Sir Jon Thompson is to leave the top post at HMRC after just three years to take on the role of chief executive at the troubled audit regulator, Financial Reporting Council (FRC)

Having an accountancy qualification or holding a masters of business administration (MBA) are the two most common routes to the top roles in the UK’s largest companies, according to a survey from recruitment specialist Robert Half

In this week’s accountancy career moves, partner hires at Grant Thornton, BHP, UHY Hacker Young and RSM, EY adds 57 partners, new council members at the Financial Reporting Council, board appointments at the Institute of Internal Auditors and Parasol bolsters IR35 service

Simon Wright, managing director at CareersinAudit.com gives the accountancy profession some pointers on how to ensure your online presence is professional and reflects your skills and experience

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into educational charity Avicenna Global due to concerns over potential misconduct and mismanagement at the Sheffield-based charity

Fraud is costing businesses and individuals in the UK £130bn each year, while the cost to the global economy is put at £3.89 trillion, with losses rising by 56% in the past decade

Top twenty firm Haines Watts has reported turnover of £96m for the year, up from £84m, recording a 13% hike in revenues  from both organic growth and an active acquisition strategy

Progress on improving diversity in senior roles at the UK’s largest companies has stalled according to two research reports, with one estimating FTSE 350 boards are unlikely to achieve gender balance before 2090 at the current rate

Smith & Williamson, the financial and professional services firm, has reported 4.3% growth as operating income hits £278m and confirmed it is still planning to list in 2020

In this week’s accountancy career moves, partner hires at RSM, CVR Global and Carey Olsen, promotions at Wylie & Bisset, onshore MD for trust specialist Zedra, and Revenue Scotland ramps up board members

Mazars plans to expand its presence in the US and Canada with the creation of the Mazars North America Alliance in a tie-up with five major accounting firms to challenge the Big Four in the region

Grant Thornton has teamed up with CIPFA to develop a financial foresight model to help local authorities understand and test their long-term financial sustainability

FTSE 100 companies are being criticised for a failing to tackle the lack of diversity on their boards despite new figures showing they are on track to hit a 33% target for female board representation by 2020

Advances in fintech could transform the accounting profession if firms leverage the technology to help growth their practices and offer extended services to their smaller clients, explains Sam O’Connor ACA, co-founder & CEO of smart banking app Coconut

Begbies Traynor has reported revenues of £60.1m in its latest annual report, up 15% from £52.4m last year