FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
Invest in your career and the profession
Annual membership renewal opens on Tuesday 11 November 2025. No matter where you work, what career stage you’re at or where your ambitions lie, ICAS is committed to doing our best to support you and help you succeed. To do that, we’re constantly improving our resources to deliver more value and meet your evolving needs.
Membership is about more than the CA letters after your name – though they matter too. It provides access to a range of resources, from regular technical content and expert insight to member networks, mentoring and career-long learning.
To make sure we continue delivering the high-quality services and support that our members depend on, ICAS Council has agreed a 3.5% increase for the 2026 membership fee, bringing it to £585. This reflects rising costs across the sector, but ensures we can remain a strong voice for the profession, while providing year-round value to members.
From 2026, all members will be required to complete at least one hour of ethics-related CPD each year. While ethics CPD has been mandatory since 2021, this change introduces a clear, measurable commitment. It’s an important step in strengthening our commitment to ethical leadership.
Learn more about renewing your membership now and the new mandatory ethics CPD requirement
Invest in your career and the profession
Annual membership renewal opens on Tuesday 11 November 2025. No matter where you work, what career stage you’re at or where your ambitions lie, ICAS is committed to doing our best to support you and help you succeed. To do that, we’re constantly improving our resources to deliver more value and meet your evolving needs.
Membership is about more than the CA letters after your name – though they matter too. It provides access to a range of resources, from regular technical content and expert insight to member networks, mentoring and career-long learning.
To make sure we continue delivering the high-quality services and support that our members depend on, ICAS Council has agreed a 3.5% increase for the 2026 membership fee, bringing it to £585. This reflects rising costs across the sector, but ensures we can remain a strong voice for the profession, while providing year-round value to members.
From 2026, all members will be required to complete at least one hour of ethics-related CPD each year. While ethics CPD has been mandatory since 2021, this change introduces a clear, measurable commitment. It’s an important step in strengthening our commitment to ethical leadership.
Learn more about renewing your membership now and the new mandatory ethics CPD requirement
Autumn tax webinar
There is widespread expectation that the UK Budget, due to be announced on 26 November, will feature significant tax rises. While the government ruled out increases to income tax, VAT and employee NICs in its election manifesto last year, that still leaves scope to raise much-needed revenue from other forms of taxation.
Join our experts, Susan Cattell, Head of Tax Technical, and David Menzies CA, Director of Practice, to hear their round-up of recent developments, including any significant Budget announcements, as well as things to look out for across tax administration and professional standards.
Date: Tuesday 9 December
Time: 14:00–15:00 GMT
Location: Online only
Register now for the autumn tax update
Autumn tax webinar
There is widespread expectation that the UK Budget, due to be announced on 26 November, will feature significant tax rises. While the government ruled out increases to income tax, VAT and employee NICs in its election manifesto last year, that still leaves scope to raise much-needed revenue from other forms of taxation.
Join our experts, Susan Cattell, Head of Tax Technical, and David Menzies CA, Director of Practice, to hear their round-up of recent developments, including any significant Budget announcements, as well as things to look out for across tax administration and professional standards.
Date: Tuesday 9 December
Time: 14:00–15.00 GMT
Location: Online only
Register now for the autumn tax update
Beyond the Balance Sheet
Last month ICAS Black Members’ Network hosted Beyond the Balance Sheet. Marking Black History Month, the event, held in partnership with the charity, With Insight Education, brought together members, Black-heritage CA students and allies to share stories, exchange career insights and celebrate Black talent across our profession.
Chair of the network, Kudzai Zendera CA (pictured top left), and With Insight Education founder, Christine Kinnear, delivered inspiring speeches in the welcoming atmosphere of Trinidadian restaurant Limin Southbank in London. Posting on LinkedIn later, Kinnear wrote: “It is these types of meaningful opportunities that open doors for young people, providing pathways for social mobility that they would otherwise struggle to access.”
Nifemi Tukur, ICAS EDI and Social Mobility Manager, recalled: “One of the sweetest moments of the evening was seeing a young guest being supported to open their first LinkedIn account on the spot. It was a simple act, but one that speaks to access, mentorship and the importance of representation.
“Some of those young people will now be attending the upcoming ICAS Careers Fair, and I can’t wait to see where that first step leads them in the future.”
Learn more about the Black Members’ Network
Beyond the Balance Sheet
Last month ICAS Black Members’ Network hosted Beyond the Balance Sheet. Marking Black History Month, the event, held in partnership with the charity, With Insight Education, brought together members, Black-heritage CA students and allies to share stories, exchange career insights and celebrate Black talent across our profession.
