WEEKLY EDITION BY MARINA MOUKA

Welcome to your latest Accountancy Age’s Weekend Digest, your go-to source for the week’s top insights and updates tailored for accountants.

◼ Tech CFOs are transforming indirect tax from a compliance burden into a growth lever.

◼ PwC edges BDO in AIM rankings by client value, despite fewer overall mandates.

◼ EY upgrades UK GDP growth to 1% for 2025 but warns of slower years ahead.

INSIGHTS

How tech CFOs are turning indirect tax into a strategic advantage

Technology CFOs are rethinking how their organisations handle indirect tax, moving beyond manual processes and siloed systems to convert compliance into a source of business value.

Traditionally seen as a cost centre, indirect tax is increasingly recognised as an area where finance leaders can enhance efficiency, manage risk, and contribute directly to growth strats.

The shift is driven by three pressures: the growing complexity of global tax rules, the rising cost of audits, and the operational drag caused by outdated systems.

RANKINGS

FTSE AIM 100: PwC and BDO battle for value

The latest Adviser Rankings Ltd figures for AIM auditors reveal a quarter of mixed fortunes for firms across the rankings.

While PKF Littlejohn continues to lead by client numbers, PwC has overtaken BDO to claim the top position by aggregate market capitalisation of its clients, reflecting the strategic importance of a high-value client base over sheer volume.

INSIGHTS

EY summer forecast: early sunshine, weaker growth later

The EY ITEM Club’s Summer Forecast has upgraded UK GDP growth for 2025 to 1%, up from 0.8% predicted in April.

While the revision reflects a stronger-than-expected start to the year, the report warns that global uncertainty, weakening labour markets, and the impact of higher interest rates will keep economic momentum subdued through 2027.