For the Record

Sustainability Summit

Date: Thursday 25 April
Time: 4–6.30pm BST, followed by drinks reception
Location: Virgin Hotel, 1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2EX

Join us as we bring together sustainability experts and forward-thinking business leaders in Scotland’s capital, to address important questions on the readiness of business for the sustainability transition.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural summit in Westminster, we have partnered with Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) on this must-attend event for professionals seeking strategic and practical insights to guide them on the path to sustainable business.

A specialist line-up of speakers and panellists, including representatives from the business community and beyond, will share their views on the future of sustainable business, the role of technology in the climate transition and business readiness for the ever-changing sustainability reporting landscape. There will also be opportunities for discussion and networking.

This event is free to attend and open to all, particularly UK-based business leaders, ICAS members and non-members with an interest in the subject. We hope that you will join us to learn, network and be inspired.

Register here

Evolve is… evolving

ICAS is streamlining the Evolve programme for CA practice firms (defined as firms where at least half the principals are ICAS members). The two subscriber tiers, Evolve+ and Evolve Premium, are both being withdrawn, making the platform free to all member firms.

We continually listen to feedback from our members in practice. These are challenging times for firms and ICAS needs to provide real value for the membership. All ICAS-regulated firms will now have access to the same range of support and benefits. These include:

• Technical resources, knowledge and publications
• Access to expert advice and assistance when needed
• Preferential terms on products and services that matter
• Professional development – live and on-demand webinars, courses and other events
• ICAS practice insights
• Confidential support at times when needed most
• Support and resources to promote the value of ICAS regulation and CA practices

Firms on the subscriber tiers will continue to access the same range of support and benefits as before, but without the additional cost. Non-subscribers will now be able to access additional support and benefits. These include, for example, the Technical Bulletin (including past editions), a monthly “check-in” with our experienced practice support team, and up to half a day free regulatory monitoring support.

Over the next few weeks, we will be making changes to the ICAS website to facilitate this development.

Access to benefits is available from icas.com. Members working in practice should log in and make sure their profile is up to date, particularly regarding mailing preferences and areas of interest.

Find out more about the benefits of Evolve

Save 5% on home appliances and TVs

Marks Electrical is a fast-growing and highly scalable, technology-driven ecommerce electrical goods retailer, which sells, delivers, installs and recycles a wide range of household electrical products. Primarily through our simple, clear and intuitive website, we offer more than 3,500 products from over 50 leading brands across our main product categories, which include cooking, refrigeration, laundry and audio-visual. We deliver direct to customers in our owned and branded vehicles, operated by a skilled team of delivery drivers, who are also able to offer installation and recycling services. ICAS members can enjoy 5% off qualifying products with discount code ICAS5 at checkout.

Access your ICAS member discount here

Black Members’ Network

A new member-led community has been formed for black members, students and allies. The group will meet virtually a few times a year. Our goal is to create a sense of belonging by providing a safe forum where members can network, socialise, share, question, challenge and receive support and advice in relation to race equality. If you are interested in the barriers that black members and students face, and how we can address the challenges, frustrations and lack of representation at a senior career level, please join the network at the link below.

Email members@icas.com

Council election nominations close 11 March

ICAS members have until 17.00 GMT on Monday 11 March to nominate candidates for the 2024 elections to ICAS Council. Taking up a role on Council is a great way to become involved and to help shape and oversee the effective management and direction of ICAS.

This year there are three vacancies open for nominations:
• Electoral area seat vacancies (x 2)
• Open seat vacancies (x 1)

Through sharing their ideas, experience and insight, members play a vital role in enabling the achievement of both Council’s and ICAS’ strategic priorities. The broader the scope of that input, the better it represents the wider membership.

Find out more and submit your nomination

Sophie Kim CA

Assistant Manager, Audit and Assurance, PKF Melbourne

What attracted you to your current role?
The people are what really makes the workplace. Coming from French Duncan, my training firm in Glasgow, where they were approachable, social and always looking out for each other, finding somewhere with a similarly strong team culture was crucial. Other than that and the shiny new office, I’ve been impressed by the commitment to developing each team member, gauging their individual strengths and providing opportunities. Managers and partners invest time and energy in people, despite being constantly busy.

Which part of your ICAS training has been most helpful?
Discipline, discipline, discipline! Studying for ICAS during the busiest audit seasons, while navigating the jump from graduate to senior, made me grow a lot professionally and personally. I still find myself referring to my ICAS notes, especially in audit, where I am exposed to so many different clients with all manner of accounting, finance and business quirks.

What do you hope to achieve over the next year?
I want to build my portfolio of clients as I love learning about different businesses. My team are cognisant of ways to bring AI into the process, finding ways to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more on the engaging areas. I’m also keen to get stuck into the training and mentoring programmes.

What prompted the move to Australia?
I was hoping for a move to Asia, but by keeping open lines of communication with recruiters and old colleagues I had an offer for Australia. My first stop was actually Darwin, in the Northern Territory, which is like the wild west of Australia. The move to Melbourne came from a recruiter I know who now lives there. This is a long-winded way of saying I had no idea a year ago that I would end up here, but I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

What advice would you give to CAs thinking of moving abroad?
Reach out to anyone and everyone you know. You will be surprised how many people are willing to help or give advice, especially those who have made the move themselves. If it doesn’t work out the way you imagined the first, second, tenth time, don’t worry and trust that everything works out eventually.

Join our webinar, Around the World with ICAS: Working abroad as a CA

Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk

Upskilling your employees

The Certificate in Accountancy and Business (CAB) is ICAS’ professional certification that develops knowledge and practical expertise in key areas of accountancy, business and finance. It’s designed to upskill any individual, team or department, no matter their current function or previous experience.

Your employees will learn the fundamentals of how businesses work and what drives success. They’ll unlock new ways to add value to your organisation and gain the confidence and credibility to discuss specialist topics such as tax and assurance with clients and colleagues.

Skills for the future of business
The CAB features the same six courses found at the Knowledge level of the CA qualification: Assurance, Business Management and Finance, Business Law, Ethics Fundamentals, Reporting and Performance, and Taxation. Three themes central to the future of any organisation – ethical leadership, sustainability and the impact of technology – are highlighted throughout the syllabus.

Students are further supported by a range of interactive tutor touchpoints including course discussions and optional in-person or online workshops. The CAB offers online and blended options to suit budget and preference, providing the flexibility to fit study around those all-important work and personal schedules.

Learn more about the Certificate in Accountancy and Business