It is truth, universally acknowledged, that accountants aren’t what they used to be. Accountex, UKs largest accounting technology event, held in London last week, brought accountants, technology providers and accounting technicians alike for a week. There was not a suit in sight, rather charities and tech stacks were discussed and debated.
Software companies Capitalise, Practice Ignition, Chaser, Spotlight and Receipt Bank launched Accountex 2018 with a tongue in cheek “Greatest Accountant of all Time” challenge.
The changing face of accountants was evidenced by the preceding playful banter on the twittersphere from the big four. That being, Aynsley Damery of Tayabali Tomlin, Alex Falcon Huerta of Soaring Falcon, Sharon Pocock of Kinder Pocock and Will Farnell of Farnell Clarke.
Yet, victory was claimed by Alan Woods of Wood Squared. Woods has donated his winnings to local charity Stick ‘n’ Step. “There was no doubt coming in that if we were lucky enough to win the prize monies then we would donate it to this great charity… everyone at Woods Squared knows the work that they do and the impact that they make to the families... we are delighted to be able to help them to continue to do just that.”
“We are so honoured to have be chosen by Alan for the wonderful donation. Stick 'n' Step helps children and their families with cerebral palsy by providing free conductive education sessions. This money will make a huge difference to the work we do and help children improve their confidence, independence and mobility.” Hettie Miles of Stick ‘n’ Step
The rhetoric “the industry is changing” is oft thrown about. However, at the epicentre of Accountex, it was apparent that these accountants are driven by a simple constant - a desire to do things better for their clients and to better serve their community.