24 Carleton Road, Poynton, Cheshire, SK12 1TL - T:01625 858188 F:01625 859563 E:info@smarttraining.co.uk
Your browser appears not to support Javascript. You will need a modern, Javascript-enabled browser in order to use the full Smart Training website. Try Microsoft Internet Explorer, or Mozilla Firefox.
Accountancy and practice regulation update
Designed for: partners and senior employees involved in accounting for SMEs. The course updates delegates on the latest accounting and practice regulation developments. Only developments that affect general accountancy practices are covered, and they will include: FRSs - Exposure drafts - Forthcoming accountancy regulation developments - Changes to ethical rules - Practice and quality assurance - Financial disclosures update - Audit-exempt companies - Update on the Companies Act and other legislation affecting general practice. The update looks at all issues affecting accounting and practice regulation. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk.
accounting for LLPs
More and more practices now have clients who are Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs). This course looks at the accounting treatment of LLPs. The course contents are: The legal background to LLPs - Definition of terms - Conversion to an LLP - The role of the designated member - Accounting treatment of LLPs - Financial disclosures - LLP SORP - Sample accounts and layout- Allocation and treatment of profits or losses - Corporate partners - Legal duties of members - Problem areas - LLP Disclosures
Acting for doctors
The course is designed for accountants who already act for GPs or are aiming to do so. The course is only suitable for partners, managers and experienced accountancy staff. The course updates delegates on changes and developments to this increasingly competitive area, and covers: Style, layout and content of doctors' accounts - Sources and types of income, and NHS funding - Tax treatment of fees received: PAYE and VAT implications - Current hot topics for doctors' accounts - Succession, profit-sharing, property and other partnership matters - Retirement, superannuation and pensions. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk.
accounting and auditing groups
The course is designed for accountants who are required to prepare group accounts or complete group audits. The course will draw its contents from: Background to group accounts - Basic principles - Which groups do and do not need to prepare group accounts - Companies Act requirements - Review of disclosure requirements - How to prepare group accounts - Problem areas in completing group accounts - Profit and loss accounts - Balance sheets - Impact of International Accounting Standards - Auditing groups - Planning the audit - Special considerations when auditing groups - Liaising with other auditors in the group - How to act as holding company auditor when not auditing subsidiaries and vice versa - Risk areas. The course will look at preparing consolidated accounts for groups that have not previously required them, e.g., due to new legislation.
Tax, budget and Finance Bill / Act updates
This course covers the major tax events in the previous three to six months, including the Budget and 2009 Finance Bill/Act (as applicable). The course only covers the issues that affect general accountancy practitioners and their clients, including: Parliamentary legislation - Recent case law -Present best practice on major tax issues - Income tax - Corporation tax - CGT - IHT - National Insurance - Stamp duty land tax. The tax updates are held two or three times a year at all venues. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk.
Inheritance tax update
This course is designed for accountants involved with IHT planning, probate, estates and higher-wealth clients. The course updates major developments and changes to IHT, and the contents are drawn from: The charge to IHT - Tax calculations - The cumulative basis of IHT - Potentially exempt transfers - Exempt assets and transfers - Deeds of variation - Current IHT tax planning - Payment of tax - IHT saving schemes - Business property reliefs - Gifts with reservation of benefit.
Capital gains update
The course will concentrate on the major issues affecting CGT that you will meet in general practice. The course draws its contents from: Capital gains: Taper relief update - Share disposals - Indexation - Capital losses - Husband and wife transfers - An overview of CGT incurred by companies - Recent cases - Review of tax reliefs and claims procedures. This is an update course that concentrates on changes to legislation. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk
Capital gains update
The course will concentrate on the major issues affecting CGT that you will meet in general practice. The course draws its contents from: Capital gains: Taper relief update - Share disposals - Indexation - Capital losses - Husband and wife transfers - An overview of CGT incurred by companies - Recent cases - Review of tax reliefs and claims procedures. This is an update course that concentrates on changes to legislation. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk
Inheritance tax update
This course is designed for accountants involved with IHT planning, probate, estates and higher-wealth clients. The course updates major developments and changes to IHT, and the contents are drawn from: The charge to IHT - Tax calculations - The cumulative basis of IHT - Potentially exempt transfers - Exempt assets and transfers - Deeds of variation - Current IHT tax planning - Payment of tax - IHT saving schemes - Business property reliefs - Gifts with reservation of benefit.
