FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
ICAS opens doors to armed forces
ICAS has been added as a learning provider for the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, which promotes lifelong learning for members of the armed forces, past and present.
Military personnel can enhance their skills and career prospects through the Certificate in Accountancy and Business (CAB), ICAS’ new qualification, which promises to open doors to an extensive range of business roles following their time in service.
The CAB is a professional certification designed to develop practical expertise in key areas of accountancy, business and finance. The qualification is ideal for those with no prior knowledge of accountancy or business and is perfect for service members aiming to transition seamlessly into civilian roles.
With a syllabus covering essential topics such as ethics, financial reporting, assurance, taxation, business law and finance management, the CAB ensures participants gain a comprehensive foundation of knowledge to set them on the path to success.
“The CAB not only upskills individuals, but also boosts their confidence, helps them gain credibility in a variety of sectors, and enables them to stand out in a competitive job market,” said ICAS CEO, Bruce Cartwright CA.
“We are grateful to the MOD for recognising ICAS as an approved learning provider and look forward to supporting service men and women in their next chapters.”
Minister for Veterans and People, and a former colonel, Alistair Carns, said: “This new partnership with ICAS is a fantastic opportunity for our people to build on their existing skills and gain valuable qualifications. By supporting our armed forces family with their professional development, we are not only enhancing their careers during military service but also preparing them for a bright future in the civilian workforce.”
Learn more about the Certificate in Accountancy and Business
ICAS opens doors to armed forces
ICAS has been added as a learning provider for the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, which promotes lifelong learning for members of the armed forces, past and present.
Military personnel can enhance their skills and career prospects through the Certificate in Accountancy and Business (CAB), ICAS’ new qualification, which promises to open doors to an extensive range of business roles following their time in service.
The CAB is a professional certification designed to develop practical expertise in key areas of accountancy, business and finance. The qualification is ideal for those with no prior knowledge of accountancy or business and is perfect for service members aiming to transition seamlessly into civilian roles.
With a syllabus covering essential topics such as ethics, financial reporting, assurance, taxation, business law and finance management, the CAB ensures participants gain a comprehensive foundation of knowledge to set them on the path to success.
“The CAB not only upskills individuals, but also boosts their confidence, helps them gain credibility in a variety of sectors, and enables them to stand out in a competitive job market,” said ICAS CEO, Bruce Cartwright CA.
“We are grateful to the MOD for recognising ICAS as an approved learning provider and look forward to supporting service men and women in their next chapters.”
Minister for Veterans and People, and a former colonel, Alistair Carns, said: “This new partnership with ICAS is a fantastic opportunity for our people to build on their existing skills and gain valuable qualifications. By supporting our armed forces family with their professional development, we are not only enhancing their careers during military service but also preparing them for a bright future in the civilian workforce.”
Learn more about the Certificate in Accountancy and Business
Autumn crunch
ICAS has responded to the spring statement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves. While predictions that she would not use the occasion to announce tax rises proved correct, ICAS is not alone in thinking she may merely be delaying the inevitable.
Reeves said HMRC would raise an additional £1bn a year by tackling tax evasion and avoidance, but with the Office of Budget Responsibility slashing its growth forecast for 2025 to 1%, she risks falling short of her targets.
“Promising improved GDP growth, as well as delivering more cost-effective and better-quality public services are major challenges in themselves,” said the CEO, Bruce Cartwright CA. “Doing all of this at the same time as decreasing the tax gap is a very tall order. As a result, we think autumn will be crunch time, with the potential for a very tricky Budget.”
You can read ICAS’ full statement here.
Autumn crunch
ICAS has responded to the spring statement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves. While predictions that she would not use the occasion to announce tax rises proved correct, ICAS is not alone in thinking she may merely be delaying the inevitable.
Reeves said HMRC would raise an additional £1bn a year by tackling tax evasion and avoidance, but with the Office of Budget Responsibility slashing its growth forecast for 2025 to 1%, she risks falling short of her targets.
