FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
New President sets sights on the future
Karen Scholes CA has been appointed as the new President of ICAS, becoming the sixth woman to hold the role in ICAS’ 171-year history.
Scholes, who is Partner Director of the independent Scholes Chartered Accountants, was formally confirmed as President at last month’s ICAS AGM. She succeeds Alison Cornwell CA, making this the first time one woman has followed another in the role.
Scholes has grown the Orkney practice founded by her late father into a thriving firm, with 36 staff across offices in Kirkwall, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Commenting on her appointment, she said: “While ICAS has a proud and storied history, my focus during my term in office will firmly be on the future.”
In her acceptance speech, she stressed the importance of social mobility, saying: “With only around 20% of professionals in fields like accountancy coming from working-class backgrounds, it’s clear there’s more to do. The ICAS Foundation is leading the way in closing this gap by supporting young people from low-income backgrounds to access careers in accountancy and finance… I’m committed to supporting the ongoing work to inspire the next generation and drive greater access to the profession for talented individuals from every walk of life.
“I’ll be leading an important conversation on the evolving role of the CA, taking a forward-looking approach to how our profession can harness emerging technologies like AI, and help shape the sustainable, resilient economies of the future.”
Supporting Scholes during her term are David Cruickshank CA, who has been appointed Deputy President of ICAS, and Jonny Jacobs CA, newly appointed Vice President.
Cruickshank said: “The ICAS qualification has afforded me so many opportunities throughout my career and I’d like to pay that forward to the next generation of members and potential members from all backgrounds. Our institute is as valuable and relevant today as it’s ever been.”
Jacobs, ICAS Vice President, added: “Coming from a working-class background and being the first in my family to attend university, the journey hasn’t always been easy. This role offers a unique platform to help shape the future of our profession, by collaborating with fellow finance leaders to drive meaningful change within the industry and across the broader accounting and finance landscape.”
Elections were also held for Council and various area networks. The four Council open seats were won by Samantha Frost CA, Tricia Pritchard CA, David Wilson CA and Ken Croarkin CA. Following uncontested elections, Niall McCallum CA has been elected for the Scotland East Electoral Area; Dalvir Singh Johal CA and Graham Soutar CA for Scotland West; and David Brownlow CA, Richard Grant CA and Penelope Satchwell CA for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You can read a full breakdown of the AGM results here
New President sets sights on the future
Karen Scholes CA has been appointed as the new President of ICAS, becoming the sixth woman to hold the role in ICAS’ 171-year history.
Scholes, who is Partner Director of the independent Scholes Chartered Accountants, was formally confirmed as President at last month’s ICAS AGM. She succeeds Alison Cornwell CA, making this the first time one woman has followed another in the role.
Scholes has grown the Orkney practice founded by her late father into a thriving firm, with 36 staff across offices in Kirkwall, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Commenting on her appointment, she said: “While ICAS has a proud and storied history, my focus during my term in office will firmly be on the future.”
In her acceptance speech, she stressed the importance of social mobility, saying: “With only around 20% of professionals in fields like accountancy coming from working-class backgrounds, it’s clear there’s more to do. The ICAS Foundation is leading the way in closing this gap by supporting young people from low-income backgrounds to access careers in accountancy and finance… I’m committed to supporting the ongoing work to inspire the next generation and drive greater access to the profession for talented individuals from every walk of life.
“I’ll be leading an important conversation on the evolving role of the CA, taking a forward-looking approach to how our profession can harness emerging technologies like AI, and help shape the sustainable, resilient economies of the future.”
Supporting Scholes during her term are David Cruickshank CA, who has been appointed Deputy President of ICAS, and Jonny Jacobs CA, newly appointed Vice President.
Cruickshank said: “The ICAS qualification has afforded me so many opportunities throughout my career and I’d like to pay that forward to the next generation of members and potential members from all backgrounds. Our institute is as valuable and relevant today as it’s ever been.”
Jacobs, ICAS Vice President, added: “Coming from a working-class background and being the first in my family to attend university, the journey hasn’t always been easy. This role offers a unique platform to help shape the future of our profession, by collaborating with fellow finance leaders to drive meaningful change within the industry and across the broader accounting and finance landscape.”
Elections were also held for Council and various area networks. The four Council open seats were won by Samantha Frost CA, Tricia Pritchard CA, David Wilson CA and Ken Croarkin CA. Following uncontested elections, Niall McCallum CA has been elected for the Scotland East Electoral Area; Dalvir Singh Johal CA and Graham Soutar CA for Scotland West; and David Brownlow CA, Richard Grant CA and Penelope Satchwell CA for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You can read a full breakdown of the AGM results here
Admission Ceremony 2025
On Saturday 5 April, 760 new CAs were welcomed to membership at the annual ICAS Admission Ceremony – a day filled with celebration and a real sense of accomplishment. Alongside their friends and family, the new CAs came together to celebrate their hard work and dedication and officially take their place in the 24,000-strong ICAS network.
