10 Core Functions of an Integrated Accounting Firm

Author: Clarity Street At Clarity Street, we believe that a firm’s tech stack should not just be a collection of tools — it should be a strategically aligned ecosystem. One that empowers teams to work smarter, not harder, by reducing friction, improving visibility, and delivering a better client experience at every…

Interest Rate Cut Likely After Unemployment Rises

The jobless rate rose to 4.3 per cent, marking a notable shift from the near-record lows observed since the pandemic recovery. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed a net employment increase of 2,000 positions in June. Part-time roles grew by 40,000 and full-time employment by…

Gold and Real Estate Stocks Slide Amid Tensions

Investor sentiment was shaken by the Reserve Bank of Australia’s unexpected decision to keep interest rates on hold, as well as escalating trade tensions led by the United States. The S&P/ASX 200 index slipped by 52.10 points, ending the session at 8538.6. Real estate stocks declined by 1.7 per cent,…

ASX at Record High on Interest Rate Cut Optimism

This came after softer-than-anticipated retail sales data suggested consumers are still holding back on spending. This added pressure on the central bank to take further action to support economic momentum.  The S&P/ASX 200 rose by 56.6 points, or 0.7 per cent, finishing the day at 8597.70. This figure was a…

Audit Shield claims activity across Australia Jul 24 – Jun 25

Trends and Insights from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025   Each year, thousands of public practice accountants across Australia rely on Audit Shield to manage the financial risk of audit activity initiated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and other government revenue authorities.  The claims submitted through Audit…

Aussies Rely on Refunds Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis

With the financial squeeze showing little sign of easing, millions of Australians are depending on their upcoming tax return to help them navigate another tough financial year. According to fresh findings from comparison site Finder, around 47 per cent of Australians are expecting a refund after July 1. But instead…

The Number of Australians Working Falls

This marks a shift following two months of strong employment gains and adds weight to the growing expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may proceed with another interest rate cut in July. According to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the unemployment rate held steady…

ASX Falls as Banks and Miners Weigh Down Market

The S&P ASX 200 index fell 27 points, or 0.3 per cent. The day began with optimism but turned volatile as trade worries re-emerged. Trump’s comments signaled a possible escalation in global tariffs within a fortnight, particularly with China. These fears pulled investor focus away from risk, leading to declines…

Is It Time for the RBA to Cut Rates?

With the population expanding faster than output, the country has effectively slipped back into a per capita recession. This is not the first time economic output has failed to keep pace with population growth. Nine out of the last 11 quarters have seen the same trend. Compared to three years…

Australia’s Housing Surge Falls Short of Targets

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), residential construction grew by 7 per cent in the year to March. This included $24.275 billion spent on new home builds in the March quarter alone. However, the scale of growth remains inadequate to reach the goal of…