FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
ICAS Sustainability
Summit 2026
Returning on 7 October in a new hybrid format, both online and in person, the ICAS Sustainability Summit will bring together leading voices from business, finance and sustainability for two panel discussions exploring why sustainability remains a key driver of commercial success and how accountants can help organisations create, protect and unlock long-term value.
The programme will also feature a keynote address from Fiona Watson, Vice President of Corporate Performance & Accountability at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. You can read our interview with Fiona here. The panels feature:
• Tara Schmidt, Transition Finance Scotland
• Russell Picot, Universities Superannuation Scheme
• Sophie Dejonckheere, Lloyds Corporate and Institutional Bank
• Laura Guittard CA, GSK
• Martin Murray OBE CA, Swire Pacific
• George Cobb CA, We Are Salt Consultancy
Whether you’re shaping strategy, managing risk or supporting reporting and assurance, this summit will provide valuable insights into how sustainability can create lasting business value.
Date: 7 October 2026
Time: 15:30–19:00 BST
Location: Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT and online
Cost: Free for ICAS students and members; £80 + VAT for non-members
Dress code: Business casual
Register now for the ICAS Sustainability Summit
ICAS Sustainability
Summit 2026
Returning on 7 October in a new hybrid format, both online and in person, the ICAS Sustainability Summit will bring together leading voices from business, finance and sustainability for two panel discussions exploring why sustainability remains a key driver of commercial success and how accountants can help organisations create, protect and unlock long-term value.
The programme will also feature a keynote address from Fiona Watson, Vice President of Corporate Performance & Accountability at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. You can read our interview with Fiona here. The panels feature:
• Tara Schmidt, Transition Finance Scotland
• Russell Picot, Universities Superannuation Scheme
• Sophie Dejonckheere, Lloyds Corporate and Institutional Bank
• Laura Guittard CA, GSK
• Martin Murray OBE CA, Swire Pacific
• George Cobb CA, We Are Salt Consultancy
Whether you’re shaping strategy, managing risk or supporting reporting and assurance, this summit will provide valuable insights into how sustainability can create lasting business value.
Date: 7 October 2026
Time: 15:30–19:00 BST
Location: Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT and online
Cost: Free for ICAS students and members; £80 + VAT for non-members
Dress code: Business casual
Register now for the ICAS Sustainability Summit
Celebrating this year’s graduates
This year, 37 ICAS Foundation students are graduating, marking an important milestone both for the students and for everyone who has supported them along the way.
Of the 33 confirmed so far, 29 (88%) have achieved a first or an upper second. Thirty-one students have also secured relevant graduate roles, with 17 moving into CA training contracts. That means 46% of this year’s graduating students are leaving university with their next step towards ICAS membership already in place.
Among them is Leah McCluskey (pictured), who graduated with first-class honours in accounting and finance from the University of Strathclyde. Leah is joining foundation partner Dains Scotland as an Audit Trainee, having completed internships with the firm in each of the past two years and received a return offer following last year’s placement.
Reflecting on her journey, Leah said: “I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of the foundation – so I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone that supports the charity. I was pretty much doing it alone until I reached the ICAS Foundation and grew a network that changed my life forever.”
As this year’s graduates begin the next stage of their careers, the foundation is also preparing to welcome its next cohort. We received 173 applications for the 2026 programme, with 77 students invited to interview. Following consideration by the bursary committee, 50 are currently progressing through final eligibility checks.
As we celebrate our graduates’ success and welcome our next cohort, it’s clear that the support of ICAS and its members is helping the ICAS Foundation develop the next generation of accounting professionals.
Find out how you can help talented young people take the next step at icasfoundation.org.uk
Celebrating this year’s graduates
This year, 37 ICAS Foundation students are graduating, marking an important milestone both for the students and for everyone who has supported them along the way.
