09

Feb 2017

Simple Australian “I” returns disappear from Australian Accountants’ Compliance work

By: Odyssey General
Tags: Automation, compliance

Technology is changing the way taxpayers worldwide interact with tax authorities. And it isn’t any different in Australia. The move towards self-lodging is inevitable for many reasons. Looking back into last century, Australia has had e-tax software for self lodgement since 1999 and for 15 years it was the only way for self-lodging individuals to lodge their tax return online. The …

19

Jan 2017

Blockchain DLT option to replace CHESS

By: Odyssey General
Tags: BlockChain, Disruption, securities

In the press last week was more about the changes about to affect the CHESS System. As reported, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has moved further down the track in developing a post-trade settlement system that will eventually replace the incumbent CHESS (Clearing House Electronic Sub-register System), and a blockchain-based system remains the front-runner.  We’ve certainly been mentioning the disruptive …

12

Jan 2017

Netflix Tax is coming… Are you ready?

By: Odyssey Legislation
Tags: GST, offshore, Outsourcing, Taxes

The new GST tax is coming. There’s been plenty of news about retailers being unable to compete with imports under $1,000 not having GST, but now the government is extending GST to digital products and other services imported by consumers. Introduced as the amazing Australia “Netflix tax” back in April 2015, and a move which would “level the playing field” it …

05

Jan 2017

NPP Disruption in real time payments coming this year…

By: Odyssey General
Tags: Banking, Disruption, New Payments infrastructure

Well this is the year when the NPP is due to be launched. Hailed as a game changer in the banking system that has the potential to transform how you pay for everything. Certainly this is a much needed system. Australians have certainly embraced electronic payments, but the payments systems behind electronic payments is certainly dated. The new piece of …

29

Dec 2016

Philippines – A race to the bottom for “per seat” costs

By: Odyssey General
Tags: Offshoring, Outsourcing, Per seat fee, Philippines

We recently saw a Philippines labour service provider advertise for a “seat fee” of sub Aus$200.  This is certainly setting the scene for a race to the bottom for “per seat” costs. The current race is reminiscent of any overcrowded market. People smell cash, and a lot of new entrants come into the market. Prices are forced down to early …

22

Dec 2016

Will Australia’s minimum wage force more work offshore?

By: Odyssey General
Tags: Australian bookkeeping, Australian compliance, Automation, offshore, Wages

Quick Question: In what country is it permissible under law to pay a minimum wage of US$2.13 per hour plus tips, or US$4.25 an hour for the first 90 calendar days of employment if under 20? Ok so yes, we agree the US$7.25 minimum wage in the US is probably a more reflective figure. But it’s still remarkably lower than the …

15

Dec 2016

Chatbots make a move on bookkeeping work

By: Odyssey Automation
Tags: Bots, Chatbots, Offshoring, Outsourcing

Bots and automation is a current theme in our blogs with recent posts discussing whether bots will beat offshoring and robotic process automation. Automation is an ongoing issue facing Australian accountants and we thought it time to look further into current market offerings from a couple of familiar Australian accounting software houses – Xero and Sage. Last week Xero announced …

08

Dec 2016

Clients won’t queue … Lessons for Australian Accountants from Australia’s Restaurant scene …

By: Odyssey General
Tags: compliance, Offfshore, Outsourcing

In a news article last month, Sydney diners were increasingly unwilling to stand in line waiting for their dinner. With more options for dining out and online booking at people’s fingertips, fewer diners were willing to queue for restaurants. As the article notes, people are becoming less and less patient. And “People don’t even want to wait for their coffee in …