Charity accounts update
The course outlines the reporting and accounting requirements of charities. It explains the format of accounts required under the regulations, and the issues raised by the Charity SORP and Charities Acts. It highlights the work of the independent examiner and auditor, and it reviews problem areas in undertaking each engagement. The course covers: The Charity SORP - Different categories of charity - Returns to commissioners - Exempt charities - The 'light touch' regime - Definitions of income and expenses - Simplified vs. full accounts - Problem accounting areas - Independent examiner - Qualified audit reports - Auditors' powers - Reporting obligations - Corporate charities - Legal requirements - Charities Act. The course covers all major changes over the last 12 to 18 months and is suitable for accountants in practice and the charity's accountant. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk.
Self-employed health check and close company tax issues
The course is aimed at practitioners who act for close companies and the self-employed. The course covers issues of practical interest to the company, its directors and the self-employed. The course will draw its contents from
Close companies: Definition of a close company - Practical review of benefits in kind and P11ds - Tax efficient profit extraction post Finance Bill 2009 - What next after Arctic Systems? - Exit planning, capital relief’s for directors and Entrepreneur’s relief - Consideration of associated companies - Impact of IR35.
Self-employed and working from home: Working with the new capital allowances regime - Capital v revenue - Applying the wholly and exclusively test to problem areas - Mitigating HMRC attack on spouse’s wages - Working from home deductions - Optimising tax credit claims - Incorporation/Disincorporation
Corporation tax update
This course provides a complete update on corporate and business tax matters. The contents will be drawn from: Corporation tax update - Review of capital allowances - Self–assessment for companies - Best techniques for extracting profits - Review of interaction with Income tax and National Insurance - Company tax planning - Changes to partnership tax and LLPs - Business tax planning points. Most of this course will be dedicated to corporation tax. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and are shown on www.smarttraining.co.uk
The June 2009 courses will draw their contents from
Computation of taxable profits
Latest proposals on capital allowances for companies
Profits adjustments: cases and statements
Extraction of profits and tax treatment of losses
Income shifting and settlements legislation
Changes made in 2009 budget to corporation tax
Benefits in kind and salary sacrifices
IR35/managed service companies/status issues
Incorporation and disincorporation issues
Associated companies: the current state of play
Minimising the CT bill
The new penalty regime
Group tax issues for SMEs
ESC 16 - current issues for ending the unwanted company
Tax update
This course covers the major tax events in the previous three to six months, including the Budget and 2009 Finance Bill/Act (as applicable). The course only covers the issues that affect general accountancy practitioners and their clients, including: Parliamentary legislation - Recent case law -Present best practice on major tax issues - Income tax - Corporation tax - CGT - IHT - National Insurance - Stamp duty land tax. The tax updates are held two or three times a year at all venues. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk.
the 2009 employment law update
The course is designed to update accountants on significant developments in employment law regulations. The course is suitable for accountants with employees and is essential knowledge when acting for private practice clients or working in industry. The exact contents will be finalised about four weeks prior to the course start date to ensure it reflects all relevant changes to employment law. The contents will be drawn from: Pre-employment considerations: Advertising for employees - The interview - Discrimination. Review of employee's rights - Dismissal and disciplinary procedures - Remedies, damages and compensation - Common employment errors - Transfer of undertakings - Part-time employees - Short-term contracts - Stress: is your practice or business exposing employees to stress? What is the legal definition of stress? - Maternity and paternity rights - Redundancy - Overview of working-time regulations. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk.