Of the 33 confirmed so far, 29 (88%) have achieved a first or an upper second. Thirty-one students have also secured relevant graduate roles, with 17 moving into CA training contracts. That means 46% of this year’s graduating students are leaving university with their next step towards ICAS membership already in place.
Among them is Leah McCluskey (pictured), who graduated with first-class honours in accounting and finance from the University of Strathclyde. Leah is joining foundation partner Dains Scotland as an Audit Trainee, having completed internships with the firm in each of the past two years and received a return offer following last year’s placement.
Reflecting on her journey, Leah said: “I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of the foundation – so I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone that supports the charity. I was pretty much doing it alone until I reached the ICAS Foundation and grew a network that changed my life forever.”
As this year’s graduates begin the next stage of their careers, the foundation is also preparing to welcome its next cohort. We received 173 applications for the 2026 programme, with 77 students invited to interview. Following consideration by the bursary committee, 50 are currently progressing through final eligibility checks.
As we celebrate our graduates’ success and welcome our next cohort, it’s clear that the support of ICAS and its members is helping the ICAS Foundation develop the next generation of accounting professionals.
Find out how you can help talented young people take the next step at icasfoundation.org.uk
Get involved with ICAS
We have a number of opportunities for CAs who would like to deepen their involvement with their professional body.
Current vacancies include:
• Highlands Area Network Committee – Deputy Chair
• Highlands Area Network Committee – Members Board representative
• Perth Ambassador, Australia
Volunteering your time can be a great way to add new insights, skills and expertise to your portfolio and can enable you to grow your network and give something back. You’ll also be playing an active role in shaping the future of both ICAS and the profession.
Find more information about applying for these vacancies and about volunteering for ICAS
Get involved with ICAS
We have a number of opportunities for CAs who would like to deepen their involvement with their professional body.
Current vacancies include:
• Highlands Area Network Committee – Deputy Chair
• Highlands Area Network Committee – Members Board representative
• Perth Ambassador, Australia
Volunteering your time can be a great way to add new insights, skills and expertise to your portfolio and can enable you to grow your network and give something back. You’ll also be playing an active role in shaping the future of both ICAS and the profession.
Find more information about applying for these vacancies and about volunteering for ICAS
Mark 50 years of membership
Join us at one of our ICAS Gold Club lunches, a special gathering for members celebrating 50 or more years of membership. These exclusive events are an opportunity to connect with fellow long-standing members over a relaxed lunch in London or Edinburgh.
Both lunches will be hosted by ICAS President David Cruickshank CA. The London lunch will take place at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, while the Edinburgh event will be held at the Royal College of Surgeons.
Celebrate your long-standing membership in the company of your peers, catch up with fellow members, and hear from ICAS about the past year’s achievements and future plans.
London Gold Club lunch
Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 12:00–14:30
Location: De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, 61–65 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5DA
Edinburgh Gold Club lunch
Date: Thursday 10 December 2026
Time: 12:00–14:30
Location: The Royal College of Surgeons, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Cost: Both events are free for Gold Club members
Dress code: Smart
For more information about ICAS Gold Club email members@icas.com
Mark 50 years of membership
Join us at one of our ICAS Gold Club lunches, a special gathering for members celebrating 50 or more years of membership. These exclusive events are an opportunity to connect with fellow long-standing members over a relaxed lunch in London or Edinburgh.
Both lunches will be hosted by ICAS President David Cruickshank CA. The London lunch will take place at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, while the Edinburgh event will be held at the Royal College of Surgeons.
Celebrate your long-standing membership in the company of your peers, catch up with fellow members, and hear from ICAS about the past year’s achievements and future plans.
London Gold Club lunch
Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 12:00–14:30
Location: De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, 61–65 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5DA
Edinburgh Gold Club lunch
Date: Thursday 10 December 2026
Time: 12:00–14:30
Location: The Royal College of Surgeons, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Cost: Both events are free for Gold Club members
Dress code: Smart
For more information about ICAS Gold Club email members@icas.com
Tee off with fellow CAs
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, a regular club player or simply enjoy the occasional leisurely round, there are several opportunities to connect with fellow CAs over 18 holes.
