A thank you to the past committee
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing committee, whose dedication and hard work have laid the foundation for our society's success. Under Sunny Yang’s leadership, we have witnessed remarkable growth and achievement - none more so than being selected a second year in a row as ‘Student Body of the Year’ at the PQ Awards.
As myself being the outgoing Treasurer, I am particularly proud of the strong financial performance to date, a testament to the prudent financial management and strategic decision-making of the past committee.
Sunny's rich tenure as Chair has set a high standard for us to uphold, and I am honoured to build upon this legacy as we embark on a new chapter for our society.
My Personal Journey
Allow me to share a glimpse of my journey, which reflects the transformative power of opportunity within our profession.
My path to this moment has been marked by both a combination of determination and sheer good luck. Having won a scholarship aged 12 to attend a selective independent school, I was afforded an opportunity so many people don’t have - to pursue a quality education that paved the way for my subsequent academic journey. Graduating from a Russell Group university, I became the first in my family to attend university, a milestone that fills me with immense pride.
Prior to my traineeship at PwC, I was not destined to become a Chartered Accountant. With no familial role models in the finance and accounting industries, the world of ACA and financial statements was foreign to me.
However, through perseverance and dedication, I have navigated this landscape and stand before you today as a proud advocate for our profession. My diverse experiences, from managing a multimillion-pound charity campaign, to political campaigning, and assisting a government minister, have shaped my perspective and equipped me to lead our society with vision and purpose.
A Vision for the Year Ahead
Looking ahead, I am inspired by the potential for growth and innovation within our society.
My vision for the year ahead is rooted in inclusivity, empowerment, and excellence in everything we do. As Chair, I am committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and engagement, where every member feels valued and supported in their professional journey.
Through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives, we will expand opportunities for ACA students to thrive and excel. Our calendar will be filled with dynamic events, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to foster personal growth and career development.
Some of the stakeholders we are already in discussion with as we build out our calendar for the year are:
- Members of Parliament
- A London Mayoral candidate
- PQ training providers and a Business School
- A Bank of England C-Suite executive
- The incoming President of the ICAEW
- … and many many more!
Together, let us embark on this journey to make our society a vibrant hub of learning, connection, and opportunity for all its members.
Aydin Bolton, CASSL Chair (2024/25)
