Small Firm, Big Impact

Ruth Owen, the Taxation Ombudsman is back on Small Firm, Big Impact to unpack the findings of the recent review into the ATO’s Registered Agent Phone Line. If you’ve ever faced long wait times, struggled to get the right advice, or wondered what’s being done to improve your experience as a registered agent, this conversation is for you.  Ruth shares what the review uncovered, the recommendations made to the ATO, and how these changes could impact your day-to-day work. We also discuss the future of Online Services for Agents (OSfA), the importance of connecting with knowledgeable ATO staff, and how you can get involved in shaping the next round of improvements.   Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming review of the ATO’s remission of general interest charge (GIC) - a hot topic for many agents.  Tune in for practical insights, expert commentary, and resources to help you stay ahead in practice.  *Update 4 December 2025: The Tax Ombudsman’s refreshed work plan FY25/26 (referenced at 18:55 in this episode) has been released with Compromised Accounts deferred and replaced with the ATO’s use of Director Penalty Notices. Resources referred to in this episode:  CA ANZ submission on ATO Registered Agent Phone Line  Tax Ombudsman report on Registered Agent Phone Line  Tax Ombudsman review of Online Services for Agents (review yet to commence)  Tax Ombudsman review of ATO’s management of remission of the general interest charge (GIC) (submissions closed)  CA ANZ submission to Tax Ombudsman’s review on remission of general interest charge  CA ANZ submission on the draft ATO concessions framework  CA ANZ response to Tax Ombudsman’s 2025-26 work plan (May 2025)  CA ANZ submission to Tax Ombudsman’s 2026 workplan refresh (November 2025)  Tax Ombudsman’s refreshed work plan FY25/26 Smaller Practices Centre  Contact the podcast  Small Firm, Big Impact podcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March, 2025 the new CA ANZ Professional Standards Scheme was approved by the Professional Standards Council. CA ANZ has provided a scheme for Australian members in practice since 1997. Kristen Wydell FCA, CA ANZ General Manager – Professional Standards, joins host Gillian Bowen to explain this latest development and what it means for CA ANZ members in public practice. Resources referred to in this episode: CA ANZ’s Professional Standards Scheme | CA ANZ New CA ANZ Professional Standards Scheme approved in Australia | CA ANZ Sharing Knowledge Webinar The Scheme and Professional Indemnity insurance | CA ANZ Professional Standards Council and Professional Standards Authority | CA ANZ Current Scheme Documents | Professional Standards Councils Minimum Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance calculator | CA ANZ Your Professional Standards Scheme self checkup | CA ANZ Professional Standards Support | CA ANZ CA ANZ podcast page See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Government has unveiled Budget 2025, which includes an ‘Investment Boost' to accelerate depreciation, significant changes to KiwiSaver, and additional funding for Inland Revenue. Peter Vial FCA, CA ANZ New Zealand Country Head, and John Cuthbertson FCA, CA ANZ New Zealand Tax and Financial Services Leader join Daniel Webster, CA ANZ New Zealand Public Affairs Manager in this special episode of Small Firm, Big Impact to unpack the announcements. As with any budget, there are winners and losers – tune in to hear the team's analysis, straight from the Beehive Lock-up. Resources referred to in the episode: CA ANZ’s 2025 NZ Budget Coverage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Gillian Bowen explores the cutting-edge advancements transforming the audit profession. Joined by Steven Watson FCA, Managing Director at National Audits Group and Masood Mehmood FCCA, CA, CA ANZ Senior Policy Advocate - Reporting and Assurance, the discussion looks at how Gen AI, automation, and other innovative tools are changing the audit process, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring higher quality outcomes. The discussion also addresses the opportunities and challenges for audit firms, especially smaller-sized practices, and highlights the new CA ANZ resource, Audit and technology playbook: A practitioner’s guide. Find out how to stay competitive in a tech-driven environment and gain valuable insights from our experts.  Resources referred to in this episode:  Audit and technology playbook: A practitioner’s guide  Acuity article on the guide CA ANZ Cyber Security Playbook CA ANZ’s Certificate in AI Fluency CA ANZ’s micro courses  Exploring the IESBA Code - A Focus on Technology guide IESBA’s Technology-related Revisions to the Code IAASB ISA 220 (Revised), Quality Management for an Audit of Financial Statements IAASB ISA 315 (Revised), Identifying and Assessing Risks of Material Misstatements International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) 1  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small Firm, Big Impact Host Gillian Bowen catches up* with Ruth Owen, the Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman, about crucial updates and insights that Chartered Accountants need to know. Hear about recent focus areas for the Tax Ombudsman, including ATO service standards and ATO letters. Ruth also shares valuable information on the role of the Tax Ombudsman, elimination of the backlog for the complaints line and how you can effectively address and escalate client issues. This discussion gives a useful update on the evolving landscape of tax administration and how the Tax Ombudsman can also assist with Tax Practitioner Board matters.  Resources referred to in this episode:  Tax Ombudsman website  Tax Ombudsman’s work plan  Tax Ombudsman’s systemic review of the effectiveness of the ATO’s registered agent phone line  Poll on the ATO’s registered agent phone line  Tax Ombudsman’s review of ATO letters and written communications  Escalate complaints about the ATO with the Tax Ombudsman via its website or telephone on 1300 44 88 29 (1300 IGT TAX)  *This episode was recorded on 2 April 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.