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Career paths

Explore possible career paths for you, including audit roles, corporate finance, portfolio careers, starting a practice and volunteering.

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AI in accountancy

The future of a tax administration authority
  • Article
  • 14 Mar 2025
James Murray MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, was among a panel of high-ranking experts debating the challenges and opportunities for transforming the UK’s tax system at a joint ICAEW/CIOT event to mark the 20th anniversary of HMRC.
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How AI can improve sustainability assurance
  • Article
  • 05 Mar 2025
Case study: ekointelligence is a generative AI tool, developed in part by chartered accountants, that can digest and review all environmental statements published by an organisation.
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Why accountants must keep up with Excel functions
  • Article
  • 27 Feb 2025
Excel is continuing to evolve to meet accountants’ needs. Three experts explain why professionals must keep up with its new features.
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Finance business partnering: five skills you need
  • Article
  • 27 Feb 2025
Learn from two ICAEW experts how to master the skill of finance business partnering, which is rooted in relationships, influence, strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
A person holding a tablet device displaying various graphs
CFOs to drive human-centric AI-fuelled future of work
  • Article
  • 19 Feb 2025
AI can help to address some of the biggest challenges that CFOs face. However, success depends on AI working alongside humans, rather than replacing them.
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
Five in-demand skills for accountants in 2025
  • Article
  • 14 Feb 2025
We speak to recruitment experts to reveal the key skills and attributes accountants need to stand out in a competitive job market.
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Audit careers

Audit is a regulated area in the UK. Find out more about gaining audit rights in the UK as an individual.
young woman professional working on a tablet in a home office
Exclusive Developing professional judgement
  • Article
  • 17 Jan 2025
  • ICAEW
Auditors can enhance development and application of their professional judgement with ICAEW’s e-learning programme – and gain four hours of verifiable CPD.
Practising Auditor Competency Framework
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 22 Oct 2024
Helping audit professionals understand what the competencies they should develop as they move towards becoming a responsible individual.
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ICAEW student numbers buck sector-wide lull
  • Article
  • 04 Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Comprehensive sector analysis shows that the ACA qualification continues to be a popular choice for those starting their careers.
Louise Hallsworth, Audit Partner, Baxter & Co, talks about why she chose a career in audit
Exclusive Why Audit? Because we’re guardians of financial truth
  • Article
  • 12 Jul 2024
  • ICAEW
Louise Hallsworth, Audit Partner at Baxter & Co, talks about why she chose a career in audit and why, after a few twists and turns, she decided to stay there.
Just Audit founder Rachel Davis Why Audit video interview ICAEW
Why Audit? Because you never stop learning
  • Article
  • 14 May 2024
  • ICAEW
“It’s not just the right role you’re looking for, it’s the right place.” That’s the advice of Just Audit founder Rachel Davis as she discusses her career as an auditor.
Tim Rush, Audit Partner, KPMG, talks about why he thinks audit is a career with a future
Why audit? Because variety brings opportunity
  • Article
  • 14 Mar 2024
  • Debra Stottor
Tim Rush, Audit Partner, KPMG, talks about the breadth of experience his career in audit has offered, and why it’s a career worth considering.
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Webinars and conference

Find out more about the annual Audit & Assurance Conference, browse and sign up for upcoming webinars, as well as recordings of past webinars to watch on demand.