The 2009 course will cover:
Redundancy and restructuring
Following the redundancy process and how to get it right
Collective and individual consultation
Common mistakes in redundancy
Avoiding redundancy - changing terms and reducing benefits
The cost of redundancy and unfair dismissals
Case law and legislation update
Changes in the discrimination field
New rules for dismissal and grievances
Tax efficient extraction of profit from companies
The tax-efficient extraction of profit from the family company has become more and more important as tax rates have risen. This course explores the current best techniques to ensure that you know the most tax-efficient routes, and draws its contents from: Incorporation: is it the best option for your client? - Would a sole trader or partnership status be preferable? - Revenue extraction: bonus vs. dividend vs. salary vs. pension - Timing of payments - Dividend waivers - Payments to family members - Capital extraction - Update on definition of a business asset - Retirement planning - New pension rules - Possible income shifting considerations
incorporation and disincorporation
With tax rising and different rates applying depending on the trading status chosen the 'incorporation and disincorporation' decision is back on the agenda. The course reviews the tax pros and cons of different trading formats: Company - LLP - Partnership - Sole trader, or a mix of these. The course covers the key tax issues: Corporation tax - IHT - CGT - Income tax - IR35 -National Insurance - Use of family members in tax planning - Update on income shifting
Tax efficient extraction of profit from companies
The tax-efficient extraction of profit from the family company has become more and more important as tax rates have risen. This course explores the current best techniques to ensure that you know the most tax-efficient routes, and draws its contents from: Incorporation: is it the best option for your client? - Would a sole trader or partnership status be preferable? -– Revenue extraction: bonus vs. dividend vs. salary vs. pension - Timing of payments - Dividend waivers - Payments to family members - Capital extraction - Update on definition of a business asset - Retirement planning - New pension rules - Possible income shifting considerations
Finance Bill and Tax Updates
This course covers the major tax events in the previous three to six months, including the Budget and 2009 Finance Bill/Act (as applicable). The course only covers the issues that affect general accountancy practitioners and their clients, including: Parliamentary legislation - Recent case law -Present best practice on major tax issues - Income tax - Corporation tax - CGT - IHT - National Insurance - Stamp duty land tax. The tax updates are held two or three times a year at all venues. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk.
The course is designed for accountants who provide financial services for their clients. This course is also suitable for delegates who want an update on issues that might affect their own investments, and it covers: Pensions - ISAs - PEPs - TESSAs - Unit trusts - Life cover - Critical illness cover - Strategic financial planning - Traded endowments - All major financial services developments. As with the tax, audit and accounts updates, the exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk.
partnership and LLP tax update
This course updates delegates on the current tax situation of partnerships and the
tax-planning opportunities they promote. The course covers: Definition of a partnership -
Self-assessment issues - Allocation of profits - Partners' expenses - Capital allowances - Husband-and-wife partnerships - Case law developments - CGT issues affecting partnerships - Tax treatment of limited liability partnerships (LLPs) - Other topical partnership tax issues.
Group tax update
This course is designed to update delegates on tax issues for small and medium-sized groups and covers: Definition of a group, subsidiary and associate - Impact of quarterly accounting - Loss relief - Group loss relief - Joining and leaving the group - Transfer of assets within a group - Inter-company charges - Capital gains tax - Inter–company dividends - Tax planning for groups - Corresponding accounting periods. This course concentrates on the group structures found in general practice.
Group tax update
This course is designed to update delegates on tax issues for small and medium-sized groups and covers: Definition of a group, subsidiary and associate - Impact of quarterly accounting - Loss relief - Group loss relief - Joining and leaving the group - Transfer of assets within a group - Inter-company charges - Capital gains tax - Inter–company dividends - Tax planning for groups - Corresponding accounting periods. This course concentrates on the group structures found in general practice.
How to be an audit manager
The course is designed for accounts and audit staff who have about two year's office experience and are new to the role of audit management. The course will cover: Planning and controlling -Completing risk assessments - Documenting accounting systems and controls - Preparing and controlling the budget - Completing the plan - Determining and using materiality - Assessing the risk of fraud - Audit review - Performing a PBSE review - Completing the highlights memorandum - Producing a management letter - Managing junior staff - Reviewing an audit file
How to review an audit file
This course is designed for staff who are new to the review of audit files. The course includes case studies to develop understanding. Setting the audit work - Key items to look for when reviewing - How to report findings to staff - Reporting to partners - File closedown procedures - Audit quality control requirements - Requirements of International Audit Standards - How to de-brief the audit staff.
The course is designed for accountants working in practice who would like a deeper understanding of their client’s attitudes and behaviour towards money. This understanding will improve your client relationships.
How many times have you had problems with clients but not had a method to influence their behaviour for the better? For instance
Why won’t your client save money for their tax liability, even though they have the funds to do so?
Why won’t my client pass me information to me on time?
Why does my client refuse to pay suppliers on time but looses his temper when his customers don’t pay?
Why does my client avoid all issues relating to money – until the last minute?
