FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
Research into climate change reporting
ICAS has published new research into the causes and consequences of sustainability reporting. Over the past 20 years, there’s been a significant increase globally in the number and type of such reporting frameworks, covering topics such as climate change, emissions, pollution, water management and governance.
This means organisations face increasing pressure from multiple stakeholders to act around mitigating the effects of climate change, supporting the transition to net zero and reporting on emissions. It’s become clear that climate change reporting will continue to gain more prominence in the coming years.
In the UK, the government is working to establish its first sustainability reporting standards by assessing the suitability of the two standards issued last year by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). This work aims to improve transparency and comparability in corporate sustainability disclosures to help investors make informed decisions.
Internationally, the adoption of the ISSB’s standards is gaining momentum, providing a new, unified framework for climate-related reporting, with more standards on other topics on the way.
Various stakeholder groups and investors want more reliable, accurate and relevant climate change reporting. As a result, it is relevant to explore recent evidence on the key drivers of related reporting quality. Accordingly, ICAS has published a new report produced by Dr Diogenis Baboukardos, Audencia Business School & Athens University of Economics and Business, and Dr Evangelos Seretis and Dr Ioannis Tsalavoutas, both from the University of Glasgow.
This research aims to:
• Uncover companies’ climate change reporting practices and their drivers.
• Explore the capital market consequences of climate change reporting practices.
• Discuss how members can develop best practices in climate change reporting.
Both the full report and a summary of the key findings are available here
Research into climate change reporting
ICAS has published new research into the causes and consequences of sustainability reporting. Over the past 20 years, there’s been a significant increase globally in the number and type of such reporting frameworks, covering topics such as climate change, emissions, pollution, water management and governance.
This means organisations face increasing pressure from multiple stakeholders to act around mitigating the effects of climate change, supporting the transition to net zero and reporting on emissions. It’s become clear that climate change reporting will continue to gain more prominence in the coming years.
In the UK, the government is working to establish its first sustainability reporting standards by assessing the suitability of the two standards issued last year by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). This work aims to improve transparency and comparability in corporate sustainability disclosures to help investors make informed decisions.
Internationally, the adoption of the ISSB’s standards is gaining momentum, providing a new, unified framework for climate-related reporting, with more standards on other topics on the way.
Various stakeholder groups and investors want more reliable, accurate and relevant climate change reporting. As a result, it is relevant to explore recent evidence on the key drivers of related reporting quality. Accordingly, ICAS has published a new report produced by Dr Diogenis Baboukardos, Audencia Business School & Athens University of Economics and Business, and Dr Evangelos Seretis and Dr Ioannis Tsalavoutas, both from the University of Glasgow.
This research aims to:
• Uncover companies’ climate change reporting practices and their drivers.
• Explore the capital market consequences of climate change reporting practices.
• Discuss how members can develop best practices in climate change reporting.
Both the full report and a summary of the key findings are available here
Sustainability Summit 2025
The ICAS Sustainability Summit returns next month with a look at the upcoming UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) and how they may impact achievement of net zero targets. The summit is hosted by energy and environmental journalist, and former BBC analyst, Roger Harrabin, while Chair of the UK Sustainability Disclosure Technical Advisory Committee, Sally Duckworth, is the keynote speaker.
Roger Harrabin
Roger Harrabin
The event will explore the practical application of the anticipated UK SRS, as well as their implications for decarbonisation and transition planning. Dynamic panel discussions will follow the keynote speech, preparing delegates for the anticipated standards and any transition planning in their organisations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn and gain practical insights for your own sustainability journey.
Date: 23 April 2025
Time: 16.00–19.45
Location: Sustainable Ventures, County Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB
Free for ICAS members and students, £80 + VAT for non-members. Dress code business casual
For more information and to book, click here
Sustainability Summit 2025
The ICAS Sustainability Summit returns next month with a look at the upcoming UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) and how they may impact achievement of net zero targets. The summit is hosted by energy and environmental journalist, and former BBC analyst, Roger Harrabin, while Chair of the UK Sustainability Disclosure Technical Advisory Committee, Sally Duckworth, is the keynote speaker.
Roger Harrabin
Roger Harrabin
The event will explore the practical application of the anticipated UK SRS, as well as their implications for decarbonisation and transition planning. Dynamic panel discussions will follow the keynote speech, preparing delegates for the anticipated standards and any transition planning in their organisations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn and gain practical insights for your own sustainability journey.
Date: 23 April 2025
Time: 16.00–19.45
Location: Sustainable Ventures, County Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB
Time: 16.30–19.00
Free for ICAS members and students, £80 + VAT for non-members. Dress code business casual
For more information and to book, click here
Meet the President
Members and students have the opportunity to meet the new ICAS President at two special occasions in May. The new President will be confirmed at the AGM on 25 April, and these events provide the first chance for members to hear their plans and ask them questions in person, while also networking with their peers.