Represent ICAS on the course
The ICAS team currently competes in two fixtures each year against Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), and Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW).
The history of the match against CAI dates back to 2019, when then-ICAS President Sandy Manson CA was contacted by his counterpart at CAI, Feargal McCormack, with a view to setting up a regular golf tournament between the two membership bodies.
The annual McCormack-Manson Cup alternates between Scotland and Ireland, with matches having been played at world-famous courses including Muirfield and Royal Portrush, both of which have hosted the British Open on several occasions.
If you’re interested in playing, or simply coming along to support the team, please contact:
Neil Allan CA (for ICAS v CAI)
Chris Black (for ICAS v ICAEW)
Play your peers
If you're based in London or the south-east, check out the London Golf Society, which brings together CAs in the area, as well as accountants from other professional bodies with strong Scottish connections. The society offers a mix of social and competitive golf throughout the year and keeps members informed about upcoming matches. To join, please email Stuart Hope CA.
Would you be interested in a Scottish CA Golf Society?
A number of members are exploring the idea of starting a Scottish CA Golf Society, similar to the London Golf Society, to bring together CAs in Scotland. Would you be interested in joining? Share your details here.
Tee off with fellow CAs
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, a regular club player or simply enjoy the occasional leisurely round, there are several opportunities to connect with fellow CAs over 18 holes.
Represent ICAS on the course
The ICAS team currently competes in two fixtures each year against Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), and Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW).
The history of the match against CAI dates back to 2019, when then-ICAS President Sandy Manson CA was contacted by his counterpart at CAI, Feargal McCormack, with a view to setting up a regular golf tournament between the two membership bodies.
The annual McCormack-Manson Cup alternates between Scotland and Ireland, with matches having been played at world-famous courses including Muirfield and Royal Portrush, both of which have hosted the British Open on several occasions.
If you’re interested in playing, or simply coming along to support the team, please contact:
Neil Allan CA (for ICAS v CAI)
Chris Black (for ICAS v ICAEW)
Play your peers
If you're based in London or the south-east, check out the London Golf Society, which brings together CAs in the area, as well as accountants from other professional bodies with strong Scottish connections. The society offers a mix of social and competitive golf throughout the year and keeps members informed about upcoming matches. To join, please email Stuart Hope CA.
Would you be interested in a Scottish CA Golf Society?
A number of members are exploring the idea of starting a Scottish CA Golf Society, similar to the London Golf Society, to bring together CAs in Scotland. Would you be interested in joining? Share your details here.
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Beyond digitisation, PFU helps firms transform paper-based information into rich, searchable digital data that can be integrated into automated workflows and business systems. This provides accountants with faster access to accurate information, allowing them to move beyond administrative tasks and deliver deeper financial insights, strategic guidance and value-added advisory services.
By combining industry-leading scanning technology with Ricoh’s expertise in intelligent information management, PFU helps accountancy practices improve efficiency, enhance client service and drive better business outcomes.
Find out more about how PFU and Ricoh can help your company
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Go digital faster with
next-gen scanning
PFU, a Ricoh company, is a leading provider of document-scanning solutions that help accountancy practices accelerate digital transformation, improve compliance and unlock greater value from business information. As the trusted force behind the award-winning Ricoh fi-series scanners and PaperStream Capture Pro Software, PFU enables teams like yours to capture, process and manage financial documents quickly, accurately and securely.
With the requirements of Making Tax Digital, UK accounting professionals need efficient, reliable ways to digitise client records and integrate data into cloud-based accounting platforms. Ricoh fi-series scanners streamline the capture of invoices, receipts, tax records and supporting documentation, reducing manual data entry, minimising errors and helping practices maintain compliance with HMRC requirements.