Why does my client consistently loose important records and documents when it would be easier to file them at the time?
Why does my client spend ages insisting on analysis of small amounts but ignores the larger picture of their business?
The course looks at:
The different attitudes people have towards money and finance
How to identity these attitudes and work with them
Introducing your clients to more productive ways of organising their business and
financial records
Why it is vital for you to understand your clients’ relationship with money
Review of personality types, how to identify them and work with them
Perceptions of the client-accountant relationship
Which influencing strategies to use with your clients and how to adapt them for each
client
What it is necessary for you to know, in order to help clients achieve their objectives
By the end of the course
You will have a range of techniques to identify your client’s attitudes towards you and finance. Having identified these the course will cover methods to improve your client relations and modify behaviour, by both accountant and client, for an improved relationship.
incorporation and disincorporation
With tax rising and different rates applying depending on the trading status chosen the 'incorporation and disincorporation' decision is back on the agenda. The course reviews the tax pros and cons of different trading formats: Company - LLP - Partnership - Sole trader, or a mix of these. The course covers the key tax issues: Corporation tax - IHT - CGT - Income tax - IR35 -National Insurance - Use of family members in tax planning - Update on income shifting
Inheritance tax update
This course is designed for accountants involved with IHT planning, probate, estates and higher-wealth clients. The course updates major developments and changes to IHT, and the contents are drawn from: The charge to IHT - Tax calculations - The cumulative basis of IHT - Potentially exempt transfers - Exempt assets and transfers - Deeds of variation - Current IHT tax planning - Payment of tax - IHT saving schemes - Business property reliefs - Gifts with reservation of benefit.
international accounting standards masterclass
The course is designed for accountants who are involved in the preparation of financial statements for limited company clients that have to or will have to comply with International Accounting Standards. The course will take the format of a full day-long workshop, allowing the topics to be fully explored. The course combines a mix of instruction and case studies to develop a thorough understanding of the new standards. The course is limited to a maximum of 25 delegates. The course covers: Background to the new standards - Layout and style of accounts and primary statements - Key changes from existing legislation - Coverage of the most frequently used standards / High–impact standards - Low-impact standards - Problem areas.
introduction to analytical review
Designed for: senior students and audit staff with at least two years' audit and accounts experience. Analytical review is a vital part of any audit assignment to help reduce costs and ensure that the figures 'make sense'. Analytical review (AR) is central to understanding the client's business and a springboard for providing added-value services. The course covers: The audit and accounts guidelines - Uses and abuses - Using AR to save time and money - Types and timing - Calculation - Planning - Audit and accountancy assurance - Profit and loss - Balance sheet -Reduction of other tests - Investigating unusual items - Review of financial statements - Impact of the new audit standards. The course is limited to a maximum of 25 delegates.
Introduction to audit planning and controlling under International Audit standards
The course is designed for staff with at least two years' accountancy and audit experience. Senior staff are usually involved in the planning of audits. The course looks at the audit planning required under new International Audit Standards. The course draws its contents from: What an audit plan is - Developing an audit plan - The audit briefing document - Setting budgets - Briefing staff -International Audit Standards - Developing the audit programmes - Audit materiality - Identifying risk and reacting to it. Planning the file review - How to document and record evidence - Reporting findings to staff - Supervisory skills - Effect of the review process on junior staff - Reporting findings to partners. The course will include case studies to develop audit skills.
Introduction to Auditing
The course should be attended by junior accounts staff who are new to auditing. The course is highly practical and concentrates on the work that staff will complete on audits. The course will cover: The objectives and composition of the audit team and the role of the audit junior within it - How to complete key profit and loss account and balance sheet audit tests - Key 'do's and don't's' when documenting audit fieldwork, its results and conclusions - Common pitfalls for audit juniors and how these can be avoided - Legal back ground to auditing - Overview of the control environment e.g. audit standards, what a work programme is - What an audit report is
Introduction to auditing the Balance Sheet and Profit and loss
Accounts and audit staff that have about 6 - 12 months’ office experience but are new to the auditing of balance sheet items. The course will cover:
How to complete balance sheet audit tests efficiently and effectively - How to alternate different types of audit procedure to ensure the collection of sufficient, relevant, reliable audit evidence every time - Areas of ‘significant audit risk’ - the required approach and documentation - All key balance sheet captions - fixed assets, debtors, creditors, stock quantities and valuation, cut off and provisions - Types and nature of audit testing - How to document audit tests - The role of the review process - Auditing Profit and loss items - Basic review of use of analytical review techniques
During the course delegates will complete many case studies to develop and improve understanding.
