint issued this morning by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in connection with the [...]
The Hut Group billionaire Moulding loaned £151m from local council August 27, 2021 The billionaire owner behind The Hut Group (THG) has been lent £151m by Warrington council, after it secured a £4.5bn stock market listing last year. THG’s Matt Moulding was given access to a £200m loan facility by the Cheshire local council in October for Icon 3 Holdco, a company he indirectly controls. In one of [...]
FRC to ‘strengthen’ audit governance code to tackle Big Four accounting scandals August 26, 2021 The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has today announced proposals to update and “strengthen” its Audit Firm Governance Code and establish “operational separation” at the Big Four firms. The proposed changes are aimed at clarifying the role of partnership boards in holding management to account, said the UK accounting watchdog in a statement. A key proposal [...]
EY handed fine for botched Stagecoach audit August 25, 2021 The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has landed EY and its Audit Engagement Partner, Mark Harvey with £2.3m in fines. The FRC said that an EY audit of StageCoach, an international travel company, “did not satisfy the audit reporting requirements” for the 2016-2017 financial year. Claudia Mortimore, the Deputy Executive Counsel to the FRC said: “the [...]
Just Eat to create 1,500 new jobs in Sunderland August 25, 2021 Just Eat has announced it will create more than 1,500 new customer service jobs in Sunderland as part of a £100m investment in the North East. The British food delivery giant said that recruitment for the roles is underway with 300 positions already filled. The multi-million pound investment will fund a 20,000 square meter workspace [...]
China tightens scrutiny over accounting firms in fight against forgery August 23, 2021 China’s leadership has set new rules to strengthen supervision of accounting firms in a fight against financial forgery, vowing “zero tolerance” toward misconduct. China’ State Council said accounting firms have not fully played their role as “gatekeepers” of capital markets, which have often witnessed cases of financial forgery and inaccurate accounting information. The authorities will [...]
Indy Hothi CA: “You cannot witness the devastation around you and not feel compelled to do something.” August 19, 2021 This article first appeared in ICAS’ CA magazine. ICAS Deputy President Indy Hothi CA says his work at Khalsa Aid International is just one example of how accountants can use their skills to support their chosen causes. Back in 2014, parts of Bosnia and Serbia suffered their worst floods since records began some 120 years ago. [...]
City Moves: Who’s switching jobs in the Square Mile this week? August 18, 2021 City A.M.’s Millie Turner provides a roundup of the most important hires and job moves across the City, every Wednesday afternoon. Email citymoves@cityam.com to be featured. London First completes leadership shuffle Business lobby organisation London First has strengthened its leadership team this week as it channels its focus on the capital’s return to growth, emerging from the pandemic. Former director of corporate [...]
PwC profit up 25 per cent to £1.2bn as private sector demand drove growth August 12, 2021 PwC has today reported that its total group profit for the financial year rose by 25 per cent to £1.2bn, as the firm saw renewed private sector demand drive growth for audit, deals and transformation services. The big four accountant also saw its gross revenue increase slightly by two per cent to £4.4bn for the [...]