FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
ICAS announces new CEO
ICAS has announced its new CEO. As of 1 January 2026, Gail Boag, currently Executive Director of Learning and Market Developments, will take over from outgoing CEO, Bruce Cartwright CA.
Boag brings with her a wealth of experience, with previous roles including being Dean of Edinburgh Napier’s Business School and Regional Director of Scotland for BT. She led ICAS’ recent transformation of the CA syllabus, designed to keep pace with advances in technology, data and sustainability and to ensure the quality of the CA qualification is recognised around the world. Her appointment also marks a first for ICAS, as Boag will become the first female CEO in the organisation’s 172-year history.
ICAS Council believes that Boag’s commercial and communication skills, combined with her strong leadership abilities, will enable ICAS to continue to pursue its ambitious strategy for growth.
On her appointment Boag said: “I’m deeply honoured to take on the role of CEO at ICAS. The organisation has a distinguished history of upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and public trust. My focus will be on ensuring that ICAS continues to act in the public interest while driving sustainable growth for the organisation, value for its members and relevance for our qualification. Together, we will build on ICAS’ proud legacy and strengthen its impact for the future.”
ICAS President, Karen Scholes CA, congratulated Boag on her appointment and said: “Gail has already demonstrated her mettle over the last three years… leading and delivering our new world-class CA syllabus. Gail brings with her a wealth of experience and I know that she will lead the organisation with drive and passion.”
ICAS Council thanked Cartwright, who has been in post since May 2018, for his leadership over many years, bringing a step change to the organisation’s operations and for setting a clear and visionary strategic direction. Cartwright, who said Boag “has already proven her strong leadership and effectiveness at ICAS”, will leave ICAS in March 2026 after a transition period.
ICAS announces new CEO
ICAS has announced its new CEO. As of 1 January 2026, Gail Boag, currently Executive Director of Learning and Market Developments, will take over from outgoing CEO, Bruce Cartwright CA.
Boag brings with her a wealth of experience, with previous roles including being Dean of Edinburgh Napier’s Business School and Regional Director of Scotland for BT. She led ICAS’ recent transformation of the CA syllabus, designed to keep pace with advances in technology, data and sustainability and to ensure the quality of the CA qualification is recognised around the world. Her appointment also marks a first for ICAS, as Boag will become the first female CEO in the organisation’s 172-year history.
ICAS Council believes that Boag’s commercial and communication skills, combined with her strong leadership abilities, will enable ICAS to continue to pursue its ambitious strategy for growth.
On her appointment Boag said: “I’m deeply honoured to take on the role of CEO at ICAS. The organisation has a distinguished history of upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and public trust. My focus will be on ensuring that ICAS continues to act in the public interest while driving sustainable growth for the organisation, value for its members and relevance for our qualification. Together, we will build on ICAS’ proud legacy and strengthen its impact for the future.”
ICAS President, Karen Scholes CA, congratulated Boag on her appointment and said: “Gail has already demonstrated her mettle over the last three years… leading and delivering our new world-class CA syllabus. Gail brings with her a wealth of experience and I know that she will lead the organisation with drive and passion.”
ICAS Council thanked Cartwright, who has been in post since May 2018, for his leadership over many years, bringing a step change to the organisation’s operations and for setting a clear and visionary strategic direction. Cartwright, who said Boag “has already proven her strong leadership and effectiveness at ICAS”, will leave ICAS in March 2026 after a transition period.
The sensemakers
The ICAS Annual Conference 2025 drew a large crowd to the Cavendish Rooms in London’s Square Mile last month. The audience of more than 200, with almost 100 more watching online, were informed, challenged and entertained by an array of speakers, including the UK’s leading economist, Paul Johnson, acclaimed editor Tina Brown and its most famous spaceman, Tim Peake.
In between the opening and closing keynotes, there were sessions on Britain’s role on the world stage, the AI revolution and balancing profit with purpose. We’ve picked out some highlights from the assembled speakers.
“You need consistency and clarity on what the model for growth is – and we are so far away from achieving that. The government is talking a good game but not following it up with their actions.”
Paul Johnson CBE, Provost, Queen’s College, Oxford
“The big economic fact of the 2020s has been a big increase in the size of the state and a big increase in the size of taxation, which will persist right through to the 2050s and 2060s. We need to get our heads around that and accept it, unless we’re going to privatise the NHS, means test the state pension or do something really radical – which I don’t see on the agenda.”
