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Chris Good CA’s candour about his recovery from a mental health crisis offers a signal lesson for the profession, says President Clive Bellingham CA
A glimpse of the future
The recent Beyond the Numbers event shows how ICAS continues to lead on AI and innovation, says President Alison Cornwell CA
One of the highlights of my role as President of ICAS is having the chance to be part of initiatives that truly matter to the future of chartered accountancy.
In October, we held our Beyond the Numbers event in London – a hugely inspiring day packed with insights, conversation and forward-thinking ideas. The conference was part of our Shaping the Profession (StP) research project, and the room was filled with an excellent mix of attendees – from CAs spanning various industries to those in the profession, Council members and even guests from fellow accountancy bodies. The energy in the room was palpable, and underscored the value of in-person networking – something we’ve all come to appreciate again after so many virtual meetings.
I had the pleasure of giving the opening speech, but it was the panels and presentations that stole the show. I was particularly impressed by Professor James Baird, former Managing Partner at Deloitte and Chair of the StP steering group. I could listen to James all day: his ability to break down complex subjects into bite-sized insights is remarkable. Elsewhere, writer and “lapsed comedian” (her words) Timandra Harkness delivered a riveting talk.
The event was a reminder of the unique value ICAS brings – not just in terms of knowledge-sharing but in fostering and reflecting a professional community that’s always evolving. The work ICAS is doing on business and growth – and on AI, for example – is pioneering. And this is the kind of thought leadership we all need as we refine our future plans and strategies.
Shaping the future with AI
On this point, Loree Gourley, Deloitte Partner and Chair of the ICAS Ethics Board, spoke about the ethical challenges posed by AI. Her session was both thought-provoking and timely, especially given the pace at which AI is being adopted across industry.
I’ve made it a priority of my presidency to ensure that AI is front and centre of ICAS’ agenda. If we’re to equip our members with the knowledge and tools they need to adapt and thrive in a tech-driven world, it should be a critical part of our future strategy.
“Whether it’s through the cutting-edge work of our AI working group, Shaping the Profession or our upcoming CA Summit, ICAS is committed to leading the conversation”
To this end, ICAS Council has convened an AI working group, chaired by Jaci Badenhorst CA, Head of Software Engineering at NatWest and a speaker at Beyond the Numbers. He recently delivered the group’s first presentation to Council (AI will now be on the agenda at every Council meeting). Jaci brings invaluable expertise to the table, and his leadership ensures that ICAS stays ahead of the curve on AI and its impact on the profession.
We’re taking the subject to our wider membership too, through events such as the CA Summit. On 19 November, the summit’s opening day, we’ll dive deep into AI with a line-up of experts. Speakers include Edwina Dunn, a pioneer in data science and customer strategy, and Paolo Sbuttoni, an AI lawyer who’ll explore its legal implications in business.
We’ve also invited Professor Andy Pardoe of the University of Warwick, who’s leading its AI innovation initiatives, and Zoë Webster, one of the UK’s leading voices on AI, formerly of BT and now founder of Authentic Innovation.
CEO Bruce Cartwright CA and I will be opening the event alongside broadcaster and economics journalist Dharshini David, who hosts the full summit. The second day will turn to business and growth, where ICAS is also providing thought leadership.
And this is what makes ICAS such a special organisation. We’re not just responding to change – we’re driving it. Whether it’s through the cutting-edge work of our AI working group, StP or our upcoming CA Summit, ICAS is committed to leading the conversation.
Register now for CA Summit 2024
linkedin.com/in/alison-cornwell-ca
A glimpse of the future
The recent Beyond the Numbers event shows how ICAS continues to lead on AI and innovation, says President Alison Cornwell CA
One of the highlights of my role as President of ICAS is having the chance to be part of initiatives that truly matter to the future of chartered accountancy.
In October, we held our Beyond the Numbers event in London – a hugely inspiring day packed with insights, conversation and forward-thinking ideas. The conference was part of our Shaping the Profession (StP) research project, and the room was filled with an excellent mix of attendees – from CAs spanning various industries to those in the profession, Council members and even guests from fellow accountancy bodies. The energy in the room was palpable, and underscored the value of in-person networking – something we’ve all come to appreciate again after so many virtual meetings.
I had the pleasure of giving the opening speech, but it was the panels and presentations that stole the show. I was particularly impressed by Professor James Baird, former Managing Partner at Deloitte and Chair of the StP steering group. I could listen to James all day: his ability to break down complex subjects into bite-sized insights is remarkable. Elsewhere, writer and “lapsed comedian” (her words) Timandra Harkness delivered a riveting talk.
The event was a reminder of the unique value ICAS brings – not just in terms of knowledge-sharing but in fostering and reflecting a professional community that’s always evolving. The work ICAS is doing on business and growth – and on AI, for example – is pioneering. And this is the kind of thought leadership we all need as we refine our future plans and strategies.
Shaping the future with AI
On this point, Loree Gourley, Deloitte Partner and Chair of the ICAS Ethics Board, spoke about the ethical challenges posed by AI. Her session was both thought-provoking and timely, especially given the pace at which AI is being adopted across industry.
I’ve made it a priority of my presidency to ensure that AI is front and centre of ICAS’ agenda. If we’re to equip our members with the knowledge and tools they need to adapt and thrive in a tech-driven world, it should be a critical part of our future strategy.
“Whether it’s through the cutting-edge work of our AI working group, Shaping the Profession or our upcoming CA Summit, ICAS is committed to leading the conversation”
To this end, ICAS Council has convened an AI working group, chaired by Jaci Badenhorst CA, Head of Software Engineering at NatWest and a speaker at Beyond the Numbers. He recently delivered the group’s first presentation to Council (AI will now be on the agenda at every Council meeting). Jaci brings invaluable expertise to the table, and his leadership ensures that ICAS stays ahead of the curve on AI and its impact on the profession.
We’re taking the subject to our wider membership too, through events such as the CA Summit. On 19 November, the summit’s opening day, we’ll dive deep into AI with a line-up of experts. Speakers include Edwina Dunn, a pioneer in data science and customer strategy, and Paolo Sbuttoni, an AI lawyer who’ll explore its legal implications in business.
We’ve also invited Professor Andy Pardoe of the University of Warwick, who’s leading its AI innovation initiatives, and Zoë Webster, one of the UK’s leading voices on AI, formerly of BT and now founder of Authentic Innovation.
CEO Bruce Cartwright CA and I will be opening the event alongside broadcaster and economics journalist Dharshini David, who hosts the full summit. The second day will turn to business and growth, where ICAS is also providing thought leadership.
And this is what makes ICAS such a special organisation. We’re not just responding to change – we’re driving it. Whether it’s through the cutting-edge work of our AI working group, StP or our upcoming CA Summit, ICAS is committed to leading the conversation.
Register now for CA Summit 2024
linkedin.com/in/alison-cornwell-ca
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