Keynote speech (video) on Cloud Accounting

More about the Cloud from CIMA.  Watched the first clip - more for watching later.

Financial Forecasting

Have spent last 3 weeks working on detailed forecasts for large client using Excel.  Although the spreadsheets are not technically that complex, their size and the complexity of the business is calling for some fast learning.  Data inconsistencies have called for some spreadsheetery to make best sense and improve forecasts of future.

What is Cloud Computing

CIMA CPD event that completely changed my view of Cloud Computing.

I had thought of Cloud Computing in fragmented terms with each application being in a separate cloud eg Gmail, Evernote etc.  This opened my eyes to the advantages of having a single private cloud.

The disadvantages of the fragmented cloud are:

1. You do not know where your data is and it may be hard to back it up (not an issue with Evernote) and although Google's reputation depends on protecting my data, if there is a problem I have no redress.
2. May not have control over version control

Advantages of personal cloud are:

1. Clear where data is and option exists for backups.
2. Running desk top applications from cloud.  I would have licences for applications and could run them from my own server or another cloud supplier if fell out with first one.

Effect is very much like having outsourced IT.  This could be very much of interest for running small to medium sized offices, although not of interest to me at present since much of the time I am working directly onto clients' systems.

Presentation was by System Host which came across as a very credible and competent supplier.

Further details (sorry requires password as contains confidential and copyright information).

Bribery Act 2010

Read this summary from CIMA about the new Bribery Act.

In short, the rules are tightened to be what one would expect them to be.  From a technical update I went to a couple of weeks ago though, single acts of entertainment will still be allowable.  I may need to read up on these should the need arise.

Guidelines of good practice to be issued by government (at some unspecified time in future) - watch out for these.

Computers make nurses more efficient

This article in the HSJ (sorry link only works for me as could not find this article on HSJ on line and copyright prevents me sharing publicly) shows the results of a case study.  In the study, community nurses were given ruggedised laptops with 3G cards.

The expected result was that travels costs would go down but in fact that did not happen (they stayed static).  This is because instead of going back to the office, the nurses made 5% extra visits.  Using the computers allowed them to make their notes as they went along.

Data is not stored on the machine, making sensible use of the cloud.

Technical Accounting and Auditing Standards Update

Full day technical update organised by ACCA and South Coast Audit.  Presented by Charles Gubbins BSc CA.

AM: Mainly IFRS updates with some UKGAAP.
PM: Governance and audit.

Particular points of interest:

• Treatment of leases still moving.  Moving towards capitalisation of all leases but distinction between operating and finance leases will remain.
• Profit and loss account to change again and become 'Statement of Profit or Loss and other comprehensive income'.
• Sustainability: not a requirement to report this yet but need to be in a position to do so.  In particular, business mileages, gas, electricity and this information for any major subcontractors.
• UK Corporate Governance code

Certificate

e-security at home

This CPD mainly with my school governor hat on.

Attended talk about e-security given by ESCC expert.  Main points:

• Web blocking filtering software cannot be relied on and education is better approach
• Monitoring and on-going discussion with children is essential
• Recommended that if child opposes monitoring, they are reminded that their computer use at school is monitored, as will be their use at work.  Advised to warn child before check (at least the first time) to give them a chance to clear anything they know they are concerned about.  Stress that most information once uploaded to the web cannot be erased.
• Discuss high profile cases in press and analyse what went wrong
• If web filters are too harsh, child is likely to find a way around - such as using a friend's computer
• Discuss photos with children and ask if appropriate for posting on web - remember to look in the background (calendar showing when on holiday) or 'photo of me outside my house with road name'.