Hot Topic Resources
First Intuition has hosted a number of virtual events on hot topics in the accountancy industry and general work-related subjects. Find an archive of links to summaries and videos from these sessions relevant to businesses.
FIRST INTUITION THINK TANK FORUMS
Remote Onboarding
This two-part FITT forum explored the topic of remote onboarding. The session was joined by expert speakers as they shared their own experiences of remote onboarding and gave insights into best practice in this area.
Video: Remote Onboarding part 1
Video: Remote Onboarding part 2
Remote Management of Junior Staff
We were delighted to be joined by C-J Green, Co-Founder and Executive Director of BraveGoose and Dyfrig Jenkins, of YOU.DEVELOPMENT.co.uk to discuss the topic of remote management of junior staff in more detail. We also heard from the accountancy awarding bodies who shared their thoughts and the work they’ve been doing to tackle the challenges many employers are currently facing.
Article: Remote Management of Junior Staff
Video: Remote Management of Junior Staff part 1
Video: Remote Management of Junior Staff part 2
Returning To The Workplace
With many firms now evaluating how they can provide a safe and welcoming environment for those employees who are planning to return to the office in some way, we examined this topic in more detail. Barnaby Clark and Lizzie Duckworth from COEL, a commercial and design fit-out company joined us for our first session to share their expertise in this area.
Article: Returning to the Workplace
Video: Returning to the Workplace part 1
Video: Returning to the Workplace part 2
Online Delivery
Intakes of new students are likely to be starting their accountancy careers in a largely remote environment. Many employers are facing the prospect of delivering initial induction and internal skills training virtually, rather than in a conventional board room or office setting. Getting this right will be critical to ensuring engagement, productivity and retention in those important first months in work. It’s therefore critical to maintain quality and keep engagement levels high.
Maintaining a Team Ethos
For many employers, their ‘team spirit’ and ‘family feel’ are crucial parts of their identity. Many are concerned that this will be challenging to maintain if many staff are working predominantly remotely. We heard from expert speakers C-J Green and Dyfrig Jenkins, plus insight from the accountancy awarding bodies.
Article: Maintaining a Team Ethos
Video: Maintaining a Team Ethos
Remote Recruitment, Attraction and Selection of Candidates
Employers recruiting post-pandemic are facing a very different environment to any normal year. Online platforms, techniques and processes for recruitment can prove just as effective as being ‘in-person’ if used correctly. First Intuition Director Gareth John hosted this timely employer forum at the end of October 2020.
Article: Remote Recruitment, Attraction and Selection of Candidates
Video: Remote Recruitment, Attraction and Selection of Candidates
Mental Health and Workplace Wellbeing
Jen Christie (Rise Well) and Sophie North (Luminate).
Article: Mental Health and Workplace Wellbeing
Video: Mental Health and Workplace Wellbeing
Recruitment of the ‘COVID Generation’
This forum explored the impact the pandemic has had on young adults. As well as the allowances that will be required in recruiting the coming cohort of school/college leavers to account for lost learning and skills development opportunities. Not only will students have suffered huge disruption to their education for in excess of 12 months. They will have had extremely limited opportunities for early work experience in the hospitality and retail sectors. They will also have seen extra-curricular employer outreach and career activities disappear. This forum considered how the skill sets of these young adults are likely to differ from our normal expectations. As well as how their CV’s might look and what their exam grades may or may not mean.
Article: Recruitment of the ‘COVID Generation’
Video: Recruitment of the ‘COVID Generation’
The Role of Data Analytics in Accountancy
This forum explored how digitisation, automation, and Artificial Intelligence are revolutionising the way that financial transactions are recorded. As well as how they are also transforming the way that data can be interrogated, analysed, and presented to aid better business decision-making.
Article: The Role of Data Analytics in Accountancy
Video: The Role of Data Analytics in Accountancy
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
This forum discussed the importance of diversity in the workplace for employers as well as what businesses can be doing to improve EDI. Embracing diversity and inclusion, and providing equality goes a long way in promoting a work culture that values talent beyond stereotypes. Moreover, an inclusive workplace fosters better productivity and efficiency, improves retention of staff, and can act as a major attraction during recruitment.