Paul Johnson CBE, Provost, Queen’s College, Oxford
“The UK’s intellectual capital is still very highly regarded, whether it’s MI6 or our research universities – especially as American scientists feel their lives are built on sand at the moment. The UK could become an attractive place for investors and for people fleeing the Trump administration’s anti-science atmosphere.”
Tina Brown, author, editor, broadcaster
“British culture is our weapon – everyone devours British content, from TV to theatre. We don’t do nearly enough to promote that.”
Tina Brown, author, editor, broadcaster
“We’re a nation of maverick entrepreneurs. That’s always been part of our DNA.”
Margaret Casely-Hayford, lawyer, governance expert
“China is a huge world player, but its bullying makes long-term coalition-building even more important – and the UK has a role to play in that.”
James Sproule, Chief Economist, Handelsbanken
“We have to give the top AI people in the UK the best infrastructure we can in order for them to be the best.”
Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science, University of Southampton
“AI can accelerate to the 80% mark very quickly, but do we want to live at 80%? Are you going to get the Picasso that way, the brilliant actors or inventors? As humans we’ve got to continue to strive for the 100%.”
Nick Fry, Chairman, McLaren Applied
“Like the economy, business has to be a part of society – it has to serve society. It has to have a purpose beyond profit.”
Omar Shaikh CA, MD, Global Ethical Finance Initiative
“Travel, done the right way, can alleviate poverty, create wealth distribution and transform communities for some of the most in-need citizens in the world.”
Bruce Poon Tip, founder, G Adventures
“I wanted to set up a business… where we could employ misfits and weirdos and people who shared the values that I believe in. I didn’t care what they’d done, I never took any references.”
Susie Warran-Smith, founder, Breakthrough Funding
“You only build resilience by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. That’s where you learn.”
Tim Peake CMG, former ESA astronaut
View more upcoming ICAS live events
The sensemakers
The ICAS Annual Conference 2025 drew a large crowd to the Cavendish Rooms in London’s Square Mile last month. The audience of more than 200, with almost 100 more watching online, were informed, challenged and entertained by an array of speakers, including the UK’s leading economist, Paul Johnson, acclaimed editor Tina Brown and its most famous spaceman, Tim Peake.
In between the opening and closing keynotes, there were sessions on Britain’s role on the world stage, the AI revolution and balancing profit with purpose. We’ve picked out some highlights from the assembled speakers.
“You need consistency and clarity on what the model for growth is – and we are so far away from achieving that. The government is talking a good game but not following it up with their actions.”
Paul Johnson CBE, Provost, Queen’s College, Oxford
“The big economic fact of the 2020s has been a big increase in the size of the state and a big increase in the size of taxation, which will persist right through to the 2050s and 2060s. We need to get our heads around that and accept it, unless we’re going to privatise the NHS, means test the state pension or do something really radical – which I don’t see on the agenda.”
Paul Johnson CBE, Provost, Queen’s College, Oxford
“The UK’s intellectual capital is still very highly regarded, whether it’s MI6 or our research universities – especially as American scientists feel their lives are built on sand at the moment. The UK could become an attractive place for investors and for people fleeing the Trump administration’s anti-science atmosphere.”
Tina Brown, author, editor, broadcaster
“British culture is our weapon – everyone devours British content, from TV to theatre. We don’t do nearly enough to promote that.”
Tina Brown, author, editor, broadcaster
“We’re a nation of maverick entrepreneurs. That’s always been part of our DNA.”
Margaret Casely-Hayford, lawyer, governance expert
“China is a huge world player, but its bullying makes long-term coalition-building even more important – and the UK has a role to play in that.”
James Sproule, Chief Economist, Handelsbanken
“We have to give the top AI people in the UK the best infrastructure we can in order for them to be the best.”
Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science, University of Southampton
“AI can accelerate to the 80% mark very quickly, but do we want to live at 80%? Are you going to get the Picasso that way, the brilliant actors or inventors? As humans we’ve got to continue to strive for the 100%.”
Nick Fry, Chairman, McLaren Applied
“Like the economy, business has to be a part of society – it has to serve society. It has to have a purpose beyond profit.”