Beyond digitisation, PFU helps firms transform paper-based information into rich, searchable digital data that can be integrated into automated workflows and business systems. This provides accountants with faster access to accurate information, allowing them to move beyond administrative tasks and deliver deeper financial insights, strategic guidance and value-added advisory services.
By combining industry-leading scanning technology with Ricoh’s expertise in intelligent information management, PFU helps accountancy practices improve efficiency, enhance client service and drive better business outcomes.
Find out more about how PFU and Ricoh can help your company
Ben Mitchell CA,
Manager, EQ Accountants
What attracted you to your current role?
I had known since school that I wanted to become a CA, and as part of my degree I was able to go out and work for a year to gain practical experience. I received an offer for my placement year at EQ and the variety of work and the responsibility given to me during that time allowed me to develop the knowledge I’d gained from school and university. The help and support I received from my colleagues was brilliant, and I knew that EQ would be the best place for me to complete my CA qualification.
Which part of your ICAS training has most helped your career to date?
The core competencies taught provided a knowledge base, but I found the final case study work really important as we applied our technical skills to a real business scenario. The focus on ethics, professional judgement, commercial awareness and good communication skills helped provide me with both the skills and confidence to tackle any difficult situations that arise.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year or so?
I’ve recently been involved in some system conversion and optimisation work that I really enjoyed. There are clear deliverables on display for the client, and I feel this type of work is more appreciated than regular compliance, as it has an actual impact on their day-to-day operations. There have been a few projects of this nature recently and this is a service line I hope to help drive forward.
What do you most enjoy about working at EQ Accountants?
The culture. Since joining as a graduate, I’ve always felt supported by people who are willing to invest their time in helping others learn and develop. That supportive environment has been a key factor in my personal and professional progression. People are approachable, encouraging and genuinely want to see each other succeed. It creates a positive working environment where you feel valued and motivated to do your best work.
What would you say to someone thinking of becoming a CA?
I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. Becoming a CA has given me the opportunity to build a career that is varied, rewarding and full of opportunities. I’ve had the chance to work with great people, help clients overcome challenges and continually develop new skills. What I enjoy most is that the profession is constantly changing. Whether it’s new technology, evolving client needs or different types of projects, there is always something new to learn.
Ben Mitchell CA,
Manager, EQ Accountants
What attracted you to your current role?
I had known since school that I wanted to become a CA, and as part of my degree I was able to go out and work for a year to gain practical experience. I received an offer for my placement year at EQ and the variety of work and the responsibility given to me during that time allowed me to develop the knowledge I’d gained from school and university. The help and support I received from my colleagues was brilliant, and I knew that EQ would be the best place for me to complete my CA qualification.
Which part of your ICAS training has most helped your career to date?
The core competencies taught provided a knowledge base, but I found the final case study work really important as we applied our technical skills to a real business scenario. The focus on ethics, professional judgement, commercial awareness and good communication skills helped provide me with both the skills and confidence to tackle any difficult situations that arise.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year or so?
I’ve recently been involved in some system conversion and optimisation work that I really enjoyed. There are clear deliverables on display for the client, and I feel this type of work is more appreciated than regular compliance, as it has an actual impact on their day-to-day operations. There have been a few projects of this nature recently and this is a service line I hope to help drive forward.
What do you most enjoy about working at EQ Accountants?
The culture. Since joining as a graduate, I’ve always felt supported by people who are willing to invest their time in helping others learn and develop. That supportive environment has been a key factor in my personal and professional progression. People are approachable, encouraging and genuinely want to see each other succeed. It creates a positive working environment where you feel valued and motivated to do your best work.
What would you say to someone thinking of becoming a CA?
I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. Becoming a CA has given me the opportunity to build a career that is varied, rewarding and full of opportunities. I’ve had the chance to work with great people, help clients overcome challenges and continually develop new skills. What I enjoy most is that the profession is constantly changing. Whether it’s new technology, evolving client needs or different types of projects, there is always something new to learn.
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