March 2011 Events

Speaker: Val Steward

The course will look at a whole host of issues associated with making a practice more robust, including from the viewpoint of succession planning. Unlike other courses which focus solely on the needs of a potentially selling partner, this course looks also at how to make a practice attractive for all circumstances. In addition, it provides ideas for managers who may be considering taking up a partnership offer. The course will prove useful even if a sale is presently not under consideration, as a practice which is likely to be attractive to a potential buyer is very likely to be attractive also to existing partners. For pricing see website

Fee payable: TBC

Speaker: Lisa Jones and Lis Wilson

The event will include the following: Introduction to Social Media - What you need to know Networking Your Business Online - Key tips to build your network and promote your brand Social Media and Recruitment - Top secrets to finding top talent on social networking sites The event starts at 08.30 but registration will be from 08.00

Fee payable: Members £10.00 / Non-members £10.00

Speaker: Brian Blessed

Your President,Tim Parr and the Committee of the West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants invite you to join them at the Annual Dinner of the Society. Sponsored by Finance Yorkshire and Lee & Priestley

Fee payable: Members £60.00 / Non-members £60.00

Speaker: Geoffrey Shindler

Fee payable: Members £5.00 / Non-members £10.00

Speaker: Wrigleys LLP

Cost: £15. Season tickets available (include one free plus one subsidised ticket for the Annual Dinner) - all evening lectures: £75 or all evening lectures plus afternoon lectures: £115

Fee payable: see description

Speaker: Neil Owen

Although in some ways a neglected topic, VAT can have a profound impact of many business transactions and is an important tax for accountants in practice and in industry to master. The course in detail: The aim of the course is to cover a range of aspects of VAT, with special attention to difficult areas where mistakes can be costly or where opportunities exist for the well-informed. Case studies will be used to illustrate the principal issues. The course will look at the most important developments over the last 12 months with a further look at some of the most topical issues. For costs see website.

Fee payable: TBC

Speaker: Jane Burdett, BPP

This event is sponsored and organised by BPP and the Leeds Branch of CIOT. It is specifically organised especially for CTA students and, as the first in a series of such events, we hope you will be able to attend. The event is free to ATT and CTA students, so no excuses!! Please book rather than just turning up on the night - it helps with catering.

No charge

Practitioners from the Audit Commission and Local Government will give an overview of audit and assurance from both the internal and external audit perspective. The seminar will give delegates an awareness of key aspects of: -The scope of internal and external audit, including statutory requirements of their work; -The role of the auditor in the assurance and governance arena; -In particular, the role of the Audit Committee and the auditors role in this; -The practical application of audit techniques including the identification of objectives and key controls The event is aimed primarily at CIPFA students studying the Audit and Assurance module but is open to all CIPFA members and members and student from other professional bodies.

No charge

Speaker: Tom Vosa

This business breakfast briefing will look at some of the latest findings from the ICAEW/Grant Thornton UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM); a quarterly snapshot of the state of the economy and a useful predictor of economic change. As we await the shake-out from the coalition’s June budget, business confidence and the economy remain two key issues for business leaders. Public sector cuts and the axe taken to regional business support may have reassured international financial markets, but what has been the impact for businesses operating locally? Yorkshire Bank’s Senior Economist, Tom Vosa, will then talk about the state of the economy as it is, and the economic outlook for 2011 and beyond. This event is open to both members and non-members of the West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants and is free to attend.

No charge

Speaker: John Grout, Policy and Technical Director, ACT

John will be updating us on the latest treasury information available including: • What is happening in debt (bond and loan) markets • What should treasurers look out, following the crisis, as re-regulation begins to impact bank behaviour • What treats do the accountants have in store for us? There will also be time for you to raise other topics and questions. Chatham House rule applies. Members and Students are welcome to attend. Please also feel free to invite other colleagues in your organisation who would like to come along as well. Places are restricted and will be offered on a first come basis.

Fee payable: TBC

The seminar will give an overview of key aspects of IFRS that Authorities should be tackling at the current time and will include the results from the restatement reviews; lessons learnt from other Authorities; technical and practical issues that should be addressed over the coming months and possible changes in rleation to revenue recognition and leases. Refreshments from 5.30 pm, seminar to commence at 6.00pm. The seminar will be followed by the Regional AGM at 7.15pm to which all CIPFA members and students are welcome to attend.

No charge