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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

Accountants’ GenAI skills to get boost with ICAEW training
  • Article
  • 16 Jul 2025
ICAEW is creating an elearning programme to help members embrace generative AI. Practical resources walk through five of the most high-profile platforms, outline use cases and offer a framework for implementation.
A team of people at their desks working on their laptops
New ICAEW President attends special Papal Audience
  • Article
  • 13 Jun 2025
Derek Blair joined a delegation of accountants and finance professionals in a unique gathering before Pope Leo XIV, as part of events to mark the Vatican’s Jubilee Year.
A person holding a mobile phone in one hand, making a payment with a bank card, held in the other hand
Cyber security: fake payments, receipts and invoices on the rise
  • Article
  • 30 Apr 2025
April cyber round-up: new technologies are creating new threats. Here’s how accountants can guard against them.
Front cover of AI and the future of global chartered accountancy - research from Chartered Accountants Worldwide
Accountants embrace AI but need new skills and leadership
  • Article
  • 14 Apr 2025
A new survey on artificial intelligence by Chartered Accountants Worldwide reveals much willingness among chartered accountants to make use of it, but new skills are needed to properly bed it in.
Alan Vallance, ICAEW Chief Executive
Accountants are embracing AI and securing their future
  • Article
  • 28 Mar 2025
ICAEW’s Chief Executive Alan Vallance corrects the misinformed view that artificial intelligence could replace the knowledge, judgement and skills of professional accountants.
A person holding a tablet device displaying various graphs
How to secure vital AI skills and an engaged workforce
  • Article
  • 21 Mar 2025
How should the UK nurture the skill sets that will underpin the AI-driven future of enterprise and accountancy? Members voiced their ideas for action in a round table.
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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.
Photo of Charlie Morley
From theatre to audit: meet career-changer Charlie Morley
  • Article
  • 04 Jul 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
After 13 years in the arts, Charlie Morley made a career pivot to accountancy. Now 18 months into her apprenticeship at PKF Francis Clark, she's discovered that her skills are surprisingly transferable.
A hand holding a magnifying glass looking at some papers
National procurement network ‘key to NHS audit resilience’
  • Article
  • 22 May 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
A single national procurement framework to help NHS bodies appoint auditors and encourage NHS bodies to engage more with audit firms during the audit procurement process are among the solutions touted in a report from the FRC.
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.
Female on her laptop with earphones in
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.
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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.
Access resources to help you meet ICAEW CPD requirements
Free CPD: soft skills for leaders
  • Article
  • 16 Jul 2025
  • 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 essential for success. ICAEW has a range of CPD-verifiable resources to support you on your leadership journey.
How to grow: financial planning for scaling up
  • Article
  • 15 Jul 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Trying to scale a business without a solid financial plan can only end in disarray. A leading portfolio CFO explains what that plan should look like.
thumbnail image of Katharine Berry, ICAEW member and CFO/COO of winemaker Gusbourne
The ICAEW member putting the fizz into English wine
  • Article
  • 27 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
After delisting from AIM, English vineyard Gusbourne is charting a path to profitability. As we celebrate English Wine Week, COO and CFO Katharine Berry explains why the weather is more than just a talking point over a glass of something chilled.
E-commerce: how this brand hit £20m sales in three years
  • Article
  • 23 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Sales at nutritional supplements company Ancient + Brave exploded from £1m in 2022 to £20m last year. In this E-commerce Week, and with eyes on the US market, CFO Carl Moore explains how online sales have been the foundation of its meteoric success.
Group of people around a table having a meeting
Lessons for CFOs from a construction industry demise
  • Article
  • 17 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW member Pete Duff, the former CFO of construction company Osborne, which collapsed in April last year, reflects on the lessons from its demise and what others in the sector can learn from the experience.
Wind turbines on a wooded hillside at dusk surrounded by clouds
TNFD guide affirms nature as a director’s duty
  • Article
  • 02 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
The first in a series of new guides from the global taskforce helps board members ask better questions about senior management teams’ strategic approach to nature issues.