Find a webinar
Audit and Assurance conference

CFO

The most senior role in the finance function. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Finance Director (FD) oversees all aspects of the finance function, providing strategic direction and leadership.
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CFOs to drive human-centric AI-fuelled future of work
  • Article
  • 19 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
AI can help to address some of the biggest challenges that CFOs face. However, success depends on AI working alongside humans, rather than replacing them.
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
How to become a portfolio CFO
  • Article
  • 01 Aug 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
As businesses evolve, the traditional C-suite model faces challenges. Sara Daw, a pioneer of the flexible ‘C-suite as service’ model, explains how on-demand CFOs can benefit your business.
Four wind turbines on a green background
Member spotlight: James Richardson, Stansted Airport FD
  • Article
  • 22 Jul 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
High flyer Richardson talks about the lessons from COVID-19 in managing uncertainty, the airport’s net-zero plans and how technology is transforming the travel experience.
A great communicator makes for a successful CFO
  • Article
  • 18 Apr 2024
  • Kelly Smith, CFO, Kantar Insights UK & Republic of Ireland
Kelly Smith is CFO, Kantar Insights UK & Republic of Ireland, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading market research companies. Smith talks about why good communication is key to good leadership, worrying about climate change, and challenges her peers to find ways to maintain engagement in a world of hybrid working.
CFO most diverse C-suite role amid patchy progress
  • Article
  • 19 Mar 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
White men still hold three-quarters of chair, CEO or CFO roles across FTSE 350 and more than half of board and executive committee positions, study finds.
The CFO has a role as the company’s conscience
  • Article
  • 06 Oct 2023
Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of a Global Bank Harshika Patel explains how ethics is truly embedded in the role of the accountant, and how karma will always catch up with bad apples.
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CFO to CEO

Many business leaders have made the transition from CFO to CEO, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of this career path.
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CFOs: how to nurture your relationship with the CEO
  • Article
  • 20 Jan 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Sounding board, safe pair of hands, confidant – the CFO’s relationship with the CEO is a pivotal one. We look at how the partnership is evolving and analyse the skills you need to nurture it.
Access resources to help you meet ICAEW CPD requirements
Free CPD: soft skills for leaders
  • Article
  • 13 Nov 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
If you’re in a leadership role, an aspiring CFO, or even a CFO looking to become CEO, having strong people skills is a top priority. ICAEW has a range of resources to boost your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours while raising your EQ.
From CFO to CEO: the essential leadership skills
  • Article
  • 22 Apr 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Many CEOs have backgrounds in accountancy, but taking the leap from the finance function to the chief executive’s chair requires a much broader skill set.
CFO most diverse C-suite role amid patchy progress
  • Article
  • 19 Mar 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
White men still hold three-quarters of chair, CEO or CFO roles across FTSE 350 and more than half of board and executive committee positions, study finds.
How to move from a CFO to a CEO mindset
  • Article
  • 04 Jan 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Having a strong financial background is invaluable when becoming a CEO, but you also need the right leadership mindset and skills, says author Ben Renshaw.
How to develop a CEO mindset
  • Article
  • 18 Nov 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
For finance professionals in business, the progression from CFO to CEO is a tried and tested route. But no matter where you are in your career, you can forge a CEO mindset on your own, says business coach Anthony Webb.

Charity trustee

ICAEW's Charity Community supports finance professionals in their roles as charity advisers, finance leaders and volunteers. The Community's Trustee Training Modules help trustees explore the knowledge and skills required to be effective in their board role and are free for members and non-members.
Three people help move boxes of fruits
Trustee skills key to tackling charity governance challenges
  • Article
  • 11 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Ensuring your charity’s trustees have the right balance of skills and experience will go a long way towards bolstering governance.
Three people help move boxes of fruits
New guidance addresses charity investment governance issues
  • Article
  • 17 Jan 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Sector-developed best practice aims to help charities navigate potential conflict between their investments and charitable objectives.
Avoid these governance pitfalls: lessons from an Interim Manager
  • Article
  • 03 Jan 2025
  • Kristina Kopic
Good governance is the backbone of any successful charity, yet trustees of small charities face challenges in their roles. Whether it’s unclear roles, inadequate financial oversight or poor communication among board members, many pitfalls are avoidable with the right awareness and practices.
Lessons learned: trustee insights on preventing and responding to fraud in charities
  • Article
  • 04 Dec 2024
  • Louisa Burton
As a PhD Researcher from the University of Portsmouth, I interviewed officers of small charities who had experienced fraud for a recent study. These individuals shared valuable insights about how trustees can protect their charities against fraud.
Three people help move boxes of fruits
Banks: step up for charities, CAF Bank chief urges
  • Article
  • 28 Nov 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
From difficulties opening accounts to having them closed unexpectedly, the charity sector’s experience of banking continues to fall short. CAF Bank CEO and ICAEW member Alison Taylor explains why there’s more than reputation at stake.
Three people help move boxes of fruits
Charities face persistent internal fraud threat, survey finds
  • Article
  • 25 Nov 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Misappropriation of cash or assets by staff and volunteers and payment diversion fraud remain the most common types of fraud committed. A new report recommends robust internal controls and an anti-fraud culture.
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Join the Charity Community