This year’s ceremony marked a special milestone in ICAS’ 170-year history, as it saw the first cohort of Robert Gordon University (RGU) graduate apprentices cross the stage. The RGU graduate apprenticeship programme is a work-based learning route that combines an honours degree from the Aberdeen university with the prestigious CA qualification. Their admission is a proud moment for ICAS, reflecting the diversity of routes into the profession and a commitment to supporting talent from all backgrounds.
In her speech, President Alison Cornwell CA reflected on ICAS’ heritage and emphasised the new CAs’ responsibilities: “While ICAS has a long and distinguished heritage, your generation will be the architects of its future – and its future will be told through the stories of your careers. Your careers are opportunities not just for you to find personal and professional success, but for you to create positive change.”
Newly admitted member and ICAS Foundation alumnus, Ryan Brown CA, closed the day with a powerful message: “When we lift others up, we don’t just shape their future – we shape the future of the profession.”
Read more on this story
Admission Ceremony 2025
On Saturday 5 April, 760 new CAs were welcomed to membership at the annual ICAS Admission Ceremony – a day filled with celebration and a real sense of accomplishment. Alongside their friends and family, the new CAs came together to celebrate their hard work and dedication and officially take their place in the 24,000-strong ICAS network.
This year’s ceremony marked a special milestone in ICAS’ 170-year history, as it saw the first cohort of Robert Gordon University (RGU) graduate apprentices cross the stage. The RGU graduate apprenticeship programme is a work-based learning route that combines an honours degree from the Aberdeen university with the prestigious CA qualification. Their admission is a proud moment for ICAS, reflecting the diversity of routes into the profession and a commitment to supporting talent from all backgrounds.
In her speech, President Alison Cornwell CA reflected on ICAS’ heritage and emphasised the new CAs’ responsibilities: “While ICAS has a long and distinguished heritage, your generation will be the architects of its future – and its future will be told through the stories of your careers. Your careers are opportunities not just for you to find personal and professional success, but for you to create positive change.”
Newly admitted member and ICAS Foundation alumnus, Ryan Brown CA, closed the day with a powerful message: “When we lift others up, we don’t just shape their future – we shape the future of the profession.”
Read more on this story
Youth revolution
A new global report from Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) and Ipsos UK reveals that while younger professionals are charging ahead with AI, leadership hesitation and skills gaps risk holding the profession back.
Key findings from a survey of more than 2,700 chartered accountants spanning 48 countries and 13 institutes revealed that:
• 85% are open to using AI – but only 55% of senior leaders feel confident doing so.
• 91% of 18–25-year-olds are willing to use AI – with many already applying it to productivity, client services, risk and data entry.
• 79% agree accountants will become essential “data guardians” as AI advances.
• 65% expect their professional body to provide AI training.
Ainslie van Onselen, Chair of CAW and CEO of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, said: “AI is a transformative opportunity – not a replacement for human expertise. Senior leaders must take the lead in equipping professionals with the skills and confidence to harness AI’s full potential.”
You can download the full report here
Youth revolution?
A new global report from Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) and Ipsos UK reveals that while younger professionals are charging ahead with AI, leadership hesitation and skills gaps risk holding the profession back.
Key findings from a survey of more than 2,700 chartered accountants spanning 48 countries and 13 institutes revealed that:
• 85% are open to using AI – but only 55% of senior leaders feel confident doing so.
• 91% of 18–25-year-olds are willing to use AI – with many already applying it to productivity, client services, risk, and data entry.
• 79% agree accountants will become essential “data guardians” as AI advances.
• 65% expect their professional body to provide AI training.
Ainslie van Onselen, Chair of CAW and CEO of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, said: “AI is a transformative opportunity – not a replacement for human expertise. Senior leaders must take the lead in equipping professionals with the skills and confidence to harness AI’s full potential.”
You can download the full report here
Scotland’s Fiscal Future:
Tax, growth and public finances
As Scotland marks 10 years of devolved taxation, what have we learned—and what’s next? Join us for an exploration of Scotland’s evolving economic landscape, taxation system and financial sustainability. The event will include highlights of the latest forecasts from the Scottish Fiscal Commission. This will set the stage for two dynamic panel discussions:
Panel 1: The Scottish economy and taxation
Scotland’s economy has shifted dramatically over the past decade, transitioning from a spending-based to a revenue-raising model. As Revenue Scotland celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, this panel will explore:
- How Scotland funds public services
- Lessons from the past – what’s working and what’s not?