Article: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
Video: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
Article: How to Improve EDI in the Workplace
How the Pandemic has Changed the Accountancy Industry and How we Train New Intakes
This session discussed how the pandemic has affected the accountancy industry, the changes made by the awarding bodies during this time and how they have benefited the industry, the role the accountancy profession can play in the recovery of COVID, as well as predictions for the future.
Article: How the Pandemic has Changed the Accountancy Industry and How we Train New Intakes
Video: How the Pandemic has Changed the Accountancy Industry and How we Train New Intakes
How to Motivate and Retain Young Adults
This session discussed how employers can successfully motivate and retain young adults.
Article: How to Motivate and Retain Young Adults
Video: Motivating Young Adults
How to Prepare and Onboard Young Adults
This session discussed how employers can successfully prepare and onboard young adults.
Article: How to Prepare and Onboard Young Adults
Video: Preparing young adults for starting in their first professional workplace
Video: Onboarding Young Adults
Engaging with and Recruiting Young Adults and Understanding their Mindset
This article shares highlights from the session where guest speakers joined Gareth John to look at some recent research into the rapid changes in ‘what makes young adults tick’. As well as considering how employers need to change their Employer Value Proposition to appeal to individuals currently leaving education. The session also gave tips on how to grab the attention of prospective candidates, how to attract them to your brand, and what to expect from them in the recruitment and assessment process.
Article: Engaging with and Recruiting Young Adults and Understanding their Mindset
Video: Engaging with young adults and grabbing their attention and attracting them to your brand
Video: What to expect from young adults in your recruitment and assessment process
Keeping your People and Talent Strategy Relevant
Gareth John hosts a discussion to look at the wide-ranging/ rapidly changing labour market and employment environment, as well as what employers can do to effectively adapt and continue to assist staff development.
Article: Keeping your People and Talent Strategy Relevant
Video: Keeping your People and Talent Strategy Relevant
How to Engage with Schools and Colleges
Gareth John, First Intuition Director, brings together expert speakers to share their ‘top tips’ and practical advice for how employers can most effectively engage with schools and colleges to broaden their recruitment pipelines.
Article: How to Engage with Schools and Colleges
Video: How to Engage with Schools and Colleges
Retaining and Attracting Qualified Staff
Gareth John hosts a discussion to examine the approaches employers can use to keep staff engaged and loyal when they qualify. As well as how to be appealing to experienced candidates in the marketplace looking for their next role.
Article: Retaining and Attracting Qualified Staff
Video: Retaining and Attracting Qualified Staff
Engaging with and Recruiting Young Adults and Understanding Their Mindset
This session looked at some recent research into the rapid changes in ‘what makes young adults tick’. As well as considering how employers need to change their Employer Value Proposition to appeal to individuals currently leaving education. The session also gave tips on how to grab the attention of prospective candidates, how to attract them to your brand, and what to expect from them in the recruitment and assessment process.
Article: Engaging with and Recruiting Young Adults and Understanding Their Mindset
Video: Engaging with young adults and grabbing their attention and attracting them to your brand
Video: What to expect from young adults in your recruitment and assessment process
Preparing and Onboarding Young Adults
This session explored strategies for maximising the impact of the ‘pre-start’ period to avoid losing successful candidates to other job opportunities. As well as what employers can expect from young adults when they first enter the workplace, and how to successfully onboard and engage them in their early weeks of employment.
Article: How to prepare and onboard young adults
Video: Preparing young adults for starting in their first professional workplace
Video: Onboarding young adults
Motivating and Retaining Young Adults
This session looked at the different motivators for the newest generation of workplace cohorts and what employers can do to maximise commitment from new joiners to encourage retention.
Article: How to motivate and retain young adults
Video: Motivating young adults
Connecting with Young Adults for your 2024 Talent Pipeline
Employers are finding it more and more difficult to get in front of potential entry-level recruits. This is because young adults are not always made aware of the opportunities available to them if they decide not to go to University. However, there are things employers can do to widen the reach of their recruitment away from traditional pathways.