Supporting finance professionals in their paid and voluntary roles in or with the charity and voluntary sector. Membership is free and open to everyone, including non-ICAEW members.
Find out more
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Corporate finance careers

Articles from our dedicated Corporate finance careers hub, where leading figures and up-and-coming professionals who have developed their careers share their experiences.
Tom Rowe-Jones, M&A director at LAVA Advisory Partners
On my CV: Tom Rowe-Jones, LAVA Advisory Partners
  • Article
  • 10 Mar 2025
  • ICAEW
Exploring all options for equity partners to ensure alignment for a diverse stakeholder base is key for M&A in the accountancy sector, says Tom Rowe-Jones of LAVA Advisory Partners.
Linda Nguyenova, investor and deal origination lead in Yorkshire and the North East at BGF
Career paths: Linda Nguyenova, BGF
  • Article
  • 10 Mar 2025
  • ICAEW
Listening to entrepreneurs and their stories to understand what makes a business tick is key to successful learning, says Linda Nguyenova, investor and deal origination lead in Yorkshire and the North East at BGF.
Lana Baker-Cowling, sustainable ûnance and ESG strategy consultant at Anthesis
Career paths: Lana Baker-Cowling, Anthesis
  • Article
  • 10 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW
Finance drives environmental change and Lana Baker-Cowling, sustainable finance and ESG strategy consultant at Anthesis, is optimistic it will deliver.
Alexandra Richardson is an M&A and venture capital partner at Taylor Wessing
On my CV: Alexandra Richardson, Taylor Wessing
  • Article
  • 10 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW
Strong relationships, alignment and communication are key to a smooth sale process, says Taylor Wessing’s Alexandra Richardson.
Oliver Stephens, associate director at Headpoint Advisors
Career paths: Oliver Stephens, Headpoint Advisors
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
  • ICAEW
Oliver Stephens, associate director at Headpoint Advisors, is firmly focused on delivering market-leading international M&A advice to mid-market companies across the UK.
Ben Kolada is director and head of US tech investment banking at ICON Corporate Finance
On my CV: Ben Kolada, ICON Corporate Finance
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
  • ICAEW
Hunting down opportunities worldwide in a specialised sector is what ICON’s Ben Kolada does – and when it works, it delivers.
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Environmental, social and governance (ESG) roles

ICAEW's Sustainability Accelerator Programme (SAP) offers ICAEW members free, flexible, bite-sized elearning resources and certificates to ensure accountants can better advise on all sustainability related matters.
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Why nature matters to accountants: insights from a CFO
  • Article
  • 03 Mar 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Coinciding with World Wildlife Day 2025 on 3 March, the Global Accounting Alliance has published a new guide to help accountants integrate nature-related issues into their work. ICAEW speaks to one of the CFOs who contributed.
What is nature and why does it matter to accountants?
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 03 Mar 2025
As accountants, understanding what ‘nature’ means is key to managing financial risks and opportunities tied to environmental factors.
Image taken of the opening ceremony of the World Forum of Accountants 2025, held in New Delhi on 31st January - 2 February 2025
Why accountants are critical for ESG accounting
  • Article
  • 03 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Addressing the World Forum of Accountants, ICAEW President Malcolm Bacchus highlighted the need for collaboration in developing ESG accounting that is needed for a sustainable future.
Wind turbines on a wooded hillside at dusk surrounded by clouds
New free sustainability course for ICAEW members
  • Article
  • 03 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW has designed the Sustainability Accelerator Programme to offer chartered accountants practical tools and support on building the business case for sustainability, ESG reporting, risk management and more.
A pair of hands holding 3 blocks showing compliance symbols
Corporate governance reporting under spotlight in FRC review
  • Article
  • 09 Dec 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Corporate governance reporting review flags a need for more concise, outcomes-focused disclosure and enhanced reporting on risk management and internal controls.
Four wind turbines on a green background
Connecting finance and sustainability: accounting for intangibles
  • Article
  • 15 Nov 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
In this series of articles on the journey to connecting sustainability and finance, David Wray and Marie-Josée Privyk build on their introductory white paper by taking a deeper dive on specific topics.
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Sustainability Accelerator Programme

These elearning resources equip finance professionals with the strategic insight and technical expertise required to lead sustainability and ESG initiatives in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. ICAEW members can access for free.

