HMRC, AI and the Future of Leadership: Accountex Summit Manchester Unveils 2026 Seminar Programme 

The eighth edition of Accountex Summit Manchester is taking place on 15 September 2026 at Manchester Central. 

The free CPD-accredited seminar programme has just been released, delivered across five theatres, including a new addition, the Showcase Stage.  

Sessions will cover everything from HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and Making Tax Digital to AML compliance, Companies House reform and the future of leadership in the profession. 

2026 also marks a new chapter for the event, with the FD Show joining Accountex Summit Manchester for the very first time, bringing its own dedicated theatre and programme for finance directors and senior finance professionals. 

Portfolio Director Caroline Hobden said: “We’re proud to bring this year’s seminar programme to Manchester, giving accounting and finance professionals across the North direct access to expertise, education and thought leadership that they can take straight back to their practice or business.” 

Here are a few of the standout sessions… 

• HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap 

Jonathan Athow, Director General for Strategy and Policy, HM Revenue & Customs, will share how HMRC has delivered on the first year of its Transformation Roadmap. Attendees will find out what has happened so far, what’s coming next, and how different groups can get involved in the next steps for the UK’s tax and customs authority. 

• HMRC Making Tax Digital – Where we are now and where we are heading 

Craig Ogilvie, Director of Making Tax Digital, HM Revenue & Customs, will provide an update following the roll-out of the first phase of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. Craig will also look ahead to the next phase, launching from 6 April 2027 to include businesses with a turnover above £30,000. 

• An update on Companies House reform and accounts changes 

Henry Vaile and Sarah Whitehead, Companies House, will give an overview of the phased implementation of reforms introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, with a particular focus on accounts reform and how Companies House is taking on a bigger role in tackling economic crime and supporting economic growth. 

• AML Essentials: The fundamentals that matter 

Aranjeet Gill (ACCA), David Potts (AIA) and Jane Mellor (CIOT/ATT) will share the most common AML compliance failures, and how to prevent them. This practical session offers actionable insights to help strengthen firms’ AML processes, reduce risk and stay compliant with evolving regulatory requirements. 

• Future talent: Why different people will be tomorrow’s leaders 

Mo Kanjilal, Edge Of Difference, will lead a panel discussion exploring how AI, changing attitudes to employment and rising self-employment are reshaping the future of leadership in accountancy. The session will look at gender, racial, neuro, socio-economic and age diversity, alongside practical ideas for leaders to consider now. 

• I let AI do every role in my accountancy practice. I don’t recommend it 

Alexis Kingsbury, host of the De-stress Your Business podcast, deliberately pushed AI to run every role in an accountancy practice to stress-test where it really helps and where it breaks down. In this candid session, Alexis will share what happened, and why firms so often struggle to make AI-driven change stick.

Explore the full seminar programme here. 

Accountex Summit Manchester incorporating the FD Show 2026 takes place on 15 September 2026 at Manchester Central. 

Book your free ticket here. 

The post HMRC, AI and the Future of Leadership: Accountex Summit Manchester Unveils 2026 Seminar Programme  appeared first on Accounting Insight News.