With social media playing a growing role in helping chartered accountants share expertise and engage with critical topics, the #ICAEWROAR ranking continues to recognise those driving meaningful conversations on X.

Launched in 2015, #ICAEWROAR monitors the accountancy profession’s social media landscape to identify its top online influencers.

This year marks its eighth X edition, with founder of non-profit firm Tax Policy Associates Dan Neidle dethroning five-time champion Richard Murphy to claim the top spot.

Why finance professional should build an online presence

Tax campaigner Neidle says it is vital to have an online presence in the accountancy space. “A huge number of people now get their news from social media,” he explains. “Those people include clients. Any professional who isn’t on social media is missing an opportunity to engage with clients and the wider public.”

However, the challenge is striking a balance between being too boring on the one hand, or too dangerous on the other. It’s a skill that requires fine judgement, Neidle says.

“The easy course for firms is to prohibit social media altogether, or require all posts to be pre-screened. I think that’s bad for their business in the short term. It also means that an important voice is left out of the public debate around tax.”

Although not an accountant, Neidle spent 25 years as a tax lawyer and founded Tax Policy Associates with the aim of improving tax policy and public understanding of it. He brings this same mission to his tweets, where he covers key developments in tax law.

Neidle also shared his insights on the current popularity of X and his outlook on where it’s heading. “I’m very uncomfortable with X in its current form. I cross-post everything to BlueSky and Threads, but for now, nothing beats X in terms of its reach to the public, policymakers and journalists. I don’t know if that will change,” he says.

Climbing the ranks

#ICAEWROAR’s unique ranking methodology focuses on the quality of posts, relevance to accountancy and engagement levels, rather than follower count. This ensures the spotlight remains on meaningful contributions to the accountancy community.

Tae Mawson, ICAEW’s Senior Social Media Manager, says: “It’s inspiring to see so many of our accountancy influencers continuing to share their daily (and in some instances, hourly) wisdom on X.

“We’ve championed their efforts for eight years running now and once again, we’re honoured to feature them on a ranking that eschews follower numbers for posts around topics relevant to accountants, the engagement they receive and the quality of discourse they generate."

This year, it’s hats off to Rowan Morrow-McDade, Della Hudson and Helen Miller as they have climbed the ranking to secure spots among the top 10.

The #ICAEWROAR 2024 Top 10 on X 

1) Dan Neidle (@danneidle) 

Founder of Tax Policy Associates, tweeting about UK tax law and international tax issues (+1).

2) Richard Murphy (@RichardJMurphy) 

Owner of Tax Research, tweeting about economics, politics, and tax inequality (-1).

3) Keith M Gordon (@keithmgordon) 

Tax barrister at Temple Tax Chambers, covering taxation and financial trends (+2).

4) Rebecca Benneyworth (@rbeccabeneworth) 

Principal of Rebecca Benneyworth and Co, focusing on UK tax and small business advice (0).

5) Judith Freedman (@JudithFreedman) 

Oxford Emeritus Professor of Tax Law, tweeting about policy developments (+2).

6) Helen Miller (@HelenMiller_IFS) 

Deputy Director and Head of Tax at the Institute of Fiscal Studies, tweeting about tax legislation and data (new to the top 10).

7) Alex Cobham (@alexcobham) 

CEO of Tax Justice Network, championing global tax justice (+1).

8) Heather Self (@hselftax) 

Retired tax partner, tweeting about tax policy and legal matters (+1).

9) Rowan Morrow-McDade (@RowanMMcDade) 

Tax adviser at Alexander & Co, tweeting about tax measures and explainers (new to the top 10).

10) Della Hudson (@DellaHudsonFCA) 

Founder of Hudson Business accountants and advisers, sharing mentor insights for financial professionals (new to the top 10).

For the full ranking, which features the top 35 most influential accountants on X, visit: #ICAEWROAR 2024.

Nominate for #ICAEWROAR 2025

Nominations are now open for the 2025 rankings. Whether nominating yourself or others, ICAEW encourages the accountancy community to highlight voices making an impact.

For past rankings, the full methodology, and details about the project, visit the #ICAEWROAR Hub.