Core Insights - Sorren has expanded its national network by incorporating Hess & Rohmer, enhancing its presence in Texas and leveraging regional relationships [1][3] - The partnership emphasizes shared values and a commitment to client service, aiming to create opportunities for employees and clients alike [2][3] Group 1: Company Expansion - The integration of Hess & Rohmer into Sorren's network builds on Sorren's existing base in Houston, connecting local expertise with national resources [1][3] - Sorren was established in 2025 through the merger of several regional practices, supported by private equity funding [3] Group 2: Client Service Focus - Both firms share a common approach to client service, emphasizing personal attention while benefiting from the resources of a national network [2][3] - The previous acquisition of Casey Neilon in December further strengthened Sorren's coverage in the Western region, aligning with its strategy of enhancing client relationships [4][5]

The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) has set out its recommendations for the Hong Kong Government’s budget for 2026–27 fiscal year. The accounting body has submitted its proposals under the theme 'Reinforcing and enhancing Hong Kong’s strengths, innovation and talent for a bright and bold future'. The HKICPA proposes a package of tax and policy measures to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness, support growth and strengthen public finances. To attract investment, it suggests a ...

Core Viewpoint - Xeinadin has acquired Grunberg to enhance its presence in London and expand its advisory capabilities, aiming for significant growth in the coming years [1][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Xeinadin, a provider of accountancy services and business advice, has acquired Grunberg, which has been operational for over 35 years and employs more than 80 people [1]. - The acquisition is expected to allow Grunberg to double in size over the next few years, supported by Xeinadin's resources and expertise [2]. - Grunberg's team of nine partners will remain intact post-acquisition, ensuring continuity for existing clients [4]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The acquisition is anticipated to deepen Xeinadin's advisory capabilities while maintaining the client relationships and culture that define Grunberg [3]. - Xeinadin's CEO highlighted the strong relationships Grunberg has built across London, which will enhance Xeinadin's ability to provide expert and personalized advice [5]. - This acquisition follows Xeinadin's previous acquisition of Cooper Dawn Jerrom (CDJ) in October of the previous year, indicating a strategic focus on expanding its footprint in London [5].

Group 1 - Nearly half of workers (49%) express no interest in management roles, preferring to remain individual contributors, indicating a potential shift in leadership pipelines for businesses [5][4] - The Zety survey reveals that 59% of respondents are discouraged from pursuing leadership due to a desire to avoid stress and people management responsibilities, while 15% cite work-life balance concerns [6][5] - The ACCA report highlights that future career paths in finance and accounting are becoming more flexible, with shorter-term roles becoming increasingly common [7][4] Group 2 - Over half of finance professionals (54%) are optimistic about their future careers, while 27% are pessimistic and nearly half (49%) feel uncertain about their preparedness for change [8] - Respondents describe future career paths primarily in terms of uncertainty and challenges (28%), followed by growth and advancement (23%), and flexibility and adaptability (17%) [8][4]

Core Viewpoint - UK-based accountancy practice Phipps Henson McAllister (PHM) has appointed Andy Greenhalgh as the new head of audit to support the expansion of its client offerings and meet the increased demand for assurance services [1][4]. Group 1: Appointment and Background - Andy Greenhalgh has over 20 years of audit and advisory experience, particularly with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and owner-managed businesses, aligning well with PHM's core client base [2]. - Greenhalgh's role will focus on strengthening service delivery and providing insights to support client decision-making [2]. Group 2: Leadership and Vision - Greenhalgh expressed enthusiasm about leading the audit team, aiming to build on existing foundations, grow the audit department, and enhance value and insights for clients [3]. - PHM's managing partner, Ross Phipps, highlighted Greenhalgh's extensive experience and hands-on approach as key factors for his selection, emphasizing his ability to address core issues and deliver effective solutions [3][4]. Group 3: Company Overview - PHM was established in 1993 and operates from a single office in Northamptonshire, offering audit, tax, and advisory services to SMEs, businesses, and professional practices across the UK [4].