Omar Shaikh CA, MD, Global Ethical Finance Initiative
“Travel, done the right way, can alleviate poverty, create wealth distribution and transform communities for some of the most in-need citizens in the world.”
Bruce Poon Tip, founder, G Adventures
“I wanted to set up a business… where we could employ misfits and weirdos and people who shared the values that I believe in. I didn’t care what they’d done, I never took any references.”
Susie Warran-Smith, founder, Breakthrough Funding
“You only build resilience by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. That’s where you learn.”
Tim Peake CMG, former ESA astronaut
View more upcoming ICAS live events
Digital dexterity
ICAS won two prizes at the Learning Technologies Awards 2025, held in London last month. It received the silver award for Best Use of Blended Learning – Public & Non-Profit Sector and bronze in the Best Digital Learning Transformation Programme category. The awards reflect the success of ICAS’ new syllabus in making digital learning more engaging, effective and relevant.
The Learning Technologies Awards are among the most prestigious global honours in the learning and development industry, typically attracting hundreds of entries each year from organisations in more than 50 countries. The competition recognises excellence and innovation across 21 categories, spanning a wide range of disciplines.
Gail Boag, the new ICAS CEO, who led on the new syllabus as Executive Director of Learning and Market Development, said: “These awards are a wonderful recognition of our commitment to helping students reach their full potential. Through interactive and flexible digital learning, we’re empowering our students to engage deeply with the CA syllabus and thrive in a changing professional landscape.
“As the accountancy profession adapts to technological and societal change, our goal is to provide world-class education that prepares CAs to lead with integrity, insight and innovation.”
Read more about ICAS’ award-winning student experience
Digital dexterity
ICAS won two prizes at the Learning Technologies Awards 2025, held in London last month. It received the silver award for Best Use of Blended Learning – Public & Non-Profit Sector and bronze in the Best Digital Learning Transformation Programme category. The awards reflect the success of ICAS’ new syllabus in making digital learning more engaging, effective and relevant.
The Learning Technologies Awards are among the most prestigious global honours in the learning and development industry, typically attracting hundreds of entries each year from organisations in more than 50 countries. The competition recognises excellence and innovation across 21 categories, spanning a wide range of disciplines.
Gail Boag, the new ICAS CEO, who led on the new syllabus as Executive Director of Learning and Market Development, said: “These awards are a wonderful recognition of our commitment to helping students reach their full potential. Through interactive and flexible digital learning, we’re empowering our students to engage deeply with the CA syllabus and thrive in a changing professional landscape.
“As the accountancy profession adapts to technological and societal change, our goal is to provide world-class education that prepares CAs to lead with integrity, insight and innovation.”
Read more about ICAS’ award-winning student experience
Time to renew
Your 2026 ICAS membership subscription is ready for renewal. By renewing your membership for the year ahead, you’ll safeguard your CA designation and stay connected to our year-round specialist support and professional guidance.
We’re committed to continually improving your membership experience and making sure that you gain the highest possible value. That means no matter where you work, what career stage you’re at or where your ambitions lie, we’ll do our utmost to support you and help you succeed.
When you renew your membership, you have the opportunity to give something back by donating to ICAS Foundation and ICAS Cares – two key charities which always need your support. Even the smallest donation can make a big difference.
Please take a few minutes to complete the online renewal process to safeguard your CA designation and stay connected to our year-round specialist support and professional guidance.
Time to renew
Your 2026 ICAS membership subscription is ready for renewal. By renewing your membership for the year ahead, you’ll safeguard your CA designation and stay connected to our year-round specialist support and professional guidance.
We’re committed to continually improving your membership experience and making sure that you gain the highest possible value. That means no matter where you work, what career stage you’re at or where your ambitions lie, we’ll do our utmost to support you and help you succeed.
When you renew your membership, you have the opportunity to give something back by donating to ICAS Foundation and ICAS Cares – two key charities which always need your support. Even the smallest donation can make a big difference.
Please take a few minutes to complete the online renewal process to safeguard your CA designation and stay connected to our year-round specialist support and professional guidance.
2026 Admission Ceremony
The Admission Ceremony is the pinnacle of our CA students’ journey with ICAS. It marks the end of their rigorous training and the beginning of their exciting career as a qualified CA. It’s a day filled with celebration and pride, not only for our new CAs, but for their family, friends and ICAS itself.
