Webinar: Future-Proofing Accountancy: Opportunities, Challenges & How to Thrive in 2026 by AccountingWEB

About

The accountancy profession is entering one of its most transformative periods. By 2026, accountants and bookkeepers will face both exciting opportunities and significant challenges—from shrinking compliance margins and fast-changing tax legislation to the rise of AI, MTD IT, and ongoing staffing pressures.

This webinar brings together leaders from across the industry to explore how firms can navigate these challenges, embrace technology, and build resilient practices. You’ll hear from Jake (AccountingWEB), Paul Lodder (Dext), Paul Aplin OBE (Tax Expert), Esther Mallowah (ICAEW), and Charlotte Ing (Pure Cloud Accountancy), who will share their insights on the skills, tools, and strategies needed to succeed in the next phase of accountancy.

Expect a practical and inspiring discussion on what the future holds, where the risks lie, and how you can position yourself and your practice to thrive.

Agenda

Future Trends: Understand the biggest shifts shaping accountancy in 2026, including compliance, regulation, and technology.
Tax Complexity: Insights from Paul Aplin OBE on navigating increasingly complex and fast-changing tax rules with confidence.
Technology & AI: Practical ways to adopt automation and AI to reduce manual processes, cut costs, and boost accuracy without overwhelming your team.
Operational Resilience: How to tackle time-poor teams, rising costs, and recruitment challenges head-on.
Client Engagement: Overcoming MTD IT confusion and building confidence with clients reluctant to embrace new systems.
The Role of Dext: Real-world examples of how technology can empower firms to increase efficiency, maintain margins, and free up time for advisory work.

Presenters

Jake Smith

Head of Branded Content, AccountingWEB

AccountingWEB’s Head of Branded Content joined the team in July 2021 to work closely with vendors and clients to help deliver engaging, original content for AccountingWEB members.

Paul Lodder

VP: Product Strategy and Accounting expertise, Dext

Paul Lodder joined Dext with 20+ years in practice at Sagars Accountants where he was a partner heading up the cloud accounting offering. ACCA qualified since 2003 Paul led the firms MTD and digital strategy, and provided support on digitalisation to accountants & bookkeepers across the country as well as providing solutions to clients’ challenges and supporting them to achieve their goals across accountancy, taxation and business advisory services. Paul is recognised as a leading expert on the implementation and benefits of digitalisation.

Charlotte Ing

Managing Director, Pure Cloud Accountancy Ltd

Charlotte is the founder of Pure Cloud Accountancy, based in West Yorkshire. She is a chartered accountant with the ICAEW, trained after completing A-levels and an accountancy apprenticeship.

With over 16 years of experience, Charlotte runs her practice from her home office and offers a boutique approach to accountancy for owner-managed businesses, providing them with all the accountancy services they need to run their businesses. She specialises in app advisory and recommends the apps that assist her clients to have real-time financial information.

Esther Mallowah

Head of Tech Policy, ICAEW

Esther is responsible for thought leadership and influencing technology policy to enable businesses, accountants, and society to benefit from technology while limiting its harm. Her areas of focus are AI (Regulation, Assurance and Skills development) and Cyber Security.

She has worked in technology audit, risk management and consulting roles both within the Big 4 and in various financial services organisations. She is software engineer by training and an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

Paul Aplin OBE

MTD & Tax Specialist

Paul Aplin OBE is a former president of ICAEW and was for 40 years in practice in an independent west country firm. He is a member of HMRC’s Administrative Burdens Advisory Board, Tax Faculty board, CIOT council, and CFE tax technology committee. He is adviser to personal tax app untied, ToD and Dext and is a regular commentator on tax and technology issues.

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