Expert speakers as they discuss:
Article: How to connect with young adults for your talent pipeline
Video: How to connect with Young Adults for your 2024 Talent Pipeline
How to Target Gen Z in the Recruitment Process Using Social Media (Part 1)
Young adults entering the workplace have grown up with social media being an integral part of their lives. Therefore, employers have an opportunity to utilise social media in their recruitment process if they want to get in front of Gen Z candidates.
Ben Bullman, Programme Delivery Director at First Intuition East Anglia, hosted a discussion with a panel of experts on how to target Gen Z in the recruitment process using social media, discussing:
- How to use social media in the recruitment process to target young adults
- Techniques to stand out from the crowd and build a company presence on platforms such as TikTok
- What information young adults want to see from employers
Article: How to target Gen Z in the recruitment process using social media (Part 1)
Video: FITT Forum – How to target Gen Z in the recruitment process (Part 1) – First Intuition
Engaging with Gen Z in the Recruitment Process (Part 2)
Following the popularity and breadth of information on the last FITT forum – How to utilise social media to target Gen Z in the recruitment process – we ran a Part 2 on the topic.
Gareth John, Director of First Intuition, hosted a discussion with a panel of experts on effectively engaging with Gen Z in the recruitment process, providing:
- Insights into understanding Gen Z’s and the sort of content they like to engage with
- Strategies to better engage with Gen Z’s to help recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts
- Insights into Gen Alpha, the next generation that will be in the workplace after Gen Z
Article: Engaging with Gen Z in the recruitment process (Part 2)
Video: Engaging with Gen Z in the recruitment process (Part 2) – First Intuition
How to Recruit the Right Apprentices for Your Business with UCAS
UCAS is committed to showcasing all education routes into careers and promoting apprenticeship opportunities alongside undergraduate courses. Providing one consolidated place for students to discover both higher education and apprenticeship options. We think it is worth anyone who supports (or is considering supporting) apprentices looking at UCAS as an additional channel to promote their vacancies.
How to Introduce a Coaching Culture
Amy Forrest, Managing Director of First Intuition East Anglia, hosted a discussion with a panel of experts on building and maintaining organisational coaching cultures, discussing:
Article: How to introduce a coaching culture
Video: FITT Forum – How To Introduce A Coaching Culture – First Intuition
How to Make the Most of National Apprenticeship Week 2024
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) will be held from 5th to 11th February 2024. This article has practical guidance and advice on how to engage with young adults during one of the busiest weeks of the annual apprenticeship calendar.
Accountancy Apprenticeships: The Past, Present and Future
Apprenticeships continue to have a revolutionary impact on the way young accountants enter the sector. They offer a multitude of benefits for the employers who train their staff with them and the students training on them.
Gareth John, Director of First Intuition, hosts a discussion looking at the way apprenticeships have changed over the last few years, what intake patterns have emerged in 2023, and what further changes we can expect to see in the next year or two.
Article: Accountancy Apprenticeships: The Past, Present and Future
Video: Accountancy Apprenticeships: The Past, Present and Future
Creating an Individualistic Approach to Recruit and Retain Staff
Many employers are finding that they have to take a more personalised, tailored and individualised approach to each candidate during recruitment and to each member of staff once onboarded to ensure they remain satisfied in their roles.
Gareth John, Director of First Intuition, hosts a discussion on some of the ways individualisation can effectively and efficiently be put into place during the recruitment process and once employees are in a role.
Article: Creating an Individualistic Approach to Recruit and Retain Staff
Video: Creating an Individualistic Approach to Recruit and Retain Staff
How To Utilise Technology in The Recruitment Process
Technology offers opportunities to streamline and enhance various aspects of the recruitment process, from sourcing and screening candidates to evaluating their fit and managing relationships effectively.
Gareth John, Director of First Intuition hosts a discussion with a panel of experts on how best to utilise technology in the recruitment process.
