Welcome to the summer issue of CA. Our special report looks at AI and the future of accounting, featuring an interview with Jaci Badenhorst CA, the Chair of our AI working group. He explains the issues that can arise from agentic AI, the pitfalls of “vibe coding” and why ours is a profession that cannot simply be replaced by bots.

Jaci also discusses the working group’s long-term ambitions to provide support and advice for smaller practices that can’t afford to invest in bespoke AI products. To help you understand this brave new world, ICAS has created an AI and tech hub, including courses and further guidance.

Tech is one of the issues near the top of Jonny Jacobs CA’s agenda as our newest office bearer. Fresh from being appointed ICAS Vice President, Jonny talks about his challenging upbringing, how becoming a CA opened up the pathway to a different life, and why being the ICAS representative at the One Young World summit proved such a pivotal moment – and ultimately led to the MBE for services to mental health that he received in June.

The ICAS Annual Conference, hosted by Dharshini David, in November will, of course, include a panel discussion on the subject. Also on the bill – as keynote speaker – will be astronaut Tim Peake, along with computer science pioneer, Dame Wendy Hall, and Nick Fry, former CEO of the Brawn and Mercedes F1 teams. You can register for tickets here.

Tim appears in this issue to talk about the space sector and the growth mindset. He shares some tales from his days in space – including a gripping story about trying to dock onto the International Space Station – but also speaks passionately about the space-based business opportunities for the UK economy.

Enjoy the issue.

Sarah Speirs, ICAS Executive Director of Member Engagement and Communications
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Find more information and book your ticket for the ICAS Annual Conference