FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
ICAS launches two calls for research
In June, ICAS issued two new calls for research to set out a bold and ambitious future for the profession. This is part of the Shaping the Profession project to articulate a relevant, trusted and valued tomorrow for accountancy.
The two new research projects are:
1. What is the contribution of the accounting profession to society now and in the future?
2. What does the accounting professional of the future look like in terms of skills, knowledge and capabilities?
Funding of £16,000 is available for each project with applications set to close on 17 July. The successful project will have its findings published in 2027 with a focus on actionable insights for members.
Find out more about the calls for research
To become involved in Shaping the Profession, email research@icas.com
ICAS launches two calls for research
In June, ICAS issued two new calls for research to set out a bold and ambitious future for the profession. This is part of the Shaping the Profession project to articulate a relevant, trusted and valued tomorrow for accountancy.
The two new research projects are:
1. What is the contribution of the accounting profession to society now and in the future?
2. What does the accounting professional of the future look like in terms of skills, knowledge and capabilities?
Funding of £16,000 is available for each project with applications set to close on 17 July. The successful project will have its findings published in 2027 with a focus on actionable insights for members.
Find out more about the calls for research
To become involved in Shaping the Profession, email research@icas.com
Sustainability
Summit 2026
The ICAS Sustainability Summit returns this October, bringing together leading voices from business, policy and practice to explore how organisations can move beyond compliance and build sustainable commercial success.
Taking place in a new hybrid format from Edinburgh’s Dovecot Studios, the summit will examine the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape and the increasingly important role CAs play in helping organisations navigate change, manage risk and unlock opportunity.
The event will explore how sustainability is shaping strategy, risk management, investment decisions and commercial success in an increasingly complex world. Through practical discussions, networking and expert panel sessions, delegates will see how organisations can use sustainability to identify opportunities, manage risks and build resilience. The panellists for the day are:
• Tara Schmidt, Executive Director, Transition Finance Scotland
• Russell Picot, Deputy Chair, Universities Superannuation Scheme
• Laura Guittard CA, Vice President of Global Finance Risk, Controls & ESG Reporting, GSK
• Martin Murray OBE CA, Finance Director, Swire Pacific Ltd
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insights to help your organisation create, protect and unlock value through sustainability.
Event details
Date: 7 October 2026
Time: 15:30–19:00 BST
Location: Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT, and online
Cost: Free for ICAS students and members; £80 + VAT for non-members
Dress code: Business casual
Register now for the ICAS Sustainability Summit
Sustainability
Summit 2026
The ICAS Sustainability Summit returns this October, bringing together leading voices from business, policy and practice to explore how organisations can move beyond compliance and build sustainable commercial success.
Taking place in a new hybrid format from Edinburgh’s Dovecot Studios, the summit will examine the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape and the increasingly important role CAs play in helping organisations navigate change, manage risk and unlock opportunity.
The event will explore how sustainability is shaping strategy, risk management, investment decisions and commercial success in an increasingly complex world. Through practical discussions, networking and expert panel sessions, delegates will see how organisations can use sustainability to identify opportunities, manage risks and build resilience. The panellists for the day are:
• Tara Schmidt, Executive Director, Transition Finance Scotland
• Russell Picot, Deputy Chair, Universities Superannuation Scheme
• Laura Guittard CA, Vice President of Global Finance Risk, Controls & ESG Reporting, GSK
• Martin Murray OBE CA, Finance Director, Swire Pacific Ltd
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insights to help your organisation create, protect and unlock value through sustainability.
Event details
Date: 7 October 2026
Time: 15:30–19:00 BST
Location: Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT, and online
Cost: Free for ICAS students and members; £80 + VAT for non-members
Dress code: Business casual
Register now for the ICAS Sustainability Summit
Time for tax reform?
If Scotland wants to boost growth, tax reform should be high on the agenda. That’s the view expressed in ICAS’ post-election survey of members, which found that income tax and national insurance are seen as the areas most in need of change. Almost four in 10 respondents (39%) said they were the top priority for reform – more than double the proportion who selected non-domestic rates (17%) or council tax (16%). Inheritance tax ranked lower at 10%.
The findings reflect growing concern about the impact of personal taxation on individuals, businesses and Scotland’s wider economic competitiveness. Katie Close CA, Director of Tax at ICAS, said: “The strength of feeling around income tax and national insurance reflects the growing impact of fiscal drag, with frozen thresholds pushing more people into higher tax bands while eroding their real spending power.”
One message stood out from the findings: CAs want the Scottish government to set out a credible long-term plan for economic growth and sustainable public finances. Respondents highlighted targeted tax incentives, alongside greater stability and simplicity, as the measures most likely to support economic growth.
The results come at a time of subdued economic confidence. More than three-quarters of respondents (77%) said they lacked confidence in the Scottish economy, echoing the concerns raised in our post-Budget survey last year.
For many members, the challenge extends beyond tax rates alone. Stable policy, investment in public services and a clear strategy for attracting talent and investment were all seen as essential for strengthening Scotland’s long-term economic prospects.
Read more about the results of the survey
Time for tax reform?