“Promising improved GDP growth, as well as delivering more cost-effective and better-quality public services are major challenges in themselves,” said the CEO, Bruce Cartwright CA. “Doing all of this at the same time as decreasing the tax gap is a very tall order. As a result, we think autumn will be crunch time, with the potential for a very tricky Budget.”
You can read ICAS’ full statement here.
Ethical Leadership Forum 2025
Join us, live from our London broadcast studio, for the ICAS Ethical Leadership Forum 2025, an in-depth exploration of ethical leadership and its critical role in shaping corporate culture. Hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson, the forum will also explore the emerging risks associated with the rapid deployment of AI across all sectors.
Keynote speaker and journalist Nick Wallis will reflect on his extensive reporting of the Post Office scandal, in which a lack of honesty and accountability led both to unthinkable harm to individuals and reputational damage to the business.
This will be followed by two thought-provoking panel discussions; first on the importance of an ethical culture and how this is achieved, then on the ethical implications of new technologies, including AI. A diverse line-up of industry experts will share their experiences and best practices to help foster a strong ethical culture – one that ensures long-term sustainability and success for your organisation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your standing as an ethical leader.
Attending this event can count towards your annual CPD requirement, depending on your role and development needs.
Date: 3 June 2025
Time: 09.30–12.00 BST
Location: Online
Free for ICAS members and students, £60+VAT for non-members
For more information and to register, click here
Ethical Leadership Forum 2025
Join us, live from our London broadcast studio, for the ICAS Ethical Leadership Forum 2025, an in-depth exploration of ethical leadership and its critical role in shaping corporate culture. Hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson, the forum will also explore the emerging risks associated with the rapid deployment of AI across all sectors.
Keynote speaker and journalist Nick Wallis will reflect on his extensive reporting of the Post Office scandal, in which a lack of honesty and accountability led both to unthinkable harm to individuals and reputational damage to the business.
This will be followed by two thought-provoking panel discussions; first on the importance of an ethical culture and how this is achieved, then on the ethical implications of new technologies, including AI. A diverse line-up of industry experts will share their experiences and best practices to help foster a strong ethical culture – one that ensures long-term sustainability and success for your organisation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your standing as an ethical leader.
Attending this event can count towards your annual CPD requirement, depending on your role and development needs.
Date: 3 June 2025
Time: 09.30–12.00 BST
Location: Online
Free for ICAS members and students, £60+VAT for non-members
For more information and to register, click here
Thrive in 2025
The ICAS Practice Conference returns in June under the strapline “Thrive in 2025”. The economy is in a state of flux and the profession is no exception, with financial instability, succession problems, evolving client demands and rapid technological developments all among the notable challenges facing the world of practice.
Hosted by Principle Point founder and MD, Richard Sergeant, the conference will examine three key areas:
- People – building a successful culture and effective communication
- Process – innovative solutions that enhance practice efficiency and client experiences
- Technology – cybersecurity, AI and LinkedIn
There will be sessions and workshops to help you focus on the direction of your firm and build value. This year sees the introduction of the practice hub, where you can talk to the experts directly, learn about the latest tech, meet the wider ICAS team and much more.
Date: 11 June 2025
Time: 09.00–18.00 BST
Free for ICAS students, members and employees of member firms. Dress code business casual
For more information, including speaker line-up, and to register, click here
Thrive in 2025
The ICAS Practice Conference returns in June under the strapline “Thrive in 2025”. The economy is in a state of flux and the profession is no exception, with financial instability, succession problems, evolving client demands and rapid technological developments all among the notable challenges facing the world of practice.
Hosted by Principle Point founder and MD, Richard Sergeant, the conference will examine three key areas:
- People – building a successful culture and effective communication
- Process – innovative solutions that enhance practice efficiency and client experiences
- Technology – cybersecurity, AI and LinkedIn
There will be sessions and workshops to help you focus on the direction of your firm and build value. This year sees the introduction of the practice hub, where you can talk to the experts directly, learn about the latest tech, meet the wider ICAS team and much more.
