Craig McLaughlin CA
Qualified in 2011
Senior Teaching Fellow, Accountancy and Finance, University of Strathclyde

At the time of my Admission Ceremony, I honestly thought I had a more important event that day. I was playing rugby – way down on the Ayrshire coast in Ardrossan.

Clearly I didn’t fully appreciate what it meant to receive my scroll. Even now, working at Strathclyde University, I still think students don’t realise how big that achievement is. It’s not just about them, of course – it’s also massive for their families and loved ones. Looking back, I realise that maybe I should have focused more on Mum and Dad that day.

When it came to attending the ceremony, even though it was 14 years ago, I do vividly recall how it felt to be allowed to take that oath. Irrespective of age, gender, race, I was so proud to be part of this wider community. Having the CA behind me made me feel that anything was possible. You always have this community behind you and that is a nice feeling. 

I didn’t stay long in practice. After four years at KPMG, I decided travelling up and down to London most weeks wasn’t for me, so I went to teach at the University of the West of Scotland. And again, when I decided to strike out with my own accountancy training business, even though I didn’t have as much business experience as other CAs, I felt safe and secure because of those two letters after my name.

My five-year term as Associate Dean at the University of Strathclyde ended last year. Having taught across the world, everyone knows the significance of being a CA. Teaching here in the UK and internationally, everyone knows we’re underpinned by the core principles of ethics, professional competence and due care ICAS sets. Last September, I had the privilege of opening a new campus out in Bahrain, alongside Professor Stephen McArthur and King Hamad. The CA is a stamp of approval everywhere you go.

“Irrespective of age, gender, race, I was so proud to be part of this wider community. Having the CA behind me made me feel that anything was possible”

Craig McLaughlin CA

What I would love to do next is to be in a position where we integrate universities more with ICAS and firms. Often, we see it as a two-part process – university into ICAS and then into the firm. I would love to feel that students start their ICAS journey in year one.

My research area is working in the space of social mobility and accounting. How do you deal with the student who’s working in Tesco to make up the family income but also trying to gain appropriate work experience without the same support and flexibility as other candidates? We’re now doing a massive project for ICAS, and the ICAS Foundation, looking at the challenges that these kids are facing.

I’m proud to be a CA and may the strong foundations continue. The people I trained with are still my best pals. We still have the same WhatsApp group. Recently, I had a student who was going through a challenging time and had a job interview coming up. One of those CAs volunteered to do a practice interview for them. They got the job. Being a CA, it’s about being tough. It’s about being resilient. But we always have this network around us.

Tom Kiatlertpongsa CA
Qualified in 2009
Partner, Deal Advisory, KPMG Thailand

My family background is in science, which led me to study biochemistry at Imperial College London. It wasn’t what I imagined – I thought I would be making some sort of super-mutant bacterial virus or something! In the end, biochemistry wasn’t the right path for me, though I’ll always remember our graduation ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.

Work commitments meant I was unable to make my CA admission ceremony in Edinburgh. But when my CA scroll was sent to my flat in Aberdeen, it meant the world to me. In fact, the feeling I had when I received it was even more fulfilling than the one I experienced at the Royal Albert Hall.

The work and effort I had put in was just on another level. I remember shedding tears of overwhelming emotions. Coming from a non-accounting background and training for a CA in Scotland made every step of the journey feel like a battle. But I pushed through with great support from everyone around me. It wasn’t just a personal achievement – it was a testament to the unwavering belief that anything is possible, no matter where you start.

“That qualification is more than just a credential; it’s a badge of shared rigour and commitment”

Tom Kiatlertpongsa CA

The 2008 financial crash was the turning point that pulled me into the world of finance and accounting. I started researching the Big Four and, knowing I had a knack for maths, I began applying. I had 49 rejections. But my 50th application finally secured a position – at Acumen Accountants & Advisors, where I trained. I will be forever grateful to them for giving me that chance and for believing in me enough to support my journey from an ACCA to a CA.

The journey then took me to EY Aberdeen where I completed my CA training, before moving to a private equity fund, looking after investment and their portfolio company.

I spent two years there and, while I could have stayed in Aberdeen or moved back to London, I felt a strong desire to branch out and reconnect with my roots – my background, family and heritage. Ultimately, after 20 years in the UK, I was drawn back to my hometown of Bangkok, Thailand, to explore that deeper connection.

I reached out to the Big Four, and the person who interviewed me at KPMG Thailand, to whom I’m incredibly grateful, happened to be a fellow CA. At the time, there were very few CAs in Thailand, so it was surprising to see more joining the firm in this part of the world. It was a powerful reminder of how the qualification transcends borders and unites professionals globally. The CA qualification is more than just a credential; it’s a badge of shared rigour and commitment. I joined as a Senior Manager and within five years I got to where I am now – a high point personally and professionally.

What ICAS taught me is that success isn’t handed to you – it requires hard work and a willingness to keep going even when the path isn’t clear. When I look back, I’m filled with gratitude and a sense of humility, knowing how far I’ve come. It’s a result of my hard work, the support I’ve received, and the sacrifices along the way.

Eligible CAs have until 21 March to register for the 2025 Admission Ceremony