The first of the evenings is being held on the stunning paddle steamer Waverley in Glasgow and will include complimentary drinks, canapes, live entertainment and a cruise along the Clyde. A fortnight later the new President will be at the Pelligon, a stunning waterfront venue in Canary Wharf. No river cruise this time, but you can expect complimentary drinks, canapes and a mesmerising silk aerialist performance.
Both events are free, but space is limited, so please register to secure your place as early as possible.
Glasgow
Date: 15 May 2025
Time: 17.30–21.30
Location: PS Waverley, 36 Lancefield Quay, Glasgow G3 8HA
London
Date: 29 May 2025
Time: 18.00–20.30
Location: The Pelligon, 43 Bank St, London E14 5NX
Both events are free for ICAS students and members. Dress code business casual
Learn, lead and give back with ICAS Council
Did you know that by joining ICAS Council you can boost your career and play a part in shaping the profession?
ICAS members have until 17.00 GMT on Monday 10 March to nominate themselves for one of the 10 vacant seats.
The volunteer members of ICAS Council 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 Council 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.
“Council membership is an opportunity to build lasting relationships with a talented group of individuals spanning all parts of the global economy,” said Jason Harvie CA, current Council member and Investment Director at Penta Capital. “It's a great platform for personal and professional development.”
This year there are 10 vacancies open for nominations:
• Electoral Area seat vacancies (x 6)
• Open seat vacancies (x 4)
Mi-Voice, an independent election scrutineer, is running the nominations process and will supervise any subsequent elections and the 2025 AGM resolution voting on behalf of ICAS.
Find out more about ICAS Council and submit your nomination
Learn, lead and give back with ICAS Council
Did you know that by joining ICAS Council you can boost your career and play a part in shaping the profession?
ICAS members have until 17.00 GMT on Monday 10 March to nominate themselves for one of the 10 vacant seats.
The volunteer members of ICAS Council 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 membership.
Volunteering with ICAS Council 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.
“Council membership is an opportunity to build lasting relationships with a talented group of individuals spanning all parts of the global economy,” said Jason Harvie CA, current Council member and Investment Director at Penta Capital. “It's a great platform for personal and professional development.”
This year there are 10 vacancies open for nominations:
• Electoral Area seat vacancies (x 6)
• Open seat vacancies (x 4)
Mi-Voice, an independent election scrutineer, is running the nominations process and will supervise any subsequent elections and the 2025 AGM resolution voting on behalf of ICAS.
Find out more about ICAS Council and submit your nomination
ICAS Cares appoints new Chair
ICAS Cares has appointed John Kennedy CA as its new Chair. Kennedy is a retired partner of Cowan & Partners, Leith and was recently awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list. He has sat on the charity’s board of trustees for more than four years, including as Vice Chair for the past 18 months.
Kennedy said: “Taking on the role of Chair for ICAS Cares allows me to continue to contribute to a very worthwhile charity that supports past and present ICAS members, their dependents and future CAs who may face hard times. The charity can provide financial support, but it’s a lot more than that as we also provide emotional support and practical support. We have an excellent trustee board, working with a staff team who provide the direct practical and emotional support to our beneficiaries, and it’s a real privilege to take on the lead role and chair the charity.
“The charity relies on donations and legacies in order to continue to support those in need. That’s why I am grateful we have so many members who regularly contribute. Thank you.”
Learn more about ICAS Cares and donate
ICAS Cares appoints new Chair
ICAS Cares has appointed John Kennedy CA as its new Chair. Kennedy is a retired partner of Cowan & Partners, Leith and was recently awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list. He has sat on the charity’s board of trustees for more than four years, including as Vice Chair for the past 18 months.
Kennedy said: “Taking on the role of Chair for ICAS Cares allows me to continue to contribute to a very worthwhile charity that supports past and present ICAS members, their dependents and future CAs who may face hard times. The charity can provide financial support, but it’s a lot more than that as we also provide emotional support and practical support. We have an excellent trustee board, working with a staff team who provide the direct practical and emotional support to our beneficiaries, and it’s a real privilege to take on the lead role and chair the charity.
“The charity relies on donations and legacies in order to continue to support those in need. That’s why I am grateful we have so many members who regularly contribute. Thank you.”
Learn more about ICAS Cares and donate
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Call 0808 258 9139 for a quote or find out more here. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–8pm
When life’s non-stop, taking time out for a health issue might not feel like a real option. Which is why, with Bupa, you’ll get fast access to treatment and specialist support, so you’ll soon be back to business as usual.
With digital GP appointments, access to advice from a qualified nurse any time you need, a dental benefit for the whole family and a wide choice of hospital networks, Bupa health insurance has something for everyone. Now with 10% off. Invest in your health this year with cover that suits you.