If Scotland wants to boost growth, tax reform should be high on the agenda. That’s the view expressed in ICAS’ post-election survey of members, which found that income tax and national insurance are seen as the areas most in need of change. Almost four in 10 respondents (39%) said they were the top priority for reform – more than double the proportion who selected non-domestic rates (17%) or council tax (16%). Inheritance tax ranked lower at 10%.
The findings reflect growing concern about the impact of personal taxation on individuals, businesses and Scotland’s wider economic competitiveness. Katie Close CA, Director of Tax at ICAS, said: “The strength of feeling around income tax and national insurance reflects the growing impact of fiscal drag, with frozen thresholds pushing more people into higher tax bands while eroding their real spending power.”
One message stood out from the findings: CAs want the Scottish government to set out a credible long-term plan for economic growth and sustainable public finances. Respondents highlighted targeted tax incentives, alongside greater stability and simplicity, as the measures most likely to support economic growth.
The results come at a time of subdued economic confidence. More than three-quarters of respondents (77%) said they lacked confidence in the Scottish economy, echoing the concerns raised in our post-Budget survey last year.
For many members, the challenge extends beyond tax rates alone. Stable policy, investment in public services and a clear strategy for attracting talent and investment were all seen as essential for strengthening Scotland’s long-term economic prospects.
Read more about the results of the survey
Insolvency and Restructuring Conference 2026
Stay ahead of the curve and gain invaluable insights into the latest insolvency and restructuring developments at the ICAS Insolvency and Restructuring Conference 2026, sponsored by Sweeney Kincaid.
This is a must-attend event for insolvency practitioners, restructuring professionals, lawyers and the wider business community.
Hosted by Shona Campbell CA, of Henderson Loggie, the conference will bring together leading experts to share practical insights and updates relevant to the day-to-day work of professionals in this field.
Across two half-day online sessions, attendees will hear the latest legislative and regulatory developments, expert legal updates, insolvency monitoring insights and commentary on the key issues shaping the profession.
The speaker line-up features:
• Stuart Clubb, Partner and Solicitor Advocate, Shoosmiths
• Eilidh MacEwan, Director and Solicitor Advocate, Anderson Strathern
• Steven Wood, Regulatory Monitoring Reviewer, ICAS
You can look forward to key legislative and regulatory updates, expert analysis and practical guidance from leading voices across the profession, all designed to support your continuing professional development.
Date: 8–9 September 2026
Time: 09:30–13:00 BST (day one) and 09:30–12:40 BST (day two)
Location: Online
Cost: Free for ICAS students, members and ICAS insolvency affiliates; £60 + VAT for non-members
Book now for day one and day two of the ICAS Insolvency and Restructuring Conference 2026
Insolvency and Restructuring Conference 2026
Stay ahead of the curve and gain invaluable insights into the latest insolvency and restructuring developments at the ICAS Insolvency and Restructuring Conference 2026, sponsored by Sweeney Kincaid.
This is a must-attend event for insolvency practitioners, restructuring professionals, lawyers and the wider business community.
Hosted by Shona Campbell CA, of Henderson Loggie, the conference will bring together leading experts to share practical insights and updates relevant to the day-to-day work of professionals in this field.
Across two half-day online sessions, attendees will hear the latest legislative and regulatory developments, expert legal updates, insolvency monitoring insights and commentary on the key issues shaping the profession.
The speaker line-up features:
• Stuart Clubb, Partner and Solicitor Advocate, Shoosmiths
• Eilidh MacEwan, Director and Solicitor Advocate, Anderson Strathern
• Steven Wood, Regulatory Monitoring Reviewer, ICAS
You can look forward to key legislative and regulatory updates, expert analysis and practical guidance from leading voices across the profession, all designed to support your continuing professional development.
Date: 8–9 September 2026
Time: 09:30–13:00 BST (day one) and 09:30–12:40 BST (day two)
Location: Online
Cost: Free for ICAS students, members and ICAS insolvency affiliates; £60 + VAT for non-members
Book now for day one and day two of the ICAS Insolvency and Restructuring Conference 2026
Plot your career with Rutherford Cross
Rutherford Cross works to match the highest calibre of finance professionals with the best opportunities across the UK.
As specialists in senior finance recruitment, we understand how high-calibre careers develop and evolve in the industry – but we also know that your career is unique, just as you are. Whatever your situation and ambition, and whether the role you are seeking is permanent or interim, we are here to help you find the career path that is right for you.
With extensive experience, our consultants are ideally placed to help you manage your career – taking you from your first moves after qualifying to the ideal CFO or partner position. Our business is built on long-term relationships, so we take a view of a whole career that reflects the realisation of your fullest potential.
Our business adopts a purpose and values-led approach, which ensures we are committed to helping both clients and candidates achieve their ambitions by matching expertise to business needs.
Rutherford Cross is delighted to have been a careers partner of ICAS every year since 2017 and has, since 2019, been the proud sponsor of the ICAS Admission Ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of finance leaders of the future across Scotland and beyond.
In addition, in 2023 and 2025, Rutherford Cross was the sole sponsor of the ICAS Careers and Salary Survey, gathering insights and understanding about the work prospects and priorities of more than 1,500 CAs globally.