On Saturday 7 March we’ll welcome our newest CAs to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre where they will be officially admitted to membership and join our global network of over 24,000 members. The ceremony will feature inspiring keynote speeches, a formal admission process, and the opportunity for the new members to celebrate with their guests and connect with other newly qualified CAs.
If your admission date falls between 24 March 2025 and 20 February 2026, you’re eligible to attend the 2026 Admission Ceremony. Join us to celebrate your success in qualifying as a CA and admission to professional membership.
Discover more about the 2026 Admission Ceremony
2026 Admission Ceremony
The Admission Ceremony is the pinnacle of our CA students’ journey with ICAS. It marks the end of their rigorous training and the beginning of their exciting career as a qualified CA. It’s a day filled with celebration and pride, not only for our new CAs, but for their family, friends and ICAS itself.
On Saturday 7 March we’ll welcome our newest CAs to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre where they will be officially admitted to membership and join our global network of over 24,000 members. The ceremony will feature inspiring keynote speeches, a formal admission process, and the opportunity for the new members to celebrate with their guests and connect with other newly qualified CAs.
If your admission date falls between 24 March 2025 and 20 February 2026, you’re eligible to attend the 2026 Admission Ceremony. Join us to celebrate your success in qualifying as a CA and admission to professional membership.
Discover more about the 2026 Admission Ceremony
Work smarter and faster with ScanSnap scanners
As an accountant, you know that managing the mountains of paperwork that businesses still face eats up valuable time – and space.
With Ricoh and ScanSnap scanners, your teams can instantly digitise receipts, invoices, tax returns, wage slips and financial statements with the tap of a button. Our scalable document scanner ranges simplify compliance and archiving by allowing you to securely store every file online, while automatic optimal character recognition makes it easy to search, tag and reuse critical client data. Simply put our scanners are the ideal gateway to MTD.
The benefits are clear: faster, more accurate workflows coupled with a leaner, paper-free operation. Share scanned documents with clients or colleagues in seconds, whether you’re in the office or working remotely. Thanks to powerful image correction and easy integration with accounting tools, ScanSnap helps you deliver professional service without the hassle.
Elevate your accounting practice – streamline, secure and digitise your financial processes with Ricoh and ScanSnap scanners. Your time is money – we give you back the time so that you can concentrate on what makes your business successful.
Learn more about Ricoh and ScanSnap
Work smarter and faster with ScanSnap scanners
As an accountant, you know that managing the mountains of paperwork that businesses still face eats up valuable time – and space.
With Ricoh and ScanSnap scanners, your teams can instantly digitise receipts, invoices, tax returns, wage slips and financial statements with the tap of a button. Our scalable document scanner ranges simplify compliance and archiving by allowing you to securely store every file online, while automatic optimal character recognition makes it easy to search, tag and reuse critical client data. Simply put our scanners are the ideal gateway to MTD.
The benefits are clear: faster, more accurate workflows coupled with a leaner, paper-free operation. Share scanned documents with clients or colleagues in seconds, whether you’re in the office or working remotely. Thanks to powerful image correction and easy integration with accounting tools, ScanSnap helps you deliver professional service without the hassle.
Elevate your accounting practice – streamline, secure and digitise your financial processes with Ricoh and ScanSnap scanners. Your time is money – we give you back the time so that you can concentrate on what makes your business successful.
Learn more about Ricoh and ScanSnap
Burns Night
ICAS members from Scotland to the Antipodes, and from London to the Caribbean, will have the chance to celebrate Burns Night with their peers early next year. The annual celebration will be marked with a series of events in January and February in London, the Cayman Islands, Scotland East and Sydney.
Details for the events – including price and date – vary, with the first taking place in London on 21 January and the last in Sydney a month later on 26 February. But space will be limited for all of them, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Find more information about Burns Night celebrations in London, the Cayman Islands, Scotland East and Sydney
Burns Night
ICAS members from Scotland to the Antipodes, and from London to the Caribbean, will have the chance to celebrate Burns Night with their peers early next year. The annual celebration will be marked with a series of events in January and February in London, the Cayman Islands, Scotland East and Sydney.
Details for the events – including price and date – vary, with the first taking place in London on 21 January and the last in Sydney a month later on 26 February. But space will be limited for all of them, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Find more information about Burns Night celebrations in London, the Cayman Islands, Scotland East and Sydney
A day in Greenwich
London Retired Members' Group aims to meet quarterly, alternating between a meal and a visit to a notable venue somewhere in the London area. Our next meeting is on 8 January 2026 at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, followed by drinks in a hostelry near the Cutty Sark.