We heard from guest speakers as they discussed:
- The benefits of using different technologies during the recruitment process
- The tools employers can use to be more effective in their recruitment processes, including assessing participants, maintaining candidate relationships and ensuring a smooth transition into the workplace
- How to integrate social media and online platforms for talent sourcing and brand visibility
Article: How To Utilise Technology in The Recruitment Process
Video: How To Utilise Technology in The Recruitment Process
LEADERSHIP LUNCH AND LEARN
Managing Remote Teams
How do managers excel at leading remote teams? This session included guest speaker and co-host C-J Green, Co-Founder of BraveGoose, who shared her expert tips and advice. In addition, the session also included a panel of experienced and successful managers including Louise Hazard, Senior R2R Manager at Greene King, Simon Mader, Head of Technical Accounting Compliance & UK Reporting at AstraZeneca, Carolyn Connery, Head of Employer and Provider Development at Chartered Management Institute, and Dennis Laudick, VP Marketing, AI/Machine Learning at Arm. They considered some of the inherent challenges in remote work, the benefits it can bring, and experiences we can all learn from.
Article: Managing Remote Teams
Building Team and Personal Resilience in a K-shaped Economy
This session looked at what it means to be a resilient organisation, the importance of resilient teams and how we manage and develop resilient individuals. With guest speakers including ‘Eddie the Eagle’ Edwards, Olympian Ski-jumper, Charlene Lyons, Chief Executive Officer at Black Sheep Brewery, Caroline Ford, Global Digital Capability Lead at AstraZeneca, Doug Field OBE, Joint CEO at East of England Co-op, Lucy Pakes, HR Business Manager at Ashtons Legal, and Dyfrig Jenkins, Owner & Director of YOU. Development.Ltd.
Article: Building Team and Personal Resilience in a K-shaped Economy
Video: Building Team and Personal Resilience in a K-shaped Economy
How To Transition To Hybrid Working
How to transition to hybrid working is a hot topic for many businesses as staff start to return to the office. Remote working and its flexibility is something many want to continue in their post-COVID workplace.
Article: How to Transition to Hybrid Working
Video: How to Transition to Hybrid Working
Managing For Retention
This session discussed the tips and techniques required from managers in order to retain staff in an increasingly competitive job market.
Article: Managing for Retention
How To Get A Culture-First Organisation
This session discussed how businesses can increase positivity, energy, and motivation in their own teams, the activities that can be used in person or remotely, and how a positive culture can be used to enhance recruitment, retention, and productivity.
Article: How to get a Culture-first Organisation
Video: How to get a Culture-first Organisation
Leading a Team to Success
This topic focused on leading a team to success and how this has changed since the COVID19 pandemic. The panel of experts shared their experiences and insights into the unique challenges these times have brought to managers and offered advice on best practices.
Article: Leading a Team to Success
Video: Leading a Team to Success
How to Transition to Hybrid Working
How to transition to hybrid working is a hot topic for many businesses as staff start to return to the office. Remote working and its flexibility is something many want to continue in their post-COVID workplace.
This session explored hybrid working and whether it is set to be the new normal for most office-based workplaces. Guest speakers offered tips and advice on managing staff in a hybrid work environment. We also discussed how hybrid working will require a significant culture shift and associated regulations. Guest speakers included Laragh Jeanroy who has of RSM UK, Katie Allen leadership consultant and coach, Will Farnell of Farnell Clarke Limited, Richard DeNetto of CBI (Confederation of British Industry), Barnaby Clark of COEL, and Rob Alder of the AAT.
Article: How to Transition to Hybrid Working
Video: How to Transition to Hybrid Working
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND DATA ANALYTICS
Do ALL Accountants Need Data Literacy Skills?
The Future Of Accounting: How Are Digital Technologies Reshaping The Industry?
Louisa Matheson, Digital Programme Manager at First Intuition, shares six ways digital technologies are reshaping the finance industry.
Article: The future of accounting: how are digital technologies reshaping the industry?
The Growing Role of Digital Technologies and Data Analytics in Accountancy and Finance
Gareth John, First Intuition Director, brings together expert speakers to examine new digital technologies, how they are changing roles and skills in accountancy and finance, why they are important for the growth of the industry, and what employers can do to keep up with these changing technologies. This article summarises some of the questions answered by these expert speakers.
