ICB News Channel

In this important episode, for many varied reasons, host Rob Marshall sits down with ICB Executive Director Matthew Addison to break down the key takeaways from the latest Federal Budget and what it means for bookkeepers and small business owners across Australia. From practical impacts to strategic insights, this conversation helps you stay informed and prepared.In the second half of todays episode, Rob is joined by Rutland Smith, Cyber Security Expert from Harvey Norman Technology for Business, diving into the critical topic of cloud technology. They unpack what you need to know about cloud storage, software security, and the growing risks of cyber attacks, along with practical tips to help safeguard your data and your business. Stay ahead on policy changes and protect your digital assets—this episode delivers insights you can’t afford to miss. Tune in now and empower your business with knowledge that matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, Rob and Matthew unpack one of the most significant regulatory changes facing the profession — Anti‑Money Laundering (AML). They explore the why, when and who behind AML and what the introduction of Tranche 2 on 1 July 2026 will mean for Australian businesses, bookkeepers and bookkeeping practices. The discussion highlights why now is the time for bookkeepers to closely examine what they do, how they do it, and how they can prepare themselves and their clients for the changes ahead.Also covered in this episode is a Pay Day Super update, including how the ATO will approach the first year of this new regime. Rob and Matthew also discuss new opportunities for small businesses in regional Australia to have their voices heard during uncertain economic times, and the vital role bookkeepers play in supporting businesses through change, disruption and business continuity challenges.Plus much more in this must‑listen episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Rob Marshall sits down with ICB’s resident Cyber guru, Rutland Smith, for a clear and practical deep‑dive into the Government’s cybersecurity framework known as the Essential Eight.Rutland breaks down each element in everyday language—no tech‑speak required—while he and Rob explore why these strategies matter for every Bookkeeper and Business Owner, regardless of size or industry. From reducing risk to building stronger digital resilience, this episode uncovers what you really need to know and how the Essential Eight can protect the work you do every day.Tune in to get cyber‑smart, the easy way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus special episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, Matthew and Rob tackle what will arguably be the biggest challenge for Business owners and Employers in 2026, the transition to Pay Day Superannuation or Pay Day Super as it is more regularly known. The how it works, the explanations behind the terms and processes, the what to do and the what not to do regarding Pay Day Super, are all unpacked in this episode. There is a lot to take in with this change in approach that has wide ranging impacts that go way beyond just paying Super. And there are many that need to plan and do things regarding this right now, including Bookkeepers and Business owners, and the easiest way to do that is to sit back and take a listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In October 2025, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers hit the road around Australia to speak to audiences in 9 various Cities for the annual Roadshow and Summit. At each of these events, one topic was a dominant theme ... how should Artificial Intelligence (AI) to be viewed, approached and utilized by Bookkeepers, BAS Agents and those working with Small Business here in Australia. At each of the locations the ICB visited throughout that month, a Podcast episode was recorded of a panel of ICB's leadership, Executive Director Matthew Addison, CEO Amanda Linton and General Manager Rob Marshall, held a fireside chat about AI and its impacts on and to Bookkeepers. This episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, reveals which of those fireside chats in which one of the 9 cities, was chosen to go live. You will have to tune in to hear which City in Australia got the nod. But more importantly, whether you were there or not, this is either an opportunity to revisit this important conversation or hear for the first time, exactly what was said and explained at that event. It is a great listen with plenty of takeaways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October in Australia is Cyber Awareness Month and this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, puts a strong focus on why this is so critical for all Bookkeepers and Small Business owners across Australia. There is a Cyber incident affecting Australians every 6 to 7 minutes and Bookkeepers and the Small Business community are not immune to this sad fact. Cyber specialist, Rutland Smith from Harvey Norman Technology for Business joins Rob in this episode to tackle things such as - what are the common mistakes when it comes to cyber and how can they be avoided, what are the things to be on high alert for currently in this ever changing world of cyber, how can bookkeepers understand their obligations when it comes to cyber and what is the difference between a hacker and a scammer ... are just a few of the things discussed in this episode. Cyber can become one of those "I have heard it all before" type topics, however it is critical that we do not take our eye off the ball with what is happening on a day by day basis and Cyber Awareness Month calls out for you to take a listen to this episode and reevaluate your approach to the ever looming threat of Cyber. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you are in Small Business or knows someone who is in Small Business ... or you are a Professional Bookkeeper or in fact anyone who engages with Business owners on a regular basis, then if you only listen to one Podcast episode this year of the ICB News Channel, then this is the one. This episode could well be a Business saver. Our guest today on the Podcast is Kimberley Roberts Salee, the Head of Marketing and Communications at Cyber Wardens. In this episode we will hear, what exactly is Cyber Wardens and why it is so critical that every small business in Australia should be aware of it and have an action plan in place to engage with the Cyber Wardens program. We also discuss how Bookkeepers play a crucial role with this pressing need, what are the habits that inadvertently make Small Businesses vulnerable to cyber attacks, what are some simple wins that Small Businesses can take to help protect themselves online, plus much, much more. Make this one a "must do" to listen to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a unique episode of the ICB News Channel which was recorded live during a recent Question and Answer session hosted online with Bookkeepers and BAS Agents from all around Australia. The purpose of the Q&A session was to tackle many aspects of the recent TASA Code determinations that are impacting on services provided by Financial Service Agents including BAS Agents. This includes a requirement for BAS Agents and