Chris Downing’s Post

Just wrapped up my fireside chat for National #PayrollWeek with Chris P. from Modulr at the Fabulr Studios in London, where we dived into the evolving world of accounting and payroll solutions and why embedded payment technology should be a top priority adopt in 2024. Here’s a sneak peek of what we discussed: - The benefits of Sage’s partnership with Modulr for payroll bureaus and finance teams - How wallet solutions boost payroll efficiency beyond open banking. - Advice for firms on unlocking the potential of integrated solutions. Tune in tomorrow and register here: https://lnkd.in/dc5BwjJQ

🚨 Only 400 Working Days Until 6 April 2026: Are You Ready for MTD ITSA? 🚨 From today, we have just 400 working days left before sole traders and landlords with combined gross income over £50,000 will need to comply with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA). The countdown is on! There's a lot to be done - planning, client conversations, decisions, and even more admin work, all while managing the day-to-day demands of our profession. And let's not forget the looming capacity crunch that will crystallise in 2026, as this additional workload collides with existing pressures. As we head into the busy self-assessment season, it’s crucial to start preparing now: 1. Client Segmentation – Identify who needs to be on your MTD radar. 2. Draft a Plan – Map out your approach and key milestones. 3. Engage with software providers – Understand how they will support you in managing the changes ahead. Don't assume another delay - MTD is happening this time. The pilot program highlighted the challenges, HM Revenue & Customs has listened and refined the guidelines, and we are now in the Beta phase with renewed focus and commitment from HMRC. This is not a drill. Moreover, with the dawn of generative AI solutions and Copilots , there’s a real opportunity to leverage technology to help manage the surge in data, ensure accuracy, and streamline client communications. Now more than ever, the right digital tools will be essential in easing the burden. Action is key - start your preparations today and get ahead of the game. #MTD #MTDITSA #Accountants #Bookkeepers #AI Sage

Are your clients ready to step away from their businesses but don't know where to start? 🤔 Our friends at JS (Jackson Stephen) accountants and business advisors created a specialised 'transaction team' to handle business exits. With the right tools in place, they now have a seamless workflow. ✅   Using Futrli by Sage, JS (Jackson Stephen) map out different exit timelines and visualise their impact on their client's finances. Join me, Sarah Smith FCCA and Jo Toner ACA from JS as we dig deep into and share the factors affecting the business owner's departure and much more! 🚀   Join us on Wednesday July 24th at 10am to discover how you can do the same: https://lnkd.in/eKF8yqpr #accountants #exit #planning

With so many workflows to juggle every day, integrating Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance into the mix can feel overwhelming. But with more and more tales of hefty fines for accountants and bookkeepers who failed to comply to AML regulations hitting the headlines, it’s more important than ever that you get it right. When you’re already juggling the demands of a busy accounting practice, how can you add AML to the mix without letting the ball drop? Join me and Will Farnell on July 15 at 2pm (BST) to learn how you can integrate an AML process into your workflow that WON’T take you away from your daily tasks. You will learn: - Crucial insights into AML and KYC (Know Your Customer) essentials that will ensure rock-solid protection for your firm - Strategies to leverage cutting-edge tools and software to automate AML processes, enhancing efficiency and mitigating risks - Best practices for developing a robust AML process tailored to your firm's specific needs Register here and for on-demand: https://lnkd.in/e8aUD2gH

I’m not coming home just yet, got the final … leg of the ICB UK (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) Inspire Tour in London to attend today. ✅ 3 pull up banners ✅ merch for 80 ✅ practical presentation on AI and Sage Copilot Did someone order an event? 😅 #InspireTour #bookkeepers

In Birmingham today with Imran Omarji representing Sage at the ICB UK (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) Inspire Tour! I'll be diving into the practical applications of AI, highlighting the significant benefits it brings to bookkeepers and their clients. We'll discuss the essential controls and procedures needed to harness this technology effectively and ensure future readiness. Additionally, I'll be showcasing the latest innovations with Sage Copilot. #bookkeepers #icb #ai

It's lovely to be in Leeds with the Sage team and attending the ICB UK (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) Inspire Tour today. I will be speaking later about the practical application of AI, the benefits it will deliver for bookkeepers and their clients, what controls and procedures that need to be put in place now, plus showcasing the latest of Sage Copilot. #bookkeepers #icbtour #inspire

There was a lot of interest last week with our connect to and open Xero or Intuit #Quickbooks ledger within Sage for Accountants. So, here’s another time-saver …. It’s a pain when what should be a small task needs manual intervention that sucks up your time. The good news for our users with Xero clients... it’s now a whole lot easier to transfer data into Sage’s complimentary Final Accounts with the Automated Import Mappings feature. It used to take 18 minutes to import and map a trial balance into Final Accounts, but now it’ll take just 3! Which means it’s easier than ever to get the year end accounts and tax done all from one place! Take a look… 👀 #accountants #bookkeepers #tax

Just in case you missed it last month, should you have any Xero or Intuit QuickBooks clients in your portfolio, you can now connect to and open these ledgers directly from Sage for Accountants. Saving you time, simplifying your workflows and allowing you to make full use of our complimentary year end accounts preparation, Corporation Tax and Personal Tax tools too! Many more updates dropping next week with Sage for Accountants. #accountants #bookkeepers #clientmanagement

Today, 25 years ago, I started of my career in accountancy. Back then, Google was barely a year old, and sending a fax was the primary form of digital communication. It feels like just yesterday that I was navigating the early days of my career, grappling with T-accounts and double entry bookkeeping. Now, I marvel at how much has changed - and what has stayed the same. Debits are still on the window side, and pivot tables remain underutilised! I fondly remember the colleagues I met when I first started at Milsted Langdon LLP and those I worked with until I retired as a partner to join Sage 19 years later. They supported, mentored, and provided opportunities at every step, encouraging me to explore how technology could benefit both the practice and our clients. The knowledge, skills, and experience I gained during that time have been invaluable in my current role. Reflecting on the past 25 years and having worked for only two employers, I am filled with profound gratitude for the journey so far. I am excited about the endless possibilities as we leap into an era where AI and digital transformation will drive unparalleled efficiency and innovation - a stark contrast to my early days of manual processes and A3 analysis paper. Who knows what the future will bring or how quickly it will arrive? But one thing is certain: life is what you make of it, so try to have fun along the way!