- Is the current tax system fit for purpose?
- How do we grow Scotland’s tax base to support long-term prosperity?
Panel 2: Public services, reform and growth
With growing economic pressures, how can Scotland deliver high-quality, affordable public services while fostering business growth and inward investment?
Hear from the Auditor General for Scotland, Stephen Boyle (who is also profiled here), on navigating challenges to deliver better service outcomes within limited resources. We’ll also hear from the business sector, including Stacey Dingwall of the FSB, on what is needed to drive growth and investment in Scotland.
Date: 18 June 2025
Time: 16.00–20.00 (BST)
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, The Royal Mile, 80 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TH
Free for ICAS students and members (£80 + VAT for non-members). Dress code: business casual.
Find more information and register here
Scotland’s Fiscal Future:
Tax, growth and public finances
As Scotland marks 10 years of devolved taxation, what have we learned—and what’s next? Join us for an exploration of Scotland’s evolving economic landscape, taxation system and financial sustainability. The event will include highlights of the latest forecasts from the Scottish Fiscal Commission. This will set the stage for two dynamic panel discussions:
Panel 1: The Scottish economy and taxation
Scotland’s economy has shifted dramatically over the past decade, transitioning from a spending-based to a revenue-raising model. As Revenue Scotland celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, this panel will explore:
- How Scotland funds public services
- Lessons from the past – what’s working and what’s not?
- Is the current tax system fit for purpose?
- How do we grow Scotland’s tax base to support long-term prosperity?
Panel 2: Public services, reform and growth
With growing economic pressures, how can Scotland deliver high-quality, affordable public services while fostering business growth and inward investment?
Hear from the Auditor General for Scotland, Stephen Boyle (who is also profiled here), on navigating challenges to deliver better service outcomes within limited resources. We’ll also hear from the business sector, including Stacey Dingwall of the FSB, on what is needed to drive growth and investment in Scotland.
Date: 18 June 2025
Time: 16.00–20.00 (BST)
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, The Royal Mile, 80 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TH
Free for ICAS students and members (£80 + VAT for non-members). Dress code: business casual.
Find more information and register here
Could you be an ICAS Foundation mentor?
The ICAS Foundation is recruiting mentors to support students at selected UK universities from autumn onwards. The foundation’s Nurturing Talent programme welcomes students at any stage of undergraduate study, offering individualised support for up to four years to those with a household income of less than £34,000.
Mentoring is crucial to the success of the programme – and the foundation needs more CAs to volunteer an hour or two each month to guide students on the programme. So far 246 mentors have given more than 7,500 hours of valuable guidance. Could you join them?
Mentors provide students with one-to-one guidance that builds confidence, supports study and prepares students for success by developing networks and accessing career opportunities. Crucially, mentoring is a mutually beneficial experience and provides mentors with a valuable opportunity for professional development and learning.
The ICAS Foundation is a charity that supports young people from low-income backgrounds to access the accountancy and finance profession. Since 2014 it has backed more than 300 students with £2.6m of bursary and grant support.
Find out more at icasfoundation.org.uk/mentor
Mentor and alumni ambassador Amy Vincent with mentee Dawood Ilyas, 3rd-year student at the University of Aberdeen
Mentor and alumni ambassador Amy Vincent with mentee Dawood Ilyas, 3rd-year student at the University of Aberdeen
Could you be an ICAS Foundation mentor?
The ICAS Foundation is recruiting mentors to support students at selected UK universities from autumn onwards. The foundation’s Nurturing Talent programme welcomes students at any stage of undergraduate study, offering individualised support for up to four years to those with a household income of less than £34,000.
Mentoring is crucial to the success of the programme – and the foundation needs more CAs to volunteer an hour or two each month to guide students on the programme. So far 246 mentors have given more than 7,500 hours of valuable guidance. Could you join them?
Mentors provide students with one-to-one guidance that builds confidence, supports study and prepares students for success by developing networks and accessing career opportunities. Crucially, mentoring is a mutually beneficial experience and provides mentors with a valuable opportunity for professional development and learning.
The ICAS Foundation is a charity that supports young people from low-income backgrounds to access the accountancy and finance profession. Since 2014 it has backed more than 300 students with £2.6m of bursary and grant support.
Find out more at icasfoundation.org.uk/mentor
From Isolation to Inclusion
It’s widely accepted that belonging to communities can provide us with a purpose, a sense of belonging, safety and support in hard times. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May), ICAS is holding a forum, From Isolation to Inclusion: Building Mental Wellbeing Through Professional Communities. The session will explore this year’s theme of community and the role it plays in fostering healthy mental wellbeing.