Call 0808 258 9139 for a quote or find out more here. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–8pm
Struan Hattersley CA
Assistant Manager, Audit, KPMG
What attracted you to your current role?
I’ve always had an interest in finance and the ICAS training programme offered the perfect route to develop my skills in this sector. I joined KPMG as a new graduate after completing a master’s degree in chemical engineering – which was quite a change! I’m now an Assistant Manager in the firm’s audit practice, and have worked on audits ranging from owner-managed businesses to listed entities across a diverse range of sectors. Audit offers a broad education in how businesses operate while also providing exposure to a wide range of technical accounting matters.
Which part of your training has most helped you in your career to date?
One of the greatest aspects of the ICAS programme is its combination of technical training with a strong emphasis on business acumen. The technical training has helped me hone my critical thinking skills and approach new challenges in a methodical manner, which is particularly useful when dealing with complex accounting matters.
The business acumen I picked up from ICAS training has also been invaluable. A thorough understanding of a business – including its operating model, strategy and the wider sector it operates in – is essential for an audit. The Test of Professional Expertise (TPE) syllabus reinforced this through case studies.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year or so?
Having become Assistant Manager, I’m looking forward to supporting the learning and development of new graduates. I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve worked with since joining KPMG as a graduate with no prior accounting experience and I hope to pass on some of that knowledge and experience.
I’m also keen to develop my skills in emerging areas. For example, KPMG has invested in a number of transformative technologies such as AI and advanced analytics, and I look forward to upskilling in these areas to support the delivery of high-quality audits.
What do you enjoy most about working for KPMG?
Cliched as it may be, it’s the people I work with. Throughout my time at KPMG, I have received incredible support from my colleagues, which has been invaluable to my development – both personally and as an accountant. Everybody is willing to provide support and mentorship and ensure they set aside the time to do so.
One thing that surprised me when I joined KPMG was how approachable and supportive even the most senior people in the firm are, despite their busy schedules. I’ve found that people at the firm genuinely take an interest in your career and development.
What would you say to anyone thinking about studying to become a CA?
Go for it! The CA programme provides world-class training and will provide you with the skills required to become a well-rounded accountant and business professional. You’ll also meet like-minded people who you will learn so much from.
The CA designation is also recognised globally and opens doors to so many possibilities. Having studied chemical engineering at university, the CA route wasn’t necessarily the most obvious option. But I’m so glad I did choose this path – it shows the CA programme is for everyone.
Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk
Struan Hattersley CA
Assistant Manager, Audit, KPMG
What attracted you to your current role?
I’ve always had an interest in finance and the ICAS training programme offered the perfect route to develop my skills in this sector. I joined KPMG as a new graduate after completing a master’s degree in chemical engineering – which was quite a change! I’m now an Assistant Manager in the firm’s audit practice, and have worked on audits ranging from owner-managed businesses to listed entities across a diverse range of sectors. Audit offers a broad education in how businesses operate while also providing exposure to a wide range of technical accounting matters.
Which part of your training has most helped you in your career to date?
One of the greatest aspects of the ICAS programme is its combination of technical training with a strong emphasis on business acumen. The technical training has helped me hone my critical thinking skills and approach new challenges in a methodical manner, which is particularly useful when dealing with complex accounting matters.
The business acumen I picked up from ICAS training has also been invaluable. A thorough understanding of a business – including its operating model, strategy and the wider sector it operates in – is essential for an audit. The Test of Professional Expertise (TPE) syllabus reinforced this through case studies.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year or so?
Having become Assistant Manager, I’m looking forward to supporting the learning and development of new graduates. I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve worked with since joining KPMG as a graduate with no prior accounting experience and I hope to pass on some of that knowledge and experience.
I’m also keen to develop my skills in emerging areas. For example, KPMG has invested in a number of transformative technologies such as AI and advanced analytics, and I look forward to upskilling in these areas to support the delivery of high-quality audits.
What do you enjoy most about working for KPMG?
Cliched as it may be, it’s the people I work with. Throughout my time at KPMG, I have received incredible support from my colleagues, which has been invaluable to my development – both personally and as an accountant. Everybody is willing to provide support and mentorship and ensure they set aside the time to do so.
One thing that surprised me when I joined KPMG was how approachable and supportive even the most senior people in the firm are, despite their busy schedules. I’ve found that people at the firm genuinely take an interest in your career and development.
What would you say to anyone thinking about studying to become a CA?
Go for it! The CA programme provides world-class training and will provide you with the skills required to become a well-rounded accountant and business professional. You’ll also meet like-minded people who you will learn so much from.
The CA designation is also recognised globally and opens doors to so many possibilities. Having studied chemical engineering at university, the CA route wasn’t necessarily the most obvious option. But I’m so glad I did choose this path – it shows the CA programme is for everyone.
Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk
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