This group is the only such one for retired members across the CA network. Any retired or near-retired member in the south-east wishing to join the group or simply find out more, please get in touch by emailing Alan Begg CA at the address below.
For more information, email alanbegg@hotmail.com
A day in Greenwich
London Retired Members' Group aims to meet quarterly, alternating between a meal and a visit to a notable venue somewhere in the London area. Our next meeting is on 8 January 2026 at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, followed by drinks in a hostelry near the Cutty Sark.
This group is the only such one for retired members across the CA network. Any retired or near-retired member in the south-east wishing to join the group or simply find out more, please get in touch by emailing Alan Begg CA at the address below.
For more information, email alanbegg@hotmail.com
Kaya Bone
Trainee Accountant, Kennedy Accountancy
What attracted you to your current role?
I was primarily drawn to the location, which is Kyle, in the Highlands. It’s rare to find a role in this sector based in such a remote area, especially one that offers the opportunity to work toward ICAS chartership. I had been working in Glasgow previously but always intended to move back north eventually – I just didn’t expect the right opportunity to come along so soon.
Which part of your ICAS training has helped you most to date?
The knowledge I’ve gained throughout my training has been invaluable in my day-to-day work. In particular, the advanced tax elective and financial accounting courses have provided practical insights that I use regularly. Beyond the technical learning, balancing work and study has really strengthened my time management and organisational skills, both of which are vital in meeting deadlines and managing competing priorities in my role.
What do you hope to achieve and learn in your role over the next year or so?
Over the next year, I hope to continue building confidence in my accounting knowledge and successfully complete my remaining ICAS exams. I’m also eager to progress in my career and take on more responsibility as I develop. Since the firm is still relatively small, I’m excited by the opportunity to grow alongside it and contribute to its continued success.
What do you enjoy most about working for your company?
I really value the flexibility and community-focused culture at Kennedy. It creates a supportive and enjoyable work environment, and having such a friendly, fun team makes it even better. In addition, the firm places real emphasis on celebrating both professional and personal achievements, whether through office days out, takeaway Tuesdays, accountancy awards or other events that give us plenty to look forward to and help strengthen team spirit.
What would you say to anyone else thinking about studying to become a CA?
It is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I’ve ever done. It requires real commitment, as balancing work, study and personal life can be tough. But the effort is absolutely worth it – you gain valuable skills, personal growth and fantastic career opportunities, including strong earning potential.
Kaya Bone
Trainee Accountant, Kennedy Accountancy
What attracted you to your current role?
I was primarily drawn to the location, which is Kyle, in the Highlands. It’s rare to find a role in this sector based in such a remote area, especially one that offers the opportunity to work toward ICAS chartership. I had been working in Glasgow previously but always intended to move back north eventually – I just didn’t expect the right opportunity to come along so soon.
Which part of your ICAS training has helped you most to date?
The knowledge I’ve gained throughout my training has been invaluable in my day-to-day work. In particular, the advanced tax elective and financial accounting courses have provided practical insights that I use regularly. Beyond the technical learning, balancing work and study has really strengthened my time management and organisational skills, both of which are vital in meeting deadlines and managing competing priorities in my role.
What do you hope to achieve and learn in your role over the next year or so?
Over the next year, I hope to continue building confidence in my accounting knowledge and successfully complete my remaining ICAS exams. I’m also eager to progress in my career and take on more responsibility as I develop. Since the firm is still relatively small, I’m excited by the opportunity to grow alongside it and contribute to its continued success.
What do you enjoy most about working for your company?
I really value the flexibility and community-focused culture at Kennedy. It creates a supportive and enjoyable work environment, and having such a friendly, fun team makes it even better. In addition, the firm places real emphasis on celebrating both professional and personal achievements, whether through office days out, takeaway Tuesdays, accountancy awards or other events that give us plenty to look forward to and help strengthen team spirit.
What would you say to anyone else thinking about studying to become a CA?
It is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I’ve ever done. It requires real commitment, as balancing work, study and personal life can be tough. But the effort is absolutely worth it – you gain valuable skills, personal growth and fantastic career opportunities, including strong earning potential.
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