Chair of the network, Kudzai Zendera CA (pictured top left), and With Insight Education founder, Christine Kinnear, delivered inspiring speeches in the welcoming atmosphere of Trinidadian restaurant Limin Southbank in London. Posting on LinkedIn later, Kinnear wrote: “It is these types of meaningful opportunities that open doors for young people, providing pathways for social mobility that they would otherwise struggle to access.”
Nifemi Tukur, ICAS EDI and Social Mobility Manager, recalled: “One of the sweetest moments of the evening was seeing a young guest being supported to open their first LinkedIn account on the spot. It was a simple act, but one that speaks to access, mentorship and the importance of representation.
“Some of those young people will now be attending the upcoming ICAS Careers Fair, and I can’t wait to see where that first step leads them in the future.”
Learn more about the Black Members’ Network
Get five free hours of CPD podcasts
ICAS is excited to announce a new partnership with LumiQ, a podcast platform that provides CPD for finance and accounting professionals through engaging conversations with top business leaders.
As part of this collaboration, ICAS members can now enjoy five free hours of CPD and receive a discount on team plans until 1 January 2026.
LumiQ’s episodes feature industry experts, best-selling authors and executives from leading companies such as Google, Nike, Mars Wrigley and more. They also come in a range of formats, with everything from true crime podcasts to ‘fireside chats’.
With a library of more than 1,000 episodes – and new ones added weekly – LumiQ provides a wealth of practical, engaging CPD that’s relevant to real-world challenges to keep your skills sharp.
Learn more about LumiQ and access your free podcast hours
Get five free hours of CPD podcasts
ICAS is excited to announce a new partnership with LumiQ, a podcast platform that provides CPD for finance and accounting professionals through engaging conversations with top business leaders.
As part of this collaboration, ICAS members can now enjoy five free hours of CPD and receive a discount on team plans until 1 January 2026.
LumiQ’s episodes feature industry experts, best-selling authors and executives from leading companies such as Google, Nike, Mars Wrigley and more. They also come in a range of formats, with everything from true crime podcasts to ‘fireside chats’.
With a library of more than 1,000 episodes – and new ones added weekly – LumiQ provides a wealth of practical, engaging CPD that’s relevant to real-world challenges to keep your skills sharp.
Learn more about LumiQ and access your free podcast hours
Free domain security check and a chance to shape new research
In 2020, Lugo explored how accountancy firms were coping with the shift to remote working and digital tools. We jointly published our research with ICAS and now, five years later, we’re following up to understand how things have moved on and what new challenges firms are facing.
We’re looking to speak with a select group of Scottish firms to gather insights for a new ICAS research article. It’s a short, informal chat and, in return, we’ll run a free domain security check for your firm.
This check uses open-source intelligence (OSINT) to mimic what a hacker might see when scanning your domain.
It’s not a penetration test, but it’s a powerful way to spot gaps in your public-facing security posture. You’ll receive a straightforward summary designed to help you put improvements into action and strengthen your security.
Want to get involved? In return for your time, we’ll provide practical advice to help bolster your cyber resilience and, in turn, you’ll be helping to shape the future of tech in accountancy.
Want to get involved? Book your call here
Free domain security check and a chance to shape new research
In 2020, Lugo explored how accountancy firms were coping with the shift to remote working and digital tools. We jointly published our research with ICAS and now, five years later, we’re following up to understand how things have moved on and what new challenges firms are facing.
We’re looking to speak with a select group of Scottish firms to gather insights for a new ICAS research article. It’s a short, informal chat and, in return, we’ll run a free domain security check for your firm.
This check uses open-source intelligence (OSINT) to mimic what a hacker might see when scanning your domain.
It’s not a penetration test, but it’s a powerful way to spot gaps in your public-facing security posture. You’ll receive a straightforward summary designed to help you put improvements into action and strengthen your security.
Want to get involved? In return for your time, we’ll provide practical advice to help bolster your cyber resilience and, in turn, you’ll be helping to shape the future of tech in accountancy.
Want to get involved? Book your call here
Sam Walker CA
Manager, EQ Accountants
What attracted you to your current role?
I wasn’t attracted to my specific job so much as to EQ as a company and everything it stands for. In my third year at the University of Dundee, I completed a summer internship with EQ. During that time, I saw first-hand the variety of work my colleagues were involved in, the strong client relationships they built and the supportive, down-to-earth culture that encouraged questions and learning. I also had the chance to get hands-on experience across different areas of the business, which gave me a real sense of how much there was to learn and how invested EQ is in developing its people.