Introduction to benefits in kind
Designed for: employees with 12 to 18 months' experience of working in general practice. The benefits-in-kind system is complex and full of deadlines and penalties, but it can be safely delegated to well-trained staff. The course looks at the BIK system for 2008/09, from both the employer's and employee's viewpoints. The course covers: P11Ds using sample data - Expense claims - Car benefits - Class 1A - Loans - Other major benefits (such as private phone use and healthcare) - Assessments - Coding notices - Payment of tax - Administration of the benefits system under self–assessment.
Intermediate Inheritance tax
The course is designed for accountants who recognise that IHT is a vital part of tax practice and would like to improve their knowledge of IHT. The course assumes delegates only have a basic knowledge of IHT which they would like to improve before considering the more advanced aspects of IHT. The charge to IHT - Tax calculations - The cumulative basis of IHT -– Potentially exempt transfers - Exempt assets and transfers - Deeds of variation - Payment of tax - Business property reliefs - Gifts with reservation of benefit. The course is highly practical, includes case studies and is limited to a maximum of 20 to 25 delegates.
Introduction to PAYE
Designed for employees who have little or no experience of preparing payrolls. The PAYE system is suitable for delegation and, as the tax year-end approaches and the P35s/P14s build up, this is the time to train your staff. The course will look at the PAYE system from the viewpoint of both the 2008/09 year-end returns and the changes for the next tax year, and it covers: Tax calculations - Lower/basic/higher rate - National Insurance (employers' and employees') - P14s/P60s - Deductions - P46s - P35s - Payment of tax -– Overview of SSP - Year-end routines
Introduction to completing tax returns/self-assessment
Designed for: employees with little or no experience of income tax. This course is ideal for staff with 12 to 24 months' office experience and who will be completing the 2008/09 tax returns. It guides the delegates through the self-assessment forms and procedures for completing the major schedules using sample data and case studies on: Self-employment - Employment - Dividends and bank interest - Personal allowances - Schedules - Tax computations - Filing dates - SA administration explained.
Introduction to solicitors' accounts rules
This course is designed for accountants who are new to Solicitors' accounts rules. It is limited to 25 delegates, covers the basics of the rules and includes case studies to develop understanding. The course gives delegates a thorough understanding of the rules involved in holding clients' money. It highlights the main problem areas and potential reporting solutions. The course covers: The latest versions of the solicitors' accounts rules required by the Law Society - The rules and regulations - Reporting - Reporting breaches of the rules - Audit testing - Testing during the accounting period - Overdrawn client accounts: the implications and the actions required - Errors and mistakes - Mistakes you must report - Mistakes you do not have to report - Books of account - Authorisation of transactions.
Introduction to the taxation of trusts
The course is designed for accountants with a good working knowledge of the
self-assessment tax system but little or no knowledge of the practical taxation of trusts. The course will concentrate on small trusts met in general practice, and will draw its contents from: Definition of a trust - Types of trust - Overview of the taxation of trusts - Taxation of trust income - Taxation of capital gains - Completion of basic trust tax returns - Payments to beneficiaries - Role of the trustees - Basic calculation of trust tax liabilities. The course is highly practical, includes case studies and is limited to a maximum of 20 to 25 delegates.
Introduction to VATPart II
Designed for: staff who have not met the topics shown below or have only a basic knowledge of them. The course is full of case studies and examples to help the delegates master the subjects. The course covers: Entertaining, travel and subsistence expenses - Flat rate scheme - Penalties - Outline of EC rules - Detailed review of inputs and outputs - The VAT treatment of cars and vans
Introduction to VAT - part I
Designed for: junior staff with less than 12 months' experience who will be expected to complete VAT returns. This is a highly practical course during which delegates will complete HMRC forms and carry out vital calculations covering: Registration - Basic VAT returns - Outputs - Inputs- Use of credit notes - Bad debts - De-registration - Payments - Default surcharges - The penalty regime - Cash accounting - Car scale charges - Blocked VAT. The course also highlights common mistakes in preparing VAT returns.
negotiating with confidence
The course is designed for accountants who need to negotiate with: HMRC - Clients - Banks -Associated professionals e.g. solicitors
Key benefits gained from attendance and participation:
Confidence in communication - Clear stages of the negotiation process to follow -
Precision questioning and listening techniques - What you need to know and do to feel ready to negotiate.
