Morning all. Here’s the news.
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Old browsers won’t be able to use HMRC online
Businesses using old browsers using the SSLv3 protocol will no longer be able to connect to HMRC online services from 30 September 2015.
For the majority of online customers this will mean no change. SSLv3 is a security protocol that is meant to provide secure communication. But it is considered insecure and is no longer supported by many browsers.
“You should ensure your browser (or other software) is capable of using and configured to use ‘Transport Layer Security’ (TLS) 1.0 or above, (TLS 1.1 and 1.2),” advises HMRC.
If you are uncertain about the type of secure connection your browser or other software can support, you can check it here.
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Frustrated accountants using the gig economy
Young accountants frustrated with lack of development are turning toward the ‘gig economy’, according to AccountingWEB US.
The gig economy refers to websites like Odesk and Elance, where people can offer their services as independent contractors. “Partners and staffers alike, feeling stifled and underused at their current firms, are finding a broad array of new opportunities at other firms,” writes Rick Telberg. “And where they can’t find the right position at another firm, they are creating their own.”
Telberg recounts the story of Derek Davis, a L.A. based accountant, who left a career at a Big Four firm to start his own practice. “But his first hire at the new firm wasn’t an assistant, nor was his first partner another CPA. Instead, Davis teamed with a software designer and didn’t even open an office, they launched an iPhone app.”
According to Telberg, the shift to the gig economy is being exacerbated by management. Young employees frustrations aren’t being remedied. “A managing partner at a midsized firm in Florida said his firm has never offered mentoring, coaching or leadership development,” says Telberg. “And he doesn’t plan to. To him, that’s the responsibility of the employee. He tells staffers, ‘Be willing to provide your own career advancement’.”
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Xero and iZettle announce partnership
For those considering a switch to Xero, the cloud accounting firm has upped its cooperation with iZettle, a mobile payments company focussing on small businesses.
Small businesses that sign up to Xero and iZettle will get free Xero for three months, a basic iZettle card reader and no fee on the first £1,000 of transactions.
There’s also the option to upgrade to iZettle’s bluetooth reader that accepts Apple Pay and contactless payments.