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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.
Access resources to help you meet ICAEW CPD requirements
Free CPD: soft skills for leaders
  • Article
  • 16 Jul 2025
  • 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 essential for success. ICAEW has a range of CPD-verifiable resources to support you on your leadership journey.
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
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.
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
Make a difference - become a volunteer
  • Article
  • 03 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, serial volunteer and ICAEW member John Tennent explains why giving his time is so rewarding and how to get the most from the experience.
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.
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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 Lethaby, business development director at RVE Corporate Finance
On my CV: Tom Lethaby, RVE Corporate Finance
  • Article
  • 10 Jul 2025
  • ICAEW
When selling shareholders’ post-deal plans differ, patience is needed to achieve an outcome that suits all, says Tom Lethaby of RVE Corporate Finance.
ICON Corporate Finance associate director Will Cave
Career paths: Will Cave, ICON Corporate Finance
  • Article
  • 10 Jul 2025
  • ICAEW
The desire to work with entrepreneurs is what spurred ICON Corporate Finance associate director Will Cave to move from business marketing into M&A, specialising in tech deals.
Burges Salmon corporate and M&A partner Julie Book
On my CV: Julie Book, Burges Salmon
  • Article
  • 06 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW
Ensuring you understand your client and their sector is key to ensuring any issues in a process can be resolved pragmatically, says Burges Salmon corporate and M&A partner Julie Book.
Matt Williams, manager, Corbett Keeling corporate finance
Career paths: Matt Williams, Corbett Keeling
  • Article
  • 06 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW
Matt Williams started out as a professional rugby player. When that career ended, he was match fit for a move into corporate finance and has now established himself in the squad at Corbett Keeling.
Buzzacott corporate ûnance manager Sriram Ainkaran
Career paths: Sriram Ainkaran, Buzzacott
  • Article
  • 09 May 2025
  • ICAEW
Buzzacott corporate finance manager Sriram Ainkaran says role models helped shape his career and he wants to pay that forward to those starting out in the industry.
Calvin Bond is a Glasgow-based corporate finance director at Quantuma
On my CV: Calvin Bond, Quantuma
  • Article
  • 09 May 2025
  • ICAEW
Building trust early can help overcome obstacles later down the line, says Quantuma corporate finance director Calvin Bond.
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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.
Wind turbines on a wooded hillside at dusk surrounded by clouds
Supporting members to develop new ESG skillsets
  • Article
  • 16 Jul 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
As practices look to expand services lines and organisations get to grips with reporting requirements, ICAEW has created a free elearning programme to ensure members have the skills they need.
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
Accountant turns her passion for fashion into a business
  • Article
  • 27 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
How does a partner at RSM UK successfully run a boutique on the side? Jacqui Baker shares the networks, mindset and digital tools that make it work.
Two women having a meeting between themselves
Finance and sustainability: applying the materiality principle for accountants
  • Article
  • 11 Apr 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
In part two of their article, David Wray and Marie-Josée Privyk look at how accounting professionals can apply the materiality principle to produce general purpose financial reports that include both financial and sustainability-related information.
Wind turbines on a wooded hillside at dusk surrounded by clouds
TNFD launches self-guided nature skills course
  • Article
  • 02 Apr 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Professionals and other interested parties are invited to access a free suite of learning tools to build up knowledge of TNFD framework’s recommendations and guidance.
Why nature matters to accountants: a guide for report preparers
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 03 Mar 2025
With shifting regulatory landscapes and rising stakeholder expectations, report preparers must integrate nature considerations into financial and sustainability reporting.
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.
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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.
Male wearing headphones working on his laptop
How accountants can develop influencing skills
  • Article
  • 03 Apr 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Influencing should not aim to be an occasional task, but an everyday occurrence that seeks to build trust in a finance professional’s abilities and advice.
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
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.
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
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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Forensic accountant

ICAEW's Forensic & Expert Witness community provides events, webinars and training for community members.