Key Features that this course will deliver:
An opportunity to aim for a Win-Win - achievable workable compromises
An understanding of how to use your behavioural flexibility to produce results
A structure in which to negotiate
A way for the other party to feel they haven’t ‘lost’ anything to you
An understanding that negotiation is a dynamic process where it works, where it goes wrong
Clear communication versus manipulation
partnership and LLP tax update
This course updates delegates on the current tax situation of partnerships and the
tax-planning opportunities they promote. The course covers: Definition of a partnership -
Self-assessment issues - Allocation of profits - Partners' expenses - Capital allowances - Husband-and-wife partnerships - Case law developments - CGT issues affecting partnerships - Tax treatment of limited liability partnerships (LLPs) - Other topical partnership tax issues.
Self-employed health check
The course is aimed at practitioners who act for close companies and the self-employed. The course covers issues of practical interest to the company, its directors and the self-employed. The course will draw its contents from
Self-employed and working from home: Working with the new capital allowances regime - Capital v revenue - Applying the wholly and exclusively test to problem areas - Mitigating HMRC attack on spouse’s wages - Working from home deductions - Optimising tax credit claims - Incorporation/Disincorporation
selling and presenting for accountants
The course is designed for accountants who find the selling of their services 'easier said than done'. It will assist accountants who want to develop their selling skills, work within practices where they need to sell their ideas and services to both internal and external clients, and want to understand how to explain their services to their clients. Key benefits gained from attendance and participation include: Confidence and composure - Personal style and presentation structure -Clarity about what you have to offer to your clients - Identifying the added value you bring to your client relationships - Key features that this session will deliver: How to create the right impression, first time, every time - An understanding as to why people buy people first - How to develop personal power and presence - The 4i Strategy for presenting anywhere and any time, to anyone -Opportunities for you to present yourself, and your business - An assessment of your client relationship management.
Share valuations for taxation purposes
The course considers the practical tax aspects associated with share valuations. Substantial savings of tax can be generated by agreeing the 'right' value with the HM Revenue and Customs especially with capital taxes but other values may need to be agreed with the Revenue such as with shares in both approved schemes like 'EMIs' and unapproved within Schedule 22 FA 2003. The course will focus on valuations for taxation purposes only. The course is designed for accountants and tax practitioners who might deal with share valuations and HM Revenue and Customs.
The purpose of valuation - Open market valuations - Shareholders’ agreement or Articles of Association valuations - Divorces - Preparing the valuation report -
Methods of valuing shares - The content of the report - Communicating with the client - Negotiations with Shares Valuation Division and the other areas of the Inland Revenue - 1982 values - other valuation aspects and planning points - Impact of Finance Acts 2008 and 2009.
financial statements update / small company reporting update
The course is designed for accountants who are involved in the preparation of financial statements for small and medium-sized limited company clients. The course draws its contents from: Update on changes to the FRSSE - How International Accounting Standards might affect the small and medium-sized clients - Common disclosure errors - Disclosure changes brought in by the Companies Act 2006 - Review of common problem areas such as: goodwill, fixed assets, leases and loans etc. The course includes a timetable of key dates for enactment of the new rules. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk.
The York course will cover:
Developments from the Accounting Standards Board
FRSSE 2008 – the changes from 2007
Companies Act 2006 developments that affect Financial statements
Brief coverage on the new group accounting rules
Related party transactions
A new HMRC attack on legitimate accounting provisions?
Going concern – issues that affect SMEs
Common accounting issues arising from John Selwood’s cold file reviews
Solicitors' accounts rules
Solicitors' accounts rules are complex and change regularly, and errors in your procedures can be costly. The course gives delegates a thorough understanding of the rules involved in holding clients' money. It highlights the main problem areas and potential reporting solutions. The course covers: The latest versions of the solicitors' accounts rules required by the Law Society - The rules and regulations - Reporting - Reporting breaches of the rules - Audit testing - Testing during the accounting period - Overdrawn client accounts: the implications and the actions required - Errors and mistakes - Mistakes you must report - Mistakes you do not have to report - Books of account - Authorisation of transactions. This is an update course and is not suitable for junior staff.