those related to Bookkeeping to demonstrate their processes and approach to providing financial services via a Quality Management System in accordance with the Tax Agents Services Act of 2009 (TASA) and the Code of Conduct that surrounds providing these types of services. Questions that were raised and tackled by Podcast host Rob Marshall and ICB Executive Director Matthew Addison, include what authorities are needed for processes, data entry, payroll, super and lodgements that Bookkeepers and BAS Agents provide to Business owners and clients on a regular basis, proof of identity checks when dealing with business owners and clients, incapacity of a Bookkeeper or BAS Agent and how that impacts on business owners, engagement letters and the approach to storing client data and the use of external storage apps ... just to name a few. This is just a snapshot in this episode of the levels of professionalism Bookkeepers and BAS Agents work towards daily and demonstrates the incredible commitment Professional Bookkeepers have to ensuring they deliver on all the right approaches when dealing with the Business community and other communities in need here in Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Budget has just dropped for 2025 and in this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast, Rob and Matthew discuss firstly, should Bookkeepers and Small Business Owners try and stay engaged with a Federal Budget each year and secondly, if the answer to that is yes, to what degree should you be engaged and what (if any) is in this years budget, that has major impacts on Bookkeepers and Small Businesses. Another side impact of this years Budget and a looming Federal election coming up in Australia, is the scenario of Pay Day Super. Could anything change if there is a new Government, what is the current update on how things are currently tracking with Pay Day Super, and finally if things do continue to keep tracking towards a 1 July 2026 commencement, are their any flaws that need sorting out and is it indeed possible for the new requirements to start happening from that date. Other current scenarios bubbling for Bookkeepers and Business owners that are discussed in this episode of the Podcast, include Quarterly to Monthly changes for GST reporting for some businesses here in Australia at the moment, whats happening for Members and at ICB for End of Financial Year this year, plus more ... makes this another must listen for this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dealing with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) can have its challenges sometimes, and we examine this in this episode of the ICB News Channel. It is possibly through a different lens to what you might expect however. What to expect is also discussed by Matthew and Rob in this episode regarding ICB's approach to the QMS conversation (Quality Management Systems) and how you can get some direction and opportunity to engage in this as it continues to play out. Cash versus Accrual Accounting, BAS Agent practice mail, options and opportunity looming for NFP's and their Treasurers and a shift in understanding what is required when negotiating Fixed term contracts as an owner of a Business, all get a run in this episode, plus much more. We finish with a spotlight on a wonderful Professional Bookkeeper from Albany in Western Australia, who has recently been crowned the Professional Bookkeeper of the Year here in Australia. Plenty to hear. Plenty then to discuss with others in this episode of the ICB News Channel Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our last episode of the ICB News Channel for 2024, has a reflective theme to it throughout, as we delve back into the things that affected Bookkeepers, bookkeeping and Small Business in 2024, including the learnings and takeaways as well as what will continue to churn and have effect into 2025. Artificial Intelligence continued to evolve rapidly in 2024 and in this episode, Rob chats with Cameron Anderson, the General Manager of AI based software company Xbert, about what has changed throughout 2024 and what Bookkeepers need to be across and on top of as another year ahead dawns. Rob then sits down with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers CEO, Amanda Linton, to reflect on so much that has happened in the world of ICB and Bookkeeping in 2024, as well as a review of the recent ICB National Roadshows around Australia and the highly successful Summit held in Brisbane in early November. The winners and finalists of the inaugural Australian ICB Bookkeeper Luca Awards are celebrated in this episode. If you have been bookkeeping or working as a small business in 2024, this is a great opportunity to have some reflections of your own, as we start the move into 2025. A very Merry and Blessed Christmas 2024, to all of you who tune into the ICB News Channel Podcast. See you again in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October sees the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers travelling Australia on the annual ICB Roadshow series, chatting with large numbers of Bookkeepers about all things Bookkeeping and what is impacting right now. However, the wheels of a Podcast continue to spin and this episode of the ICB News Channel touches on a number of the subjects that are included in this years roadshow, but majors on a number of other issues that spiral around Bookkeepers and Small Business, currently. Pay Day Super is a constant "what if and when" discussion that Matthew and Rob tackle head on in this episode. What is a Bookkeeper versus a BAS Agent is always a discussion piece that is worth understanding as well as why Bookkeepers should consider an exit strategy as part of their planning for their future, also gets a run in this episode. Plenty of topics to keep you engaged and informed are part of this special edition episode, recorded live from an amazing part of Australia. You will have to tune in to hear where ... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The TASA Code of Conduct Determination 2024 has polarised the Bookkeeping Community here in Australia in recent months and in this episode of the ICB News Channel, ICB Executive Director, Matthew Addison speaks with host, Rob Marshall about the impact the determination is having and the latest updates of what Accounting and Bookkeeping Professional Associations are doing to combat some of its effects. Matthew outlines what the new requirements look like from a Business perspective and how people can participate in conveying their objections to aspects of the determination. This episode tackles head on, what looms as a critical moment in the ongoing evolution of the Professional Bookkeeper in Australia. It is Taxable Payments Annual Reporting time again in Australia and TPAR is a point of discussion as is the Instant Asset Write Off laws on this episode of the Podcast. If you are a Professional Bookkeeper and incapacity to operate your Bookkeeping practice suddenly occurs, what should you consider and how can you ensure that contingencies are in place for others who may need to come in and take over. Rob and Matthew dive into this difficult conversation along with much, much more in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.