See overview Download brochure
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Finance function roles

Explore some of the variety of specialisms and roles available to accountants working in the finance function for businesses, including Finance Business Partner, Finance Manager, Financial Accountant, Financial Analyst, Financial Controller and Management Accountant.
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Finance business partnering: five skills you need
  • Article
  • 27 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Learn from two ICAEW experts how to master the skill of finance business partnering, which is rooted in relationships, influence, strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
A person holding a tablet device displaying various graphs
CFOs to drive human-centric AI-fuelled future of work
  • Article
  • 19 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
AI can help to address some of the biggest challenges that CFOs face. However, success depends on AI working alongside humans, rather than replacing them.
steve showell
Member profile: Steve Showell, CFO, Ordnance Survey
  • Article
  • 28 Jan 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
A varied career has allowed Steve Showell to chart a path to his current role as CFO of Ordnance Survey. He talks us through its plans for growth and explains how mapping is a significant driver of UK economic growth.
Carol Culley, Commissioner, Woking Borough Council
How successful finance business partners work at local authorities
  • Article
  • 21 Nov 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Finance business partners play a vital bridging role between the finance team and the wider organisation.
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The skills most in demand by accountancy recruiters
  • Article
  • 03 Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Average CFO salaries in London demand £246k-plus and accountancy employers encourage staff to explore generative AI tools as demand for accountants proficient in digital transformation, automation and AI ramps up.
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Why you need great influencing skills
  • Article
  • 30 Apr 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Accountants with the ability to influence others will be seen as trusted business partners and strategic aides – and may end up working on high-level tasks that don’t involve numbers.
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Forensic accountant

ICAEW's Forensic & Expert Witness community provides events, webinars and training for community members.
thumbprint within a computer circuit board electronic cyber security forensic
Exclusive Applying a forensic lens to audits
  • Article
  • 12 Sep 2024
  • ICAEW
Auditors and forensic specialists share insights on how audit quality can benefit from the use of forensic capabilities and techniques.
What's it like to thumb
What’s it like to… be a forensic accountant
  • Article
  • 27 Sep 2021
  • ICAEW Insights
Laura Dymott started out in audit before discovering the fascinating world of forensics. The variety of clients and cases means no two days are ever the same – and she’s certainly never bored.
Common crime indicators: how accountants can spot the red flags
  • Article
  • 18 Mar 2021
  • ICAEW Insights
Accountants can help prevent, detect and disrupt crime by exercising their professional scepticism and keeping suspicious activity on their radar, says Joanna Bliault, a forensic accountant with the Met Police.
Interviewing skills for Forensic Accountants
  • Webinar
  • 01 Mar 2018
  • Mike Mason
Mike Mason, Barrister, 2 Kings Bench Walk, will discuss interviewing skills for forensic accountants.
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Join the Forensic & Expert Witness Community

Essential resources, news and support for forensic accountants and expert witnesses. Membership is open to everyone, including non-ICAEW members.
Find out more
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Interim and portfolio roles