Date: 11 June 2025
Time: 09.00–18.00 BST
Free for ICAS students, members and employees of member firms. Dress code business casual
For more information, including speaker line-up, and to register, click here
Your ICAS, your vote
The member nominations are in and voting is now open for the contested ICAS Council seats and for the 2025 ICAS AGM resolutions.
All ICAS members should by now have received a voting email from Mi-Voice, the independent election scrutineer which is managing the voting on behalf of ICAS.
The email will contain full information on the seats open for election and the candidates – including their pitches to the membership.
Voting will close on Wednesday 23 April at 12 noon (BST) and the results of the elections will be announced at the ICAS AGM on Friday 25 April.
Find more information and meet the candidates
Your ICAS, your vote
The member nominations are in and voting is now open for the contested ICAS Council seats and for the 2025 ICAS AGM resolutions.
All ICAS members should by now have received a voting email from Mi-Voice, the independent election scrutineer which is managing the voting on behalf of ICAS.
The email will contain full information on the seats open for election and the candidates – including their pitches to the membership.
Voting will close on Wednesday 23 April at 12 noon (BST) and the results of the elections will be announced at the ICAS AGM on Friday 25 April.
Find more information and meet the candidates
AGM 2025
Join our Annual General Meeting 2025, at CA House in Edinburgh and online, to vote on business including approval of the 2024 Annual Report and consolidated financial statements, and to hear the announcement of the ICAS office bearers for 2025/26 and the results of the election of the electoral area and open seat members of Council.
For those attending in person, there will be refreshments available from 13.30. Members are encouraged to vote by proxy in advance of the AGM either online or by post. Those joining the AGM by Teams and who wish to vote during the meeting will be required to vote online using the voting instructions sent to them by Mi-Voice ahead of the AGM.
Date: 25 April 2025
Time: 14.15–15.00 BST
Location: CA House, 21 Haymarket Yards, Edinburgh EH12 5BH or online via MS Teams
Register here for the AGM
AGM 2025
Join our Annual General Meeting 2025, at CA House in Edinburgh and online, to vote on business including approval of the 2024 Annual Report and consolidated financial statements, and to hear the announcement of the ICAS office bearers for 2025/26 and the results of the election of the electoral area and open seat members of Council.
For those attending in person, there will be refreshments available from 13.30. Members are encouraged to vote by proxy in advance of the AGM either online or by post. Those joining the AGM by Teams and who wish to vote during the meeting will be required to vote online using the voting instructions sent to them by Mi-Voice ahead of the AGM.
Date: 25 April 2025
Time: 14.15–15.00 BST
Location: CA House, 21 Haymarket Yards, Edinburgh EH12 5BH or online via MS Teams
Register here for the AGM
Practical support for CAs
As an ICAS member, you can sign up for the complimentary Croner-i Navigate-Lite and gain access to an array of free resources designed to simplify tax planning.
Croner-i Navigate Tax and Accounting is the comprehensive resource platform for tax, audit and accounting professionals that streamlines workloads, enhances knowledge, improves reporting, ensures compliance and reduces reliance on costly external advice.
With Navigate-Lite you will receive:
- Free updates: Stay informed with the latest tax news and updates.
- Weekly e-alerts: Receive timely reminders and tips directly to your inbox.
- Feature articles: Access in-depth articles on various tax topics.
- Online toolkits: Utilise practical tools to aid tax planning.
- Expert Q&As: Obtain answers to pressing tax questions from industry experts.
Enhance your knowledge, improve reporting, ensure compliance, and reduce reliance on costly external advice with Croner-i's Navigate-Lite platform.
Croner-i is committed to ensuring that your tax and accounting practice runs with seamless efficiency and effectiveness.
Practical support for CAs
As an ICAS member, you can sign up for the complimentary Croner-i Navigate-Lite and gain access to an array of free resources designed to simplify tax planning.
Croner-i Navigate Tax and Accounting is the comprehensive resource platform for tax, audit and accounting professionals that streamlines workloads, enhances knowledge, improves reporting, ensures compliance and reduces reliance on costly external advice.
With Navigate-Lite you will receive:
- Free updates: Stay informed with the latest tax news and updates.