Where Technologies in Accountancy Are Now And Where They Are Heading Next
We explore the rapidly evolving landscape of technologies in accountancy, including the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the realm of financial technology. Louisa Matheson, Digital Programme Manager at First Intuition, hosts a discussion with expert speakers currently implementing and using these new technologies.
Article: Where Technologies in Accountancy Are Now and Where They Are Heading Next
Video: Where Technologies in Accountancy Are Now and Where They Are Heading Next
How To Start Effectively Adopting Technological Change
Adopting technological change can be overwhelming but here are some tips to help businesses effectively start embarking on their technological upskilling journey.
First Intuition’s Digital Academy: What employers think
First Intuition has designed and developed ‘finance-flavoured’ programmes to help accounting and finance professionals gain a better understanding of digital technologies: how they are relevant to the finance world and how they can help provide insight and impactful support for business decision-making.
We asked some employers who have tried out our digital and data programmes, that form First Intuition’s Digital Academy, to share their thoughts about the courses and how they have helped them.
Article: First Intuition’s Digital Academy: What employers think
How to Assess and Identify Your Digital Skills Needs
It is evident that accountants will require digital upskilling at some point in the future in order to stay competitive and successful in their sector. However, there is a wealth of different digital programmes, and skills required to use them, available and it can be hard to know which ones are right for you and your business.
Following the ICAEW’s Digital Skills Workshop webinar, Louisa Mathison, Digital Programme Manager at First Intuition, shares some of her tips to assess and identify your digital skills needs.
Article: How to Assess and Identify Your Digital Skills Needs
Data Analytics – What Next?
In this Lunch and Learn session Mark Proctor, from Excel off the Grid, joins us to discuss how we can find insights from the data to drive business decisions, including:
- • The analytical methods available to us
- • Some key tools we can use, such as Power BI
- • Some of the data challenges we might face
- • The accountant’s role in analysing non-financial data
Video: Digital Lunch and Learn – Data Analytics – What Next?
How To Embrace AI and Automation in Accounting
During this Digital Lunch and Learn we explore how AI and automation can enhance accounting processes, and how accountants can use these technologies to improve their skills and productivity.
Video: Digital Lunch and Learn – How to Embrace AI and Automation in Accounting
AAT SYLLABUS UPDATE
AAT Qualifications 2022 Update
AAT is currently preparing its regular syllabus change to come into action in February 2022, moving over from AQ2016 to ‘Qualifications2022’. This has been delayed from the original September 2021 date due to COVID. Below is some useful information explaining why these changes to Qualifications2022 matter now. As well as how it will impact you and your students.
Article: New AAT Syllabus Change 2022 – Why does it matter now?
Video: AAT 2022 Qualification Update
A Review Of Qualifications 2022 So Far
In this article our AAT Production Manager, Ali Ryder, shares her thoughts on the new AAT qualification: Q2022. This includes a review of the AAT’s interim pass rates, the key challenges that we are seeing and our tips for success.
Article: A review of Qualifications 2022 so far
OPINION PIECES
The Skills Sectors’ Response To The Removal of The Apprenticeship ‘Cap of Ten’ For Small Businesses
First Intuition is delighted to hear that from 3 April 2023, the government has removed the ‘cap on ten’ non-levy reservations for apprenticeships.
Changes Needed To The Apprenticeship Levy
Gareth John shares his views on the changes required to the Apprenticeship Levy ahead of the Chancellors’ budget announcement in the Autumn Statement 2022.
Article: Changes needed to the Apprenticeship Levy
The Benefits Of The Impact Skills Programme To Finance Apprentices
The Impact Skills Programme (ISP) is a skills and behaviours programme unique to First Intuition. The programme offers accountancy apprentices the opportunity to develop their workplace skills and better prepare them for a career in accountancy and finance. This article explains some of the benefits accountancy apprentices studying with First Intuition can expect to experience on the ISP.
Article: The benefits of the Impact Skills Programme to finance apprentices
How Out-Of-Date Connotations Associated With Apprenticeships is Impacting The Accountancy Industry
Despite the benefits to both students and employers, outdated negative connotations surrounding apprenticeships still exist. This out-of-dated thinking might even be having detrimental impacts on young adults entering the industry as recruiting habits change.
