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Econo-what?

3rd Feb 2012
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So there I was, indulging in a bit of post-January technical reading, and thinking how good and relevant a number or articles were in this month's Accountancy magazine, when a new publication landed on top of my reading pile.

Yes, none other than the ICAEW's new organ, Economia - no idea how you pronounce it or what it means. Is it a combination of economics and mania? According to Wikipedia, in Eastern Christianity it is "discretionary deviation from the letter of the law in order to adhere to the spirit of the law and charity", which hardly describes the mission of the ICAEW. However, "the basic meaning of the word is "handling" or "disposition" or "management" or more literally "housekeeping" of a thing, usually assuming or implying good or prudent handling (as opposed to poor handling) of the matter at hand", which sounds more like the traditional role of the beankeeper, so maybe it's not such a bad title.

Having said that, I'm not convinced that I need yet another magazine, especially one that seems to be a professional journal masquerading as some sort of coffee table read for fat cats - just look at the sections on fast cars and smart suits. Just who do they think their target readers are? Not small provincial practitioners, that's for sure.

* * *

OK, rant over. How was January for you? We survived, albeit after some long days and weekends. And, yes, the usual culprits were in late on 31st finalising their accounts as usual. A few estimated figures went in that will need to be finalised over the next couple of months, but nothing major. Overall, our concerted threats of higher fees and potential penalties from mid-2011 brought more work in earlier than in previous years so workflow management was tested more than previously. We were OK this time but we need to be better next year. We still filed far too many Returns in January, so once again January is a record billing month!

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By janefg
06th Feb 2012 13:29

Come back Accountancy!

I always complained about Accountancy, mainly because it was boring.  However, having glanced through Economia and found that I was at page 80 before anything vaguely technical appeared, I take it all back.  I would much rather have boring but informative and useful.  How is it that we have had Economia imposed on us, rather than Accountancy, with no warning and certainly without any consultation with the membership.  I don't think that Economia is at all "relevant to my interests" and needs as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, nor will it help my small practice to "support our clients through the challenges and opportunities ahead"!.

I think I am going to have to take out a subscription to Accountancy.  Economia is going straight into the recycle bin.  What a waste of my membership subscription.

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By chas01
02nd Mar 2012 12:04

ETHICS

Am I the only one who thinks it strange that our institute sells Accountancy and then after a few years sets up a magazine in competition?

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