- Weekly e-alerts: Receive timely reminders and tips directly to your inbox.
- Feature articles: Access in-depth articles on various tax topics.
- Online toolkits: Utilise practical tools to aid tax planning.
- Expert Q&As: Obtain answers to pressing tax questions from industry experts.
Enhance your knowledge, improve reporting, ensure compliance, and reduce reliance on costly external advice with Croner-i's Navigate-Lite platform.
Croner-i is committed to ensuring that your tax and accounting practice runs with seamless efficiency and effectiveness.
Learn, lead and give back
Did you know that by joining an ICAS board, committee or panel you can boost your career and play a part in shaping the profession?
ICAS members have until 17.00 BST on Tuesday 15 April to apply for one of a number of vacant roles we have available. The volunteer members of ICAS range from early-career CAs to established business leaders. Their collective expertise helps keep ICAS at the top of its game and makes sure it’s providing value for members.
Volunteering with ICAS can deliver a wide range of personal and professional benefits. These can include growing your network and developing new skills in areas such as leadership and strategic delivery. There’s the pride and satisfaction that comes from giving back to the profession and supporting the next generation. It’s also a great way of staying connected to what’s happening in the profession and the wider marketplace.
“Being involved with ICAS Members Board has allowed me to make connections with CAs across the world. Hearing perspectives from those with different backgrounds, years of experience and perspectives has been highly enjoyable,” said Lucas Alexander-Crichton, Senior Manager, Audit, EY.
This quarter we have 16 vacancies open for applications:
• Highlands Area Network Committee Chair
• Scotland West Area Network Committee Chair
• Practice Board (x3)
• Private Client Committee (x3)
• Investigation Committee (x2)
• Members Board – seats in Highlands, Grampian & Scotland West (x3)
• Ethics Board (x2)
• Ethics Board Chair
To register your interest in any of these roles, please email members@icas.com
Learn, lead and give back
Did you know that by joining an ICAS board, committee or panel you can boost your career and play a part in shaping the profession?
ICAS members have until 17.00 BST on Tuesday 15 April to apply for one of a number of vacant roles we have available. The volunteer members of ICAS range from early-career CAs to established business leaders. Their collective expertise helps keep ICAS at the top of its game and makes sure it’s providing value for members.
Volunteering with ICAS can deliver a wide range of personal and professional benefits. These can include growing your network and developing new skills in areas such as leadership and strategic delivery. There’s the pride and satisfaction that comes from giving back to the profession and supporting the next generation. It’s also a great way of staying connected to what’s happening in the profession and the wider marketplace.
“Being involved with ICAS Members Board has allowed me to make connections with CAs across the world. Hearing perspectives from those with different backgrounds, years of experience and perspectives has been highly enjoyable,” said Lucas Alexander-Crichton, Senior Manager, Audit, EY.
This quarter we have 16 vacancies open for applications:
• Highlands Area Network Committee Chair
• Scotland West Area Network Committee Chair
• Practice Board (x3)
• Private Client Committee (x3)
• Investigation Committee (x2)
• Members Board – seats in Highlands, Grampian & Scotland West (x3)
• Ethics Board (x2)
• Ethics Board Chair
To register your interest in any of these roles, please email members@icas.com
Fraser Mackay CA
Finance Manager, FP&A, Luton Airport
What attracted to your current role?
I have always been excited by aviation, so the opportunity to join this dynamic industry was impossible to decline. No two days are ever the same here. My key responsibility is managing the operating budgets, so it is very hands-on with the operation, which I absolutely love. I also value the opportunity to develop skills that support my future career ambitions, such as line management and expanding my FP&A [financial planning and analysis] knowledge. In any role continuous learning is essential – not only does it keep things fresh, but it allows for faster career progression.
Which part of your ICAS training has helped you most to date?
