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Accountants

The ICAEW Library & Information Service provides a range of articles, tools and resources that can help researchers looking into accountants of the past.

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The Guide to historical resources

This guide highlights some of the material and the tools available within the ICAEW Library & Information collection that can be used by researchers to trace the history of the profession, the evolution of accounting practice and the lives of accountants.

Accountancy ancestors

Accountancy Ancestors
An index to obituaries, biographical profiles and photographs to help researchers tracing their family history or who are studying the history of accountancy firms.
Tracing an accountancy ancestor
Trying to trace an ancestor or relative who was an accountant? The ICAEW Library & Information Service has produced a short guide for genealogists to highlight some of the resources that are available.
Biographical sources
The collection of the ICAEW Library & Information Service holds a range of biographical sources that provide an insight into the profession throughout the years
Historical pass lists and related information
This page covers sources of information on historical ICAEW examination results, including pass lists, records of Orders of Merit and prize-winners, and sets of statistics.
Membership Lists
A guide to our unique collection of over 220 series of membership lists for accountancy bodies from 1877 to the present day.

Research Accountancy Ancestors

Trying to trace an ancestor or relative who was an accountant? The ICAEW Library & Information Service has produced a short guide for genealogists to highlight some of the resources that are available.
View the Research Guide Guide to Researching Accountancy Practice History
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Accountants in wartime

ICAEW would like to take this opportunity to pay its respects to all those who have lost their lives in the service of their country and freedom in both world wars.

During the First World War 1625 members and 1803 articled clerks served, as well as the Institute's then Librarian Cosmo Gordon. 129 members and clerks were decorated for their gallantry, which included two Victoria Crosses. However, 510 members and articled clerks were killed in action.

In the Second World War approximately one quarter of ICAEW members served and many decorations were gained (including two Victoria Crosses). However, 202 members and 273 articled clerks lost their lives.

Accountants in the First World War
A collection of articles and resources that can help with research into members of your family or firm who served during the First and Second World Wars.
With the colours
The book 'With the colours; a list of Chartered and Incorporated Accountants and their Clerks who are serving with the British Forces on land and sea, 1914-1916' reproduced the lists of names previously published in The Accountant.
First World War Index
Index to accountants, their clerks and close relatives of accountants who served during the First World War and were mentioned in reports published in the accountancy press.
Accountants in the Second World War
A collection of articles and resources that can help with research into members of your family or firm who served during the Second World War.
The collection in wartime
A reflection on how ICAEW staff kept Chartered Accountants’ Hall open throughout the Second World War while protecting the rarest books on accountancy.

ICAEW people

Chief Executives and Secretaries
This page lists the leadership of the ICAEW, currently called the Chief Executive, but previously the Secretary General or Secretaries.
Female Firsts
Find out about the key female firsts in accountancy who helped pioneer the way for women in the profession.
Past Presidents 1880-
A chronological list charting the Presidents, Vice Presidents and Deputy Presidents of the ICAEW from 1880 to the present day.
Can't find what you're looking for?

The ICAEW Library can give you the right information from trustworthy, professional sources that aren't freely available online. Contact us for expert help with your enquiries and research.