LETTERS

Revenue e-filing fiasco: someone getting paid to ‘not perform’?[QQ] The Inland Revenue’s continuing problems with its e-filing system (Online e-filing fiasco, page 2, 6 July) has shades of the Millennium Bridge (right) saga. Didn’t they actually ‘walk on it’ before they launched the system. I wouldn’t mind but someone is getting paid a fortune to not perform. I’d love the job of consultant supervising the project at #60k per annum!! JM Swallow, South Ockendon, Essex Don’t upset the Trekkies In reference to ‘Staying light years ahead of the rest,’ (Taking Stock, 13 July). You should know that accountants are notorious for absolute accuracy. The name of the captain of the starship ‘Enterprise’ in Star Trek: TNG was actually Jean Luc Picard, rather than just Luc Picard. The ‘uninitiated’ may not have noticed but the trekkies have. Simon Paskin, Worthing Disagreeing on fast track I have to disagree with Tom Gorman’s comment (letters, 13 July). CIPFA’s fast track is not an easy route to CIPFA or a second class CIPFA. The only people taking the fast track will be people who have already proved mastery of the technical accounting skills through another qualification. The Fast Track focusses on those parts of the qualification that make CIPFA unique. It includes sector specific financial reporting and financial and strategic management skills. There are considerable advantages to the CIPFA qualification throughout the public services, and not just in local government, as Mr Gorman seems to think. The emphasis on strategic and management skills has proved its value through the tendency of CIPFA people to rise to the most senior positions and the emphasis on public service ethics is of increasing importance. Quentin Langley, London Holiday blues hit pie chart Referring to your article Holiday blues for a third of FDs (page 3, 13 July), I am extremely disappointed with your biased reporting, and especially the pie chart which is misleading. The section for 45% was smaller than the segment for 20% and 13% appeared as the biggest area of all. This is ‘spin’ at its worst with the figures being manipulated to reflect the opinion of the author and not the results. I look forward to seeing the correct pie chart in next week’s edition. G P Lennon, Hampshire Editor’s note: The misleading layout of the pie chart was the result of simple human error, Many apologies, but there was no attempt to ‘spin’. The oldest profession I enjoyed your perceptive portrait of Grenville Johnston (page 4, 6 July) and especially the sense of vision and purpose which it conveyed about the profession in Scotland. It is in good hands. But given that I am an ICAS member – and our motto is Quaere Verum – I am compelled to remind your readers that 146 years is not old for a professional body. That distinction I believe goes to the Institution of Civil Engineers, founded in 1818 and awarded its Royal Charter in 1828. Several other engineering bodies date from the first half of the 19th century. Needless to say, they take care to remind others they are the ‘second oldest profession’. We all know the oldest one! Bill Cormie, West Sussex What a waste of my time I have just enquired of our tax office as to why a new notice of coding has not been received for an employee. The explanation was they have not received the relevant part of the P45 I sent when he started. However, that was in February 1997 and they have received three annual returns showing him as an employee. I can only conclude that annual returns are a waste of everybody’s time and money. Brian Worboys, Essex All letters should be sent to: The Editor, Accountancy Age,VNU House, 32-34 Broadwick Street, London W1A 2HG Tel: 0171 316 9236 Fax: 0171 316 9250 Or e-mail us on: [email protected] Accountancy Age reserves the right to edit letters for space or clarity. Please include your title, company name and a daytime telephone number.