Thumbnail photograph of Kay Linnell OBE on a blue background
The forensic accountant righting wrongs for sub-postmasters
  • Article
  • 02 May 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW member and forensic accountant Dr Kay Linnell OBE explains why she continues to fight for justice for the victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal.
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. 
Exclusive Navigating portfolio careers
  • Webinar
  • 13 Jun 2025
If you are wondering how to start a portfolio career then this is the webinar for you. Hear from members with established portfolio careers, providing tips on how to get on the portfolio career ladder.
Exclusive Combine your passions in a portfolio career
  • Webinar
  • 04 Mar 2025
Gain inspiration from our speakers on expanding your portfolio career, developing skills, aligning with your values, and defining your personal brand.
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.
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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.
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.
What does the changing face of insolvency work look like?
  • Article
  • 25 Aug 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
Emerging roles are shifting the insolvency profession’s emphasis towards digital skills, back-office team building and empathic listening, says Mazars Partner Rebecca Dacre.
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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.
A pair of hands typing on the laptop keyboard
What makes a good non-executive director in the public sector?
  • Article
  • 18 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Our webinar with Adrian Crompton, the Auditor General for Wales, explored what personal qualities are essential for a good non-executive director in the public sector.
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.
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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 blue bubbles ICAEW Corporate Financier Connections
Connections July 2025: corporate finance advisory appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 10 Jul 2025
  • ICAEW
Promotions and those on the move in corporate finance advisory.
molecule purple bubbles ICAEW Corporate Financier Connections
Connections May 2025: private equity appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 09 May 2025
  • ICAEW
Recruitment and promotions in private equity.
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

Information and resources to provide to clients
Helpful resources for you to share with your business clients to answer some of their key questions, and provide them with access to helpful resources.
Financing your start-up
  • ICAEW Business Advice Service
When setting up a new business one of the first questions you must answer is ‘Will I need finance to set up my business?’ This might be to fit out a premises, to pay staff while they are training or to buy equipment. Many businesses start off with ‘owners equity’ – money they put into the business to fund the start-up. But when they get the business going they may need finance.
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:
Start up finance
As well as the general finance options available, there are some special provisions for start-ups and opportunities that may be more appropriate for a new business.
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.
Start your own practice
  • Practice Department
When you are starting up in practice it is important that you are aware of the legal and regulatory requirements as well as practical considerations. Our Start your own practice resources will help you answer some of the questions you may have.
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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.
Exclusive Faculty news: June 2025
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 05 Jun 2025
  • Frank Haskew
Frank Haskew looks at the latest Tax Faculty activity, including: ICAEW’s response to the consultation on proposals for new powers to tackle tax agents facilitating non-compliance; and engagement with HMRC in relation to delays in issuing income tax repayments.
Tax news in brief 13 May 2025
  • Article
  • 13 May 2025
Highlights from the broader tax news for the week ending 13 May 2025, including: tips from HMRC for completing the 2024/25 self assessment tax return; and a HMRC one-to-many campaign relating to research and development (R&D) tax relief.
Proposed HMRC powers are not in the public interest, says ICAEW
  • Article
  • 13 May 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW has warned that the government’s plans to tackle tax advisers facilitating non-compliance are poorly targeted and could adversely affect the operation of the tax advice and compliance market in the UK.
Group of people having a meeting round a table
Technical round-up: April 2025
  • Article
  • 30 Apr 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
This month’s top stories feature new sanctions for tax advisers; a warning for couples with furnished holiday lets; and a dip in HMRC performance.
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.
Volunteering: build your skills while helping others
  • Article
  • 04 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Volunteering is more than just a generous act - it’s a way for you to give something back while also building valuable professional skills.
Make a difference - become a volunteer
  • Article
  • 03 Jun 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, serial volunteer and ICAEW member John Tennent explains why giving his time is so rewarding and how to get the most from the experience.
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.
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

Advice on using your ACA qualification internationally, local support and networking opportunities and practical and financial useful links for selected countries.
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.
Worldwide support and services
Find out about the support and services we offer around the world. CABA can also support you and your loved ones when you move abroad and help you settle into your new location.
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