Core Insights - Self-assessment taxpayers in the UK overpaid £8.9 billion ($12.18 billion) in income tax last year, primarily due to the Payment on Account system which requires advance payments based on the previous year's tax bill [1][2] - Approximately 2.6 million individuals paid too much tax through self-assessment, with many potentially unaware of their eligibility for refunds [2] - HMRC does not automatically correct overpayments, requiring taxpayers to identify and apply for refunds themselves [2][4] Overpayment Causes - Common errors leading to overpayment include incorrect salary figures and failure to claim legitimate business expenses, resulting in taxation on non-existent profits [3] - Taxpayers are advised to be meticulous when completing self-assessment forms and to seek professional advice if uncertain [3] Repayment Delays - HMRC backlogs can cause significant delays in the repayment of overpaid taxes, with some taxpayers waiting 18 to 24 months for refunds [4] - It is emphasized that taxpayers must actively check their returns and follow up on potential overpayments to avoid losing out on refunds [5]

Core Insights - AAFCPAs has acquired McLaren & Associates CPAs, PC to enhance its forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuation, and tax advisory services [1] - The acquisition adds a team of 17 professionals to AAFCPAs, which will strengthen its capabilities in forensic services [1][5] - McLaren & Associates has a 97% success rate in forensic accounting cases, indicating a strong track record in this area [1] Integration Details - David S. McLaren, founder of McLaren & Associates, will join AAFCPAs as a partner in Risk Advisory, bringing multiple credentials in accounting and forensic disciplines [2] - Jennifer Chase-Williams will also join AAFCPAs as a tax partner, contributing 30 years of experience in complex business tax matters, including business valuation and forensic accounting [3] Strategic Vision - AAFCPAs managing partner Carla McCall emphasized that the integration reflects shared values and a vision for the future, reinforcing AAFCPAs' position as a leading advisory firm [3][4] - The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to enhance resources and capabilities in an increasingly AI-driven world, where forensic accounting is becoming more critical due to rising financial and cybercrime risks [4] B Corporation Status - Both AAFCPAs and McLaren & Associates hold Certified B Corporation status, highlighting their commitment to social and environmental performance [4] - McLaren & Associates became a B Corp in 2019, while AAFCPAs achieved this status in 2025 [4]

Core Insights - Institutional adoption of digital assets has reached a point where a full retreat is no longer realistic, indicating a structural shift rather than a cyclical one [1][2][3] Group 1: Institutional Engagement - PwC's report highlights sustained institutional activity in areas such as custody, trading, settlement, tokenization, and on-chain financial infrastructure, which has continued despite market volatility and regulatory uncertainty [2][3] - Major financial institutions are now developing long-term systems and strategies around digital assets, making it costly and impractical to withdraw from this engagement [3] Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The regulatory landscape, particularly in the U.S., has played a crucial role in facilitating this shift towards institutional adoption of crypto [4][5] - New legislation and regulatory clarity, such as the GENIUS Act, have encouraged traditional financial institutions to engage more directly with digital assets, moving from caution to commitment [5][6] - Leadership changes at the SEC have also been identified as a turning point that has shifted perceptions from viewing crypto as a risk to seeing it as an opportunity [6]

Group 1 - CPAmerica has appointed John Lauseng, CEO of Aldrich Group, as the new chair of its Board of Directors, succeeding Blake Isobe [1] - Lauseng emphasized the importance of collaboration among member firms to enhance the profession [1] - The association has added three new members to its governing body: Jeff Barbacci, Rich Craig, and Brenda Jacobs, while two outgoing members are Gary Anglin and John Cournan [2] Group 2 - Katie Thomas, president and CEO of Honkamp, P.C., has been elected as vice-chair and chair-elect [3] - The new board is set to hold its first meeting in January to review priorities for 2026 and discuss long-term objectives [3] - Grace Horvath, CEO and president of CPAmerica, expressed confidence in the new board's ability to lead the association towards success in 2026 [4]

Core Insights - The accountancy profession is expected to see a shift towards flexible, non-linear career paths by 2035, with 51% of respondents anticipating this change [1][2] - A significant portion, 35%, believes that both traditional linear and flexible career models will coexist [1] Survey Findings - The survey involved approximately 2,600 ACCA members and future members, along with 145 employers, and is detailed in the report titled "Career Paths Reimagined" [2] - The report emphasizes the need for finance professionals to prepare for a more flexible career structure, outlining essential capabilities for future success [2] Skills and Mindset - Key skills identified include interpersonal abilities, technology skills, core technical expertise, and the development of specialist knowledge [3] - A curious and adaptable mindset is increasingly important for career advancement [3] Career Trends - The report predicts that career breaks and "micro-retirements" will become more common as working lives extend [3] - The changing landscape of accountancy is reshaping the profession's role, according to ACCA chief executive Helen Brand [3] Influencing Factors - Technology is recognized as the most significant force reshaping careers and workplaces, followed by personal expectations, geopolitics, economics, and societal expectations [4][5] - The rise of flexible career paths is linked to evolving organizational structures, rapid technological advancements, demographic changes, and dissatisfaction with senior roles affecting work-life balance [5] Conclusion - The report suggests that those who adapt to these changes will find rewarding careers in finance and accountancy [6]