Working in industry, those classic TPE [Test of Professional Expertise] exam scenarios seem to occur on a near daily basis. The most helpful aspect for me has been the ability to step back and look at the bigger picture when making important decisions. I’ve found that good decision making is the most important thing a CA does. Thanks to my training, I can understand how any business works, enabling me to make more informed decisions. ICAS helped me develop that critical way of thinking. I expect that to become increasingly valuable as I progress in my career.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year or so?
I hope to take on more corporate finance responsibilities. After three years training in audit, and four working in FP&A post-qualification, I am eager to continue expanding my practical knowledge and branch out into other areas of finance. My ultimate goal is to become a CFO, and to achieve that I need to ensure my experience covers all bases. Corporate finance is one obvious gap in my CV, so gaining exposure there would keep me engaged and help me progress, too.
What do you enjoy most about working for your company?
It’s a cliche, I know, but it has to be the people I work with. Having a great team around you not only makes coming to work genuinely enjoyable, but also makes life easier because you can rely on their support and expertise. Company culture is a key factor for me when choosing any role. We spend so much of our lives at work, if it isn’t enjoyable, it becomes unsustainable in the long term. Great companies understand this, and I feel lucky to work for one of them.
What would you say to anyone else thinking about studying to become a CA?
The CA qualification provides an incredible number of opportunities, and having options is always valuable. Since qualifying, my life has completely transformed for the better – so many doors have opened that I never even knew existed, and I now have the flexibility to live and work almost anywhere in the world. I’ve also met so many incredible individuals through my work. I can’t imagine where I would be without my CA, but I am certain I would not be where I am today.
If you are interested in business and have the desire to learn, then I could not recommend ICAS enough. Even if you decide that audit or tax is not right for you long term, the qualification provides so many alternative career options that you’ll thank yourself for pursuing it – I certainly have.
Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk
Fraser Mackay
Finance Manager, FP&A, Luton Airport
What attracted to your current role?
I have always been excited by aviation, so the opportunity to join this dynamic industry was impossible to decline. No two days are ever the same here. My key responsibility is managing the operating budgets, so it is very hands-on with the operation, which I absolutely love. I also value the opportunity to develop skills that support my future career ambitions, such as line management and expanding my FP&A [financial planning and analysis] knowledge. In any role continuous learning is essential – not only does it keep things fresh, but it allows for faster career progression.
Which part of your ICAS training has helped you most date?
Working in industry, those classic TPE [Test of Professional Expertise] exam scenarios seem to occur on a near daily basis. The most helpful aspect for me has been the ability to step back and look at the bigger picture when making important decisions. I’ve found that good decision making is the most important thing a CA does. Thanks to my training, I can understand how any business works, enabling me to make more informed decisions. ICAS helped me develop that critical way of thinking. I expect that to become increasingly valuable as I progress in my career.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year or so?
I hope to take on more corporate finance responsibilities. After three years training in audit, and four working in FP&A post-qualification, I am eager to continue expanding my practical knowledge and branch out into other areas of finance. My ultimate goal is to become a CFO, and to achieve that I need to ensure my experience covers all bases. Corporate finance is one obvious gap in my CV, so gaining exposure there would keep me engaged and help me progress, too.
What do you enjoy most about working for your company?
It’s a cliche, I know, but it has to be the people I work with. Having a great team around you not only makes coming to work genuinely enjoyable, but also makes life easier because you can rely on their support and expertise. Company culture is a key factor for me when choosing any role. We spend so much of our lives at work, if it isn’t enjoyable, it becomes unsustainable in the long term. Great companies understand this, and I feel lucky to work for one of them.
What would you say to anyone else thinking about studying to become a CA?
The CA qualification provides an incredible number of opportunities, and having options is always valuable. Since qualifying, my life has completely transformed for the better – so many doors have opened that I never even knew existed, and I now have the flexibility to live and work almost anywhere in the world. I’ve also met so many incredible individuals through my work. I can’t imagine where I would be without my CA, but I am certain I would not be where I am today.
If you are interested in business and have the desire to learn, then I could not recommend ICAS enough. Even if you decide that audit or tax is not right for you long term, the qualification provides so many alternative career options that you’ll thank yourself for pursuing it – I certainly have.
Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk
Built with Shorthand