ICAEW's Portfolio Careers Community provides practical support and guidance for anyone in an independent role, including events, webinars and training. A range of interim and contract roles can be found on ICAEWjobs.com. 
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
The rise and rise of the portfolio career
  • Article
  • 18 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Looking to take more control of your career and work/life balance? It might be time to consider the growing throng of accountants embracing portfolio careers.
Avoid these governance pitfalls: lessons from an Interim Manager
  • Article
  • 03 Jan 2025
  • Kristina Kopic
Good governance is the backbone of any successful charity, yet trustees of small charities face challenges in their roles. Whether it’s unclear roles, inadequate financial oversight or poor communication among board members, many pitfalls are avoidable with the right awareness and practices.
Exclusive How to make a portfolio career work for you
  • Webinar
  • 04 Dec 2024
Aimed at those considering a move into an independent portfolio or fractional career, this webinar explores what the jobs market looks like in late 2024, how best to track down positions, and how much you can expect to earn. The main focus is on fractional and portfolio finance roles in the SME sector.
Exclusive What does it take to build a thriving future-proofed portfolio career? You asked, we answered
  • Article
  • 19 Sep 2024
  • Alison Dungworth & Sara Daw
Alison Dungworth, Subject Matter Expert for the Portfolio Careers Community, and Sara Daw, Group CEO of the CFO Centre, answer your questions from the latest webinar for the Portfolio Careers Community.
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
How to become a portfolio CFO
  • Article
  • 01 Aug 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
As businesses evolve, the traditional C-suite model faces challenges. Sara Daw, a pioneer of the flexible ‘C-suite as service’ model, explains how on-demand CFOs can benefit your business.
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
How to bring your experience to the board
  • Article
  • 25 Apr 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Jane Hemstritch’s impressive portfolio career has taught her a thing or two about how to choose the right role – or, better still, ensure that it chooses you.
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Join the Portfolio Careers Community

Practical support and guidance for anyone in an independent role, from those making the first step to those who have established portfolio careers. Membership is free and open to everyone, including non-ICAEW members.
Find out more
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Insolvency practitioners

You don’t have to be an ICAEW Chartered Accountant to qualify and be licensed as an insolvency practitioner (IP) with ICAEW. We offer a comprehensive programme of support for insolvency practitioners, including the ICAEW Certificate in Insolvency and the ICAEW Restructuring & Insolvency Community.
Do you have what it takes to be an Insolvency Practitioner?
  • Article
  • 26 Feb 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
With insolvencies on the rise – a situation unlikely to change in the near future – upskilling yourself to meet burgeoning market demand for insolvency expertise could be a smart career move.
Charlotte Evans
  • Article
  • 15 Feb 2024
  • ICAEW
For Charlotte, who moved from a career in music into the Insolvency Service, the ICAEW Certificate in Insolvency has given her a deeper understanding of the ‘why’ underpinning the work she does in the Official Receiver’s office.
Sophie Hall
  • Article
  • 15 Feb 2024
  • ICAEW
Sophie had completed insolvency projects at work but wanted to build her sector knowledge. The ICAEW Certificate in Insolvency allowed her to develop her career in a way that fitted around her work commitments.
Two people at laptops with paper and pens
The future of company restructuring tools
  • Article
  • 30 Aug 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
Company Voluntary Arrangements and Restructuring Plans are important weapons in the insolvency practitioner’s armoury. Insolvency specialist Elaine Nolan explains how they look set to evolve following some seminal judgments.
Access to finance: supporting small businesses
The future of the insolvency profession
  • Article
  • 30 Aug 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
The insolvency profession is poised to benefit from the growing need for business turnaround and insolvency expertise. However, the profession is at a crossroads due to regulatory upheaval and recruitment and skills challenges.
The feast or famine nature of insolvency work
  • Article
  • 26 Aug 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
How can insolvency firms best navigate the peaks and troughs of work? Industry experts share their advice.
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Become an ICAEW licensed IP

Find out how to apply for an ICAEW insolvency licence.

Find out more
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Moving between audit, practice and business

Exclusive How to transition from audit to business
  • Article
  • 18 May 2021
Tips for employees on how to successfully move
From practice to business: My career journey
  • Article
  • 12 Nov 2018
Simon Alsop shares his career journey and how he came to the decision to work in business rather than practice.
Thinking of a move from practice - Take these 3 steps before deciding
  • Article
  • 12 Dec 2016
A look at the potential steps available for Chartered Accountants who wish to move from practice. Research conducted by ICAEW indicates the top reasons ACAs leave their roles shortly after completing their training contracts, and the main reasons ACAs decided to stay.

