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14.

September

2017.

Are you ready for the corporate accounts revolution?

P R E S S R E L E A S E

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Date: 14 September 2017

Are you ready for the corporate accounts revolution?

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A significant overhaul in how corporate accounts have to be prepared and delivered to HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) is underway and many companies are simply not prepared for the change. This is the stark warning given today by Howards, a progressive firm of chartered certified accountants based in Stafford.

According to Howards, new standards that change the UK's generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) represent the biggest upheaval in business accountancy for many years. GAAP is an accepted set of principles, standards and procedures that companies follow when they compile their financial statements for external use but, says Howards, businesses - as well as bankers and lenders - need to understand the revised rules.

The new set of standards include FRS 102 for medium and large sized companies, FRS 102 Section 1A (which is FRS 102 with disclosure exemptions for small companies), and FRS 105 for qualifying micro-entities (organisations whose turnover is less than £623,000).

The new standards change how and when companies account for certain assets and liabilities - with potential implications on profitability and net assets. However, says Howards, the extent of the impact will depend on a company's activities, assets and liabilities. While some may find the new approach fairly straightforward, others will be required to make significant changes to how they report their financial performance and position.

Areas where the accounting treatment will change include investment properties, deferred tax, revaluations, employee benefits (including holiday pay), goodwill and long-term liabilities which bear no interest.

Says Rebecca Nott, Senior Manager at Howards: "These new standards represent a substantial overhaul in how corporate accounts have to be prepared and it's fair to say that the vast majority of businesses will not grasp fully the significance of the changes.

"Most small companies will choose to adopt the micro-entity regulations (provided they meet the size conditions) to avoid the onerous reporting requirements of FRS 102. However, this is not necessarily in the best interests of all small companies - for example, the revaluation model cannot be used under FRS 105 so it's unlikely that companies with revalued properties would want to reduce their net assets by restating the properties at cost."

Rebecca adds: "At Howards we are fully up-to-date with the changes and are geared up for preparing our clients' accounts in the way that is best for them. Any businesses who are in any doubt about what the new rules will mean to them should contact us immediately on 01785 243276."

Howards recently announced record growth in its most successful year to date, putting its success down to building strong relationships with clients - whether international PLCs, established small to medium enterprises (SMEs) or start-up sole traders.

Caption:Rebecca Nott, Senior Manager at Howards

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About Howards

Chartered certified accountants Howards was founded in 2005 following the merger of Barrington's and Wood & Co, two well-established and successful Stafford firms of accountants. The combined experience and areas of individual expertise that the company now enjoys has been passed on to its clients, who all benefit from Howards' deeper knowledge base and wider range of professional services. As well as Managing Director Matt Bailey, the senior team at Howards consists of commercial and taxation specialist Ryan Hudson, audit expert Rebecca Nott - who has been with the firm for over 13 years - and Nick Archer, who specialises in client services and business development.

Howards' social media platforms

Follow Howards on Twitter -@Howards_CA