We are delighted to offer all ICAS members a free consultation with one of our team.
Register your interest in your free consultation by emailing us on enquiries@rutherfordcross.com. To find out more about our career opportunities, events and thought leadership, please visit us at rutherfordcross.com
Plot your career with Rutherford Cross
Rutherford Cross works to match the highest calibre of finance professionals with the best opportunities across the UK.
Rutherford Cross works to match the highest calibre of finance professionals with the best opportunities across the UK.
As specialists in senior finance recruitment, we understand how high-calibre careers develop and evolve in the industry – but we also know that your career is unique, just as you are. Whatever your situation and ambition, and whether the role you are seeking is permanent or interim, we are here to help you find the career path that is right for you.
With extensive experience, our consultants are ideally placed to help you manage your career – taking you from your first moves after qualifying to the ideal CFO or partner position. Our business is built on long-term relationships, so we take a view of a whole career that reflects the realisation of your fullest potential.
Our business adopts a purpose and values-led approach, which ensures we are committed to helping both clients and candidates achieve their ambitions by matching expertise to business needs.
Rutherford Cross is delighted to have been a careers partner of ICAS every year since 2017 and has, since 2019, been the proud sponsor of the ICAS Admission Ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of finance leaders of the future across Scotland and beyond.
In addition, in 2023 and 2025, Rutherford Cross was the sole sponsor of the ICAS Careers and Salary Survey, gathering insights and understanding about the work prospects and priorities of more than 1,500 CAs globally.
We are delighted to offer all ICAS members a free consultation with one of our team.
Register your interest in your free consultation by emailing us on enquiries@rutherfordcross.com. To find out more about our career opportunities, events and thought leadership, please visit us at rutherfordcross.com
New area network chairs
Daniel Hughes CA
Co-Chair, Scotland West Area Network Committee
Daniel has more than eight years’ experience across financial due diligence, audit and broader accounting services, working with clients across multiple sectors. Currently Executive, Financial Diligence, at EY, he provides due diligence support on a range of transaction types. He was a member of the network committee from September 2024 before being appointed co-Chair.
Liam Guthrie CA
Co-Chair, Scotland West Area Network Committee
As Business Development Manager in Finance Change at M&G, Liam supports the design and implementation of new finance processes to help drive business growth. He joined the network committee in 2023 after qualifying as a CA, and is particularly keen to foster engagement among Scotland West members, especially those starting out in their careers.
Chris Campbell CA
Chair, Highland Area Network Committee
A former member of ICAS Council, Chris specialises in tax. After graduating first class from Robert Gordon University, he trained at AAB, then spent 14 years at Johnston Carmichael in Elgin, where he progressed to Tax Senior Manager. He was then Head of Tax (Tax Practice and OMB Taxes) at ICAS for almost three years before moving to the Association of Taxation Technicians last year.
Stuart Hope CA
Chair, London Area Network Committee
With a decade’s experience across Grosvenor’s interests in the UK, Europe and Asia, Stuart brings expertise in financial reporting, forecasting, capital allocation, tax planning, property investment appraisal and major capital projects. Having served as Deputy Chair, he is keen to strengthen the network’s engagement across London’s member and student community as Chair.
New area network chairs
Daniel Hughes CA
Co-Chair, Scotland West Area Network Committee
Daniel has more than eight years’ experience across financial due diligence, audit and broader accounting services, working with clients across multiple sectors. Currently Executive, Financial Diligence, at EY, he provides due diligence support on a range of transaction types. He was a member of the network committee from September 2024 before being appointed co-Chair.
Liam Guthrie CA
Co-Chair, Scotland West Area Network Committee
As Business Development Manager in Finance Change at M&G, Liam supports the design and implementation of new finance processes to help drive business growth. He joined the network committee in 2023 after qualifying as a CA, and is particularly keen to foster engagement among Scotland West members, especially those starting out in their careers.
Chris Campbell CA
Chair, Highland Area Network Committee
A former member of ICAS Council, Chris specialises in tax. After graduating first class from Robert Gordon University, he trained at AAB, then spent 14 years at Johnston Carmichael in Elgin, where he progressed to Tax Senior Manager. He was then Head of Tax (Tax Practice and OMB Taxes) at ICAS for almost three years before moving to the Association of Taxation Technicians last year.
Stuart Hope CA
Chair, London Area Network Committee
With a decade’s experience across Grosvenor’s interests in the UK, Europe and Asia, Stuart brings expertise in financial reporting, forecasting, capital allocation, tax planning, property investment appraisal and major capital projects. Having served as Deputy Chair, he is keen to strengthen the network’s engagement across London’s member and student community as Chair.
Alongside the new chair appointments, two new deputy chairs have also been confirmed.
Liz Cuthbertson CA, Partner at Mercer & Hole, has been appointed as Deputy Chair of the London Area Network committee. Liz has been a passionate supporter of our engagement activity in London and joined the committee in September 2024.
Emily Willis CA, Senior Financial Accountant at Enoda has taken the reins as Deputy Chair of the Scotland East Area Network. Emily has been an active member of the committee since June 2023.
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