Designed for accountants who are involved in appraising and motivating staff and want to develop a consistent, professional approach to running appraisals. Key benefits gained from attendance and participation: A structure around which to develop an appraisal interview - Seeing your appraisal system within the context of staff development and staff retention - An understanding of motivation theory and practice.
Key features that this session will deliver: An effective structure for conducting an appraisal interview - Understanding of how vital effective communication skills such as rapport building, feedback and listening skills, and non-verbal skills are in the appraisal process - Increased confidence in conducting appraisals - Appreciation that appraisals involve two-way communication, which needs to benefit both parties to be effective - Understanding of what really motivates your staff - Sharing experience and expertise with practical application
incorporation and disincorporation
With tax rising and different rates applying depending on the trading status chosen the 'incorporation and disincorporation' decision is back on the agenda. The course reviews the tax pros and cons of different trading formats: Company - LLP - Partnership - Sole trader, or a mix of these. The course covers the key tax issues: Corporation tax - IHT - CGT - Income tax - IR35 - National Insurance - Use of family members in tax planning - Update on income shifting
subcontractors' rules updates
This course is designed as an update on the subcontractor tax rules. The course will draw its contents from: Review of employment vs. self-employed status legislation - Use of personal service companies and consideration of IR35 - Status and PAYE enquiries - Changes to the subcontract system since 2007 - Key dates for change in 2009 - Registration process - Verification process - Payments to subcontractors - Recording and reporting payments - Recent case law -– National Insurance Contributions (NIC) - New administration procedures, forms and processes. This course will only be held in Wilmslow.
subcontractors' rules updates
This course is designed as an update on the subcontractor tax rules. The course will draw its contents from: Review of employment vs. self-employed status legislation - Use of personal service companies and consideration of IR35 - Status and PAYE enquiries - Changes to the subcontract system since 2007 - Key dates for change in 2009 - Registration process - Verification process - Payments to subcontractors - Recording and reporting payments - Recent case law -– National Insurance Contributions (NIC) - New administration procedures, forms and processes. This course will only be held in Wilmslow.
Tax investigations
HMRC are pouring resources into making the enquiry regime ever more effective. The experience for most clients is that investigations are intrusive, aggressive and stressful. Many practitioners will not have had the detailed training given to inspectors in this area and may be vulnerable at just the time when their clients need their help the most. This course provides a comprehensive and practical review of the enquiry process. The course provides an insight into how different parts of the enquiry process might be approached by HMRC and managed more effectively by the professional adviser. The course will draw its contents from: The legal background - Recent changes - Compliance structures at HMRC - Selection and how to avoid it - Opening an enquiry - Records - Interviews - Re-computation of profits - Settlement
Tax planning for 5 April 2009
The course is designed for all practitioners and staff with clients who will be required to submit year-end returns or take tax–planning action for 5 April 2009. The course reviews current problem areas with particular focus on recent and impending developments, and potential problem areas. The course will draw its contents from: Scope of the charge on employees - Termination payments - Expenses and benefits-in-kind update for 2007/08 - PAYE and National Insurance Contributions - Payroll changes - Monthly and end-of-year obligations - CGT planning for 5 April 2009 - Planning for director's payments, bonuses and pensions - Dividend planning - Capital allowance planning - The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and are shown on www.smarttraining.co.uk
Tax planning for 5 April 2009
The course is designed for all practitioners and staff with clients who will be required to submit year-end returns or take tax–planning action for 5 April 2009. The course reviews current problem areas with particular focus on recent and impending developments, and potential problem areas. The course will draw its contents from: Scope of the charge on employees - Termination payments - Expenses and benefits-in-kind update for 2007/08 - PAYE and National Insurance Contributions - Payroll changes - Monthly and end-of-year obligations - CGT planning for 5 April 2009 - Planning for director's payments, bonuses and pensions - Dividend planning - Capital allowance planning - The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and are shown on www.smarttraining.co.uk
Self-employed health check and close company tax issues
The course is aimed at practitioners who act for close companies and the self-employed. The course covers issues of practical interest to the company, its directors and the self-employed. The course will draw its contents from
Self-employed and working from home: Working with the new capital allowances regime - Capital v revenue - Applying the wholly and exclusively test to problem areas - Mitigating HMRC attack on spouse’s wages - Working from home deductions - Optimising tax credit claims - Incorporation/Disincorporation
Taxation of farmers
This course aims to give participants a general understanding of farmer clients, the pressures they are under and how to act for them. The course looks at the unique tax issues that affect the farming sector.
