Speech given by Aydin Bolton, the Chair of the Chartered Accountant Student Society of London (CASSL), to