NED roles

Find out more about the role and responsibilities of a non-executive director.
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
The rise and rise of the portfolio career
  • Article
  • 18 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Looking to take more control of your career and work/life balance? It might be time to consider the growing throng of accountants embracing portfolio careers.
A team of people at their desks working on their laptops
New ICAEW Code of Ethics explained: impact of technology
  • Article
  • 12 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW is incorporating revisions in its 2025 Code of Ethics introduced by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants. This article covers those relating to the impact of technology on the profession.
A team of people at their desks working on their laptops
New ICAEW Code of Ethics explained: role and mindset
  • Article
  • 30 Jan 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW is required to incorporate revisions to its Code of Ethics introduced by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants. This article summarises revisions concerning the role and mindset expected of professional accountants.
A pair of hands holding 3 blocks showing compliance symbols
How much is too much for an NED salary?
  • Article
  • 12 Aug 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
More technical expertise, an increased time commitment and greater professional risk – the demands placed on NEDs have ramped up, but remuneration has remained unchanged. Is it time for a pay rise?
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
How to bring your experience to the board
  • Article
  • 25 Apr 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Jane Hemstritch’s impressive portfolio career has taught her a thing or two about how to choose the right role – or, better still, ensure that it chooses you.
From CFO to CEO: the essential leadership skills
  • Article
  • 22 Apr 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Many CEOs have backgrounds in accountancy, but taking the leap from the finance function to the chief executive’s chair requires a much broader skill set.
More

Join the Corporate Governance Community

Stay up to date with the latest news and developments in corporate governance, to help you in your role as a board member, NED or corporate governance professional. Membership is free and open to everyone, including non-ICAEW members.
Find out more See all communities
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Partner in practice

Find out more about the career path to becoming partner in an accountancy practice.
molecule purple bubbles ICAEW Corporate Financier Connections
Connections March 2025: private equity appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 10 Mar 2025
  • ICAEW
Recruitment and promotions in private equity.
Connections October 2024: corporate finance advisory appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 11 Oct 2024
  • ICAEW
Promotions and those on the move in corporate finance advisory.
business meeting discussion
Black History Month: boosting diversity at partner level
  • Article
  • 19 Oct 2020
  • ICAEW
EY’s Shaun Scantlebury discusses his work to support diversity and inclusion, his career milestone of becoming a partner this year and his views on actions firms can take to increase black representation at a senior level.
Have you got what it takes to become a partner?
  • Article
  • 15 Jan 2020
  • Peter Taylor-Whiffen
It’s often the career goal of young accountants, but becoming a partner isn’t for everyone. Do you think you’d make the cut? And do you really want the job anyway? We talk to the accountants who’ve been through it to find out.
Movers and shakers
Ten things you need to know before making partner
  • Article
  • 20 Feb 2018
  • Tanya Shillingford
Here are some issues to look out for when approaching a professional partnership
Get off to a flying start
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 06 Jun 2015
  • PDF (3,854kb)
An insider’s guide to becoming a successful partner in practice
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Self-employment or starting a practice

What does the FD of a SME need to consider when investing in new tech?
  • Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam and Ian Wyatt
In this article we hear from Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam and Ian Wyatt, on their own experiences. Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam is founder of the FD Consultant, a boutique CFO Consultancy which has a track record in growing start-ups, scale-ups and high growth organisations, and Ian is an FD and Business Change Consultant. Romesh and Ian share their top tips:
Things to consider before starting up in practice
When you are starting up in practice it is important that you are aware of the options you have to consider.
Self employment
Self-employment is a choice many members take, whether it’s setting up a Practice, setting up their own business or having a number of different income streams.
Setting up in practice
  • Practice Department
Find out about the key matters you need to consider when setting up in practice.
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Startups

Advice for accountants considering working for a start-up.
Government’s ‘Scale-Up Britain’ ambition under the spotlight
  • Article
  • 27 Feb 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
Is the government’s bold vision for a UK Silicon Valley at odds with how start-ups and scale-ups are being managed at policy level?
Digital skills and levelling up at the heart of UK Digital Strategy
  • Article
  • 13 Jun 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
The new UK Digital Strategy includes plans for developing digital skills, Levelling Up infrastructure and finance options for fintech startups.
Starting a business? Speak to an accountant
  • Article
  • 19 Aug 2021
  • ICAEW Insights
Startups should not be put off by the initial cost of professional advice, which could pay dividends later on, says tax expert Peter Miller.
Business Spotlight: how to commercialise a good idea
  • Article
  • 11 Aug 2020
  • ICAEW Insights
In many ways, ICAEW member Nicola Hames is taking her own advice. After setting up her own business during the pandemic, she is now counselling others with the same ambition.
My career with ACA: Beth Staff
  • Article
  • 12 May 2020
Beth Staff took a big leap from the Ministry of Justice to cyber-security start-up Tessian. Here’s how she’s made it work
A day in the life: Patrick Dobson
  • Article
  • 06 Jun 2019
  • Xenia Taliotis
June 2019: Sofar Sounds' head of finance shares why he left a mid-tier firm for the start up and the music industry