The contents will be drawn from topical issues at the time of the course and could include: Averaging, losses and hobby farming - Capital allowances and ABAs - Grants, subsidies and single farm payment - CGT and IHT for farmers - APR and BPR will also be considered - The farmhouse - Succession problems - Diversification on the farm. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course and you will find details at www.smarttraining.co.uk.
The taxation of land and property
The course gives comprehensive coverage of the tax issues revolving around land and property and draws its contents from: The definition of land and property for tax purposes - Capital gains tax considerations - Tax planning for the purchase - Capital gains tax on disposals - Tax relief on loans - Treatment of rental income - Rent-a-room relief - Capital Allowances Act - Repairs and renewals - Property leases - New stamp duty rules - Capital vs. revenue and property improvements - Issues determining the legal entity to own the property - Tax issues for properties owned by limited companies. Brief coverage of VAT and property
tax issues of buying and selling private businesses
The point at which a business is sold or bought presents high risk to the tax practitioner. Being up to date with the current best practice is essential. This course covers: Pre-sale planning - Changing the client structure before sale, such as shareholdings, legal format and transfer of assets - Capital gains tax - Taper relief - Extraction of profits before sale - Sale to third parties - Sale to family members - Retirement planning - Tax issues of using pension funds in sale and purchase of businesses - How to shelter and defer capital gains - Inheritance tax issues - Management buyouts - Buying and selling unincorporated businesses. The course only looks at issues that affect the sale of SMEs. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and are shown on www.smarttraining.co.uk
taxation of the family unit
This course updates delegates on the current tax situation affecting the taxation of the family. The course draws its contents from: Income tax issues - Tax Credits - National Insurance - Passing wealth down the family - Providing for dependents - Retirement issues - Inheritance tax - Transfer of the family home - Tax issues relating to dependant grandparents - Use of tax exemptions - Use of trusts in family tax planning - Payment of school fees - Husband and wife transfers - The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and are shown on www.smarttraining.co.uk
incorporation and disincorporation
With tax rising and different rates applying depending on the trading status chosen the 'incorporation and disincorporation' decision is back on the agenda. The course reviews the tax pros and cons of different trading formats: Company - LLP - Partnership - Sole trader, or a mix of these. The course covers the key tax issues: Corporation tax - IHT - CGT - Income tax - IR35 -National Insurance - Use of family members in tax planning - Update on income shifting
The practical taxation of UK trusts
Trusts can form a vital tax-planning tool for clients, so a good knowledge of the tax issues is vital. This course is not designed for 'experts' and you don't need any high-level knowledge of trusts to attend. The course looks at trusts that you will meet in general practice and draws its contents from: Definition of a trust - Overview of the taxation of trusts - The settlor and beneficiaries (who they are and who they can be) - Current law and practice on trusts - Types of trusts - Tax treatments - Avoidance provisions - A and M trusts - Discretionary trusts - Trusts and family tax planning. Delegates who are new to trusts might consider attending the Introduction to Trusts course before attending this course
update for registered auditors
The course is designed for practices that carry out audit work either for trading companies or the regulated sector such as charities, small pensions and FSA regulated clients. The course provides an update to changes in auditing. The course will draw its contents from: Review of the impact of the New audit standards - Changes to planning requirements - Permanent files - Assessment of risk - New quality control procedures - Use of substantive procedures - Appointment and reappointment procedures - Changes to the nature of audit work - Changes to completion procedures - New audit ethics - Update on the guidance on informed management and division of auditing and accounting duties. The course will focus on current developments and trends in auditing at the time of the course.
VAT update
This course covers recent changes in VAT and will be tailored to general accountancy practice requirements. The course covers: New legislation – Budget changes – Case law – Tribunal decisions – New EC VAT rules – VAT Tax-planning points – HMRC approach to compliance visits. The exact contents are set about four weeks before the course date and are shown on www.smarttraining.co.uk