Refocusing the consultancy equation in a changing world In a rapidly changing business world, consultancy firms are increasingly exposed: they exist at the intersection of sensitive client data, complex regulation, and rapidly evolving technologies. This means that robust policies around AI, governance, and data handling are no longer just best practice but essential to their…
A business perspective on Europe’s growing water dependency For years, executives have worried about energy prices. Today, they may need to start worrying about something even more fundamental: water. The current drought affecting Europe’s major rivers is often described as an environmental issue. But the business implications tell a different story. Low water levels…
Tax compliance has always been the cornerstone of the tax function of businesses. The timely filing of tax returns and payment of the underlying liabilities, the proper interpretation and application of tax legislation, and the effective response to tax audits often constitute the key indicators for assessing the effectiveness of a tax function. However, in a modern…
A Gateway to International Shipping Cyprus has established itself as one of the world’s leading maritime centres, offering a strategically located gateway between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. As an EU Member State with one of the largest ship registries in Europe and one of the largest third-party ship management centre in the European…
“We’ve sold almost every apartment, so why haven’t our profits increased?” This is one of the most common questions property developers ask when reviewing their financial statements. Imagine a developer who has pre-sold 80% of a new residential project. Buyers have paid substantial deposits, banks are satisfied with the pre-sales, and construction is progressing according…
Emeritus Professor Joe Nellis is economic adviser at MHA, the accountancy and advisory firm. The ECB’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged was expected, following inflation falling in June for the first time this year. After raising interest rates last month, the ECB has shown patience while they assess whether higher borrowing costs are effectively…
From record-keeper to architect of value: the skills that will matter most in the era of agentic AI For decades, a company’s finance function has been synonymous with rigor, control, and a backward-looking gaze: month-end closings, reconciliations, reports that confirm what has already happened. The chief financial officer was, in essence, the guardian of the…
For many non-profit organizations (NPOs), preparing consolidated financial statements is not always straightforward. Unlike the corporate sector, where ownership is often the determining factor, consolidation under IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements is based on control. This distinction frequently creates challenges, particularly for organizations operating through foundations, charitable trusts, subsidiaries, or affiliated entities. In practice, one of the most common misconceptions is that an entity…
The retail, consumer, and hospitality sectors continue to operate in an environment shaped by rising costs, changing consumer behaviour, and increasing digitalisation. While these pressures are well understood, what is becoming increasingly evident through internal audits is that many of the underlying risks are operational rather than purely financial. Organizations that address these risks proactively…