What Do Young Accounting Recruits Want From Their Employers?
Accountancy training firm First Intuition recently surveyed its students to find out what young adults want when it comes to looking for, choosing, and staying in a role. This is as employers report they are finding it difficult to recruit high-quality candidates in the accountancy sector. Particularly those entering the workplace for the first time. Below are some of the key findings from the survey in the hope that they can help employers better understand what young adults look for in the recruitment and retention process.
Article: What do young accounting recruits want from their employers?
Your Checklist for Getting the Right Accountancy Training Provider
You may find yourself sitting there wondering – how do I know if my current accountancy training provider is right for my business? Or, am I getting a first class service from my current accountancy training provider?
To help you decide, we asked our First Intuition Commercial Director, Ryan Hill, who has over 15 years of industry experience, what a top training provider should offer, so you can see if your current provider stacks up.
Article: Your Checklist for Getting the Right Accountancy Training Provider
The Key Benefits of Apprenticeships
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2024, First Intuition shares some of the key benefits of apprenticeships for employers and students. These were stated in panel discussions with FE industry leaders, employers of apprentices and apprentices themselves on the ‘Apprenticeship Stage’ at Form the Future’s Annual Conference.
The Future of Apprenticeships and the Jobs of Tomorrow
First Intuition hosted the ‘Apprenticeship Stage’ at Form the Future’s Annual Conference themed ‘How to prepare young people for a rapidly changing world’. From this stage, we hosted four sessions talking about Apprenticeships and the value they bring to students and employers. This article highlights some of the key points discussed in one of these sessions about ‘The Future of Apprenticeships and the Jobs of Tomorrow’.
Apprenticeship Journeys: Insights from Apprentices and Employers
First Intuition hosted the ‘Apprenticeship Stage’ at Form the Future’s Annual Conference themed ‘How to prepare young people for a rapidly changing world’. From this stage, we hosted four sessions talking about Apprenticeships and the value they bring to students and employers. This article highlights some of the key points discussed in one of these sessions about ‘Apprenticeship Journeys: Insights from Apprentices and Employers’.
Article: Apprenticeship Journeys: Insights from Apprentices and Employers
Why Are Apprenticeships The Future Of The Accountancy Industry?
Apprenticeships and school leaver programmes are a route to accountancy qualifications that is growing ever more popular, with clear benefits to both the employer and the learner. The apprenticeship experience provides enrichment for school leavers in the earliest stages of their careers. For employers, it’s a fantastic opportunity to have key input into the individual’s journey from start to finish, bringing well-rounded, highly-skilled talent into the industry.
What Change is Still Needed To Apprenticeship Funding?
This article highlights some of the positive steps that have previously been made to apprenticeship funding in the accountancy and finance sector, as well as the change that is still urgently needed.
Article: What change is still needed to apprenticeship funding?
The Value of Apprenticeship Careers Fairs
First Intuition sponsored and attended Form the Future’s annual Apprenticeship Careers Fair at Impington Village College. This article highlights the value of hosting career fairs that educate young adults about the benefits of apprenticeships.
What Do Young Accounting Recruits Want From Their Employers?
Accountancy training firm First Intuition recently surveyed its students to find out what young adults want when it comes to looking for, choosing, and staying in a role. This is as employers report they are finding it difficult to recruit high-quality candidates in the accountancy sector. Particularly those entering the workplace for the first time. Below are some of the key findings from the survey in the hope that they can help employers better understand what young adults look for in the recruitment and retention process.
Article: What do young accounting recruits want from their employers?
Apprenticeship Funding Needs Transformation Not Tweaks!
Apprenticeship funding needs transformative changes rather than the current minor tweaks being made by the government. Rising delivery costs aren’t matched by funding increases, despite growing apprenticeship levy revenue. While some positive changes have occurred, the system needs overhauling to address escalating costs and ensure adequate support for apprenticeship programmes.
Article: Apprenticeship funding needs transformation not tweaks!