Our panel will discuss how, in an increasingly fragmented world, professional networks, mentoring and peer support can make a tangible difference to your mental health. The panellists will consider how belonging to a professional community can help with challenges including career transitions, entrepreneurship and high-pressure leadership roles.
Neurodiversity and mental health in the workplace will also be up for discussion, in a conversation hosted by ICAS’ newly elected Vice President, Jonny Jacobs CA, CFO at Holland & Barrett and Mental Health Advocate. Panellists will also include Past President Indy Singh Hothi CA, Lisa Blum CA, Finance Business Partner at Lloyds Banking Group, and Rhona Thomson CA, Executive Director at Morgan Stanley Fund Services.
Date: 14 May 2025
Time: 14.00–15.00 (BST)
Online only
Free to attend
Find more information and register here
From Isolation to Inclusion
It’s widely accepted that belonging to communities can provide us with a purpose, a sense of belonging, safety and support in hard times. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May), ICAS is holding a forum, From Isolation to Inclusion: Building Mental Wellbeing Through Professional Communities. The session will explore this year’s theme of community and the role it plays in fostering healthy mental wellbeing.
Our panel will discuss how, in an increasingly fragmented world, professional networks, mentoring and peer support can make a tangible difference to your mental health. The panellists will consider how belonging to a professional community can help with challenges including career transitions, entrepreneurship and high-pressure leadership roles.
Neurodiversity and mental health in the workplace will also be up for discussion, in a conversation hosted by ICAS’ newly elected Vice President, Jonny Jacobs CA, CFO at Holland & Barrett and Mental Health Advocate. Panellists will also include Past President Indy Singh Hothi CA, Lisa Blum CA, Finance Business Partner at Lloyds Banking Group, and Rhona Thomson CA, Executive Director at Morgan Stanley Fund Services.
Date: 14 May 2025
Time: 14.00–15.00 (BST)
Online only
Free to attend
Find more information and register here
EV salary sacrifice with Pike+Bambridge
Retaining employees is harder than ever, with rising salaries and increasing national insurance costs putting pressure on businesses. One in four UK companies say they can’t keep up with pay expectations, risking the loss of key staff. That’s where the electric vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme comes in.
It’s a cost-effective, tax-efficient way to help employees “go electric”, saving them 30–60% on a brand-new car while saving your business on NI contributions. There are no set-up fees, no minimum orders, and we even offer early termination cover from day one.
Our expert team handles everything, from guiding your employees through their car choices to the personal delivery of their new EV. With dedicated support and a hassle-free process, we make it simple to launch and manage your scheme.
Want to find out more? Speak to the team at 0131 563 7493 or email hello@pikeandbambridge.co.uk and we’d be happy to help
EV salary sacrifice with Pike+Bambridge
Retaining employees is harder than ever, with rising salaries and increasing national insurance costs putting pressure on businesses. One in four UK companies say they can’t keep up with pay expectations, risking the loss of key staff. That’s where the electric vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme comes in.
It’s a cost-effective, tax-efficient way to help employees “go electric”, saving them 30–60% on a brand-new car while saving your business on NI contributions. There are no set-up fees, no minimum orders, and we even offer early termination cover from day one.
Our expert team handles everything, from guiding your employees through their car choices to the personal delivery of their new EV. With dedicated support and a hassle-free process, we make it simple to launch and manage your scheme.
Want to find out more? Speak to the team at 0131 563 7493 or email hello@pikeandbambridge.co.uk and we’d be happy to help
London Retired Members’ Group
The next meeting of the London Retired Members' Group is on 22 May 2025 at 2pm, with a visit to the Bank of England Museum in Threadneedle Street. This a very interesting museum – needless to say with money and its history, uses and role in the world of finance at its heart. The museum visit will be followed by dinner in a nearby restaurant.
Meetings are typically held quarterly, though many members also plan to attend the meeting with the new President, Karen Scholes CA, on 29 May.
For further information about joining the group, and about future meetings, please email alanbegg@hotmail.com
London Retired Members’ Group
The next meeting of the London Retired Members' Group is on 22 May 2025 at 2pm, with a visit to the Bank of England Museum in Threadneedle Street. This a very interesting museum – needless to say with money and its history, uses and role in the world of finance at its heart. The museum visit will be followed by dinner in a nearby restaurant.
Meetings are typically held quarterly, though many members also plan to attend the meeting with the new President, Karen Scholes CA, on 29 May.
For further information about joining the group, and about future meetings, please email alanbegg@hotmail.com
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