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Committees and roles

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Here you’ll find more information on student society committees, from what they are, to how you can volunteer.

How to join a committee

Each committee group is made up of ACA student volunteers and there are a variety of roles available.

You can apply for an executive role including Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and ICAEW Student Council (ISC) representative.

You can also join a committee in a non-executive role such as a Social Media representative or the local firms representative.

How to join a committee:-

  1. Find your local committee
  2. Register your interest
  3. The Chair of the student society will contact you
  4. Attend a meeting or event

It is as simple as that! If you are looking to apply for an executive role, this is decided at each annual general meeting.

What is in it for you?

There are lots of benefits to volunteering on your local committee including:-

  1. Opportunities to meet fellow students
  2. Building a network of friends who are at the same stage in their career as you
  3. Developing new skills outside of work including networking, communication, creativity and leadership
  4. Having your say in issues that affect current students and their training

Above all, joining a student committee is extremely enjoyable and rewarding.

How much time does it take up?

This can vary due to how active your society is, your role and the size of your committee. The more you put into it the more you get out.

Some societies will meet every four months and hold bi-annual events, while some meet monthly and hold events every other month.

Roles are all manageable between your work, studies and social life. However the societies do look for committed individuals to join their committee.

If you would like more detailed information, we recommend you contact your local society to find out more.

Committee roles

The structure of the committee depends on the size of the society. However each society will have the following key roles and responsibilities.

Chair

  • Lead the executive committee meetings and be an active ambassador for the group
  • Delegate and manage the committee to meet their objectives
  • Organise social activities, working collaboratively with other committee officers

There are many aims of committee meetings, including passing on news, sharing expertise and experience and having fun. The main aim is to make decisions about how the group is run and the planning of upcoming events."

Alex Narang, Committee member in Manchester

Treasurer

  • Prepare the annual budget
  • Regularly monitor revenue and expenditure
  • Provide quarterly reports to the ICAEW Student Council (ISC)

Secretary

  • Prepare and distribute committee meeting agendas in advance
  • Organise meetings and send out invitations; write and distribute meeting minutes

ICAEW Student Council (ISC) Representative

  • Attend the ISC meetings four times a year (meet other reps from the different societies) and report back key findings from those meetings
  • Complete ISC quarterly reports (liaise with the Treasurer for the cash movements)

Sponsorship Representative

  • Responsible for finding sponsors for the events
  • Liaising with existing sponsors on potential new/existing events

Committee Member

  • Help the committee to fulfill its objectives, participate in activities
  • Represent and promote ICAEW and the society within your own firm

In my role I have greatly improved my communication and organisation skills which has greatly helped me in both my job role and in my studies."

Hebe Dyson, Committee member in Cumberland
Terms and conditions

All office-holders must be current ACA students in a training agreement or full ICAEW members qualified for up to two years.

While other students, including independent ACA students, ICAEW CFAB students, and students of other accountancy bodies, are welcome to offer a helping hand in terms of ideas and organisation, they are not allowed to hold office.

Independent ACA, ICAEW CFAB and students from other accountancy bodies can attend events. However some events may have restrictions (for example – only open to ICAEW students).
Student support team

The student support team is here to help. We recommend that you contact us via our Live Chat or chatbot Mia first. Our telephone support line is open 9-5 Monday - Friday exc. Wednesday 10-5 (UK time) Closed - UK statutory & public holidays.

Student Society Handbook

PDF (2,837kb)

This guide is designed to help you get the most out of your role and details the support available to you, not only as a committee member, but how to gain more reach and visibility of your Student Society in your area.

Download