Tax advisers

Specialist tax advisers often work within accountancy practices, advising a variety of clients on their tax affairs. You could specialise in particular tax areas, such as real estate, mergers and acquisitions or VAT. A range of tax accountant roles can be found on ICAEWjobs.com.
Ray McCann, Consultant at Charter Tax and former President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT)
Exclusive Hardman Lecture shines tax regulation spotlight on shadow advisers
  • Article
  • 05 Dec 2024
  • ICAEW
Government efforts to regulate the tax profession will only work if action is taken to target those advisers who don’t interact with HMRC – and don’t want to, says Ray McCann.
Hardman Lecture shines spotlight on ‘shadow’ tax advisers
  • Article
  • 29 Nov 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Government efforts to regulate the tax profession will only work if action is taken to target those advisers who don’t interact with HMRC – and don’t want to, says Ray McCann.
Helsinki Finland city skyline snow evening night lights winter tax conference
Exclusive International developments: professional standards in tax and administering VAT
  • Article
  • 01 Dec 2023
  • ICAEW
Nick Parker reports on developments shared at a two-day conference in Helsinki, hosted by CFE Tax Advisers Europe.
Helsinki cathedral Finland CFE Tax Advisers Europe conference ICAEW Taxline
Exclusive Tax technology: developments in AI and real time administration
  • Article
  • 03 Nov 2023
  • Paul Aplin
Paul Aplin reports from a two-day conference in Helsinki, hosted by CFE Tax Advisers Europe.
Support and content from ICAEW's Tax Faculty

Tax Faculty

Tax is a fast-moving and ever-changing world. Our expert staff and volunteers, and consultation work with government, means we can bring you the latest developments and expert opinions. Join today to access our resources and keep on top tax form.
Find out more and join the Tax Faculty

Volunteering

As a chartered accountant, you have valuable skills to offer from the day you qualify. Our dedicated ICAEW Volunteers portal helps connects you with charities looking for volunteer roles. We also have information on volunteering at schools and universities.
Trustee skills key to tackling charity governance challenges
  • Article
  • 11 Feb 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Ensuring your charity’s trustees have the right balance of skills and experience will go a long way towards bolstering governance.
How volunteering for ICAEW can count towards CPD
  • Article
  • 02 Sep 2024
Joining one of ICAEW’s Technical Committees and Advisory Groups offers a chance to shape accountancy practice, while potentially contributing towards your continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
Visiting a school, college or university
  • Article
  • 12 Aug 2024
  • ICAEW
If you are planning to visit or attend a careers event at a school, college, or university, below are some online resources and tips that can enhance your visit and support your engagement.
Small charities need you: volunteering as an independent examiner
  • Article
  • 20 Jul 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
Charities are always on the lookout for professionals to provide independent examinations – and as long as it’s pro bono and the charity is small, you may not need a practising certificate.
Volunteering for ICAEW’s Corporate Finance Faculty
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
Meera Shah, Director of M&A at accountancy firm Buzzacott, explains how volunteering for an ICAEW faculty has been a career-enhancing move.
Volunteering to inspire future talent
  • Article
  • 31 May 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
As Volunteers’ Week gets underway, we hear how the Rise programme offers opportunities for ICAEW members to help boost social mobility.
Women in orange top and scarf

ICAEW Volunteers

Find the latest volunteering opportunities on our dedicated portal and ‘give back’ through volunteering, trusteeships, and governance in education.
Find out more

Working internationally

Working internationally
Developing a global mindset is essential if you want to progress in today’s competitive business environment. Experience of working internationally is often seen as critical career experience for reaching senior management levels.
International assignments
A collection of resources to help if you're considering an international assignment. Includes tips and advice on practical and financial considerations associated with temporarily working in a selection of overseas countries.
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