I enjoyed my time during the internship and knew it was the best place for me to work and train. Thankfully, I was offered a graduate position after I finished university and I’ve been here ever since. Since then, EQ has provided a good platform for me to learn and grow, both professionally and personally. The culture and the team around me have been a huge part of that, and one of the key reasons I wanted to continue here after qualifying as a CA. It’s a workplace where everyone genuinely cares, celebrates each other’s successes and pushes you to reach your potential.
Which part of your training has helped you most to date?
Working towards deadlines and managing responsibilities effectively. The structured approach of the training taught me how to prioritise tasks, stay organised under pressure and maintain accuracy – all skills that have been invaluable in my day-to-day work.
The comprehensive courses also provided a strong foundation of technical knowledge, which I’ve been able to transfer directly into my work. This has been crucial in building my confidence and competence. Finally, the training instilled a sense of professional discipline and ethics, which guides how I approach my work.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year?
To become one of the leading people at EQ for system optimisations, helping clients work smarter and more efficiently. I want to develop my reputation as a trusted adviser, providing colleagues and clients with insights they can rely on.
Technology in the accountancy sector is advancing rapidly, and I’m keen to embrace these developments rather than ignore them. I want to use apps and digital tools to provide smarter, more efficient advice, ensuring our clients benefit from the latest innovations regardless of size or sector.
What do you enjoy most about working for EQ?
The best thing is that I work with great colleagues who make it enjoyable to come in every day. There has been so much change at EQ since I started, and there have always been opportunities for career growth along the way. Since joining the Sumer Group [EQ’s parent company], we’ve never been made to feel like just a number within the organisation. Our ideas, contributions and individual strengths are valued, which makes a huge difference.
What would you say to anyone else thinking about studying to become a CA?
You won’t regret it. It opens so many doors and gives you a strong foundation for a wide variety of career paths. The beauty of being a CA is that there’s something for everyone, the skills you gain are highly transferable and valued across industries.
It’s challenging, but the experience, knowledge and opportunities you gain along the way make it hugely rewarding, both professionally and personally.
Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk
Sam Walker CA
Manager, EQ Accountants
What attracted you to your current role?
I wasn’t attracted to my specific job so much as to EQ as a company and everything it stands for. In my third year at the University of Dundee, I completed a summer internship with EQ. During that time, I saw first-hand the variety of work my colleagues were involved in, the strong client relationships they built and the supportive, down-to-earth culture that encouraged questions and learning. I also had the chance to get hands-on experience across different areas of the business, which gave me a real sense of how much there was to learn and how invested EQ is in developing its people.
I enjoyed my time during the internship and knew it was the best place for me to work and train. Thankfully, I was offered a graduate position after I finished university and I’ve been here ever since. Since then, EQ has provided a good platform for me to learn and grow, both professionally and personally. The culture and the team around me have been a huge part of that, and one of the key reasons I wanted to continue here after qualifying as a CA. It’s a workplace where everyone genuinely cares, celebrates each other’s successes and pushes you to reach your potential.
Which part of your training has helped you most to date?
Working towards deadlines and managing responsibilities effectively. The structured approach of the training taught me how to prioritise tasks, stay organised under pressure and maintain accuracy – all skills that have been invaluable in my day-to-day work.
The comprehensive courses also provided a strong foundation of technical knowledge, which I’ve been able to transfer directly into my work. This has been crucial in building my confidence and competence. Finally, the training instilled a sense of professional discipline and ethics, which guides how I approach my work.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year?
To become one of the leading people at EQ for system optimisations, helping clients work smarter and more efficiently. I want to develop my reputation as a trusted adviser, providing colleagues and clients with insights they can rely on.
Technology in the accountancy sector is advancing rapidly, and I’m keen to embrace these developments rather than ignore them. I want to use apps and digital tools to provide smarter, more efficient advice, ensuring our clients benefit from the latest innovations regardless of size or sector.
What do you enjoy most about working for EQ?
The best thing is that I work with great colleagues who make it enjoyable to come in every day. There has been so much change at EQ since I started, and there have always been opportunities for career growth along the way. Since joining the Sumer Group [EQ’s parent company], we’ve never been made to feel like just a number within the organisation. Our ideas, contributions and individual strengths are valued, which makes a huge difference.
What would you say to anyone else thinking about studying to become a CA?
You won’t regret it. It opens so many doors and gives you a strong foundation for a wide variety of career paths. The beauty of being a CA is that there’s something for everyone, the skills you gain are highly transferable and valued across industries.
It’s challenging, but the experience, knowledge and opportunities you gain along the way make it hugely rewarding, both professionally and personally.
Are you a recently qualified CA, interested in appearing in this column? Email us at camagazine@therivergroup.co.uk
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