One of the advantages that comes with being a professional accounting body of our size is that we can be agile and act swiftly.

In September, the government quite suddenly announced it would be publishing its consultation on Modernising Corporate Reporting.

Our immediate response to this was “not before time”, as ICAS has been banging the drum on this subject since the 1980s.

One way or another, the government’s proposals will affect a significant number of CAs. As such, I would urge you to read this month’s column from ICAS President David Cruickshank CA, which has been co-authored by our CFO Chris Barber CA and Director of Policy Leadership, James Barbour CA.

Together, they have brought all their experience and knowledge to the table to set out what the consultation means for CAs. Crucially, they also highlight the brief window the government has provided for feedback. This is where ICAS can demonstrate that agility, leveraging the wealth of expertise among our members to help shape what could be a hugely important piece of legislation. And you can share your thoughts on the consultation through our Modernising Corporate Reporting survey.

Another issue that most certainly affects all of us is the cost of our energy bills, which go up by 4% as of today (1 October). We speak to two CAs, Simon Ellison and George Cobb, who are working at the cutting edge of the sector and they explain the key role that finance professionals play in decarbonising the UK’s energy supply.

Additionally, this month marks Global Ethics Day (21 October), which naturally means a great deal to us. Two of this year’s CA Rising Stars, Colleen Welsh CA and Stuart Brown CA, explain why ethics means so much to them and after reading the piece you’ll see why they are a credit to the profession.

ICAS not only preaches (and practices) ethical leadership, but also that the CA qualification provides the foundation for a brilliant career, be it in practice or in industry.

A fine example is Tom Cannon CA, who completed his training at EY and is now CEO of British wine brand Folc, which is successfully taking on the French at their own game, and he talks about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

Also in this month’s issue, I set out what I believe ICAS must do to ensure all our CAs get full value from their membership, while continuing to innovate and display the necessary agility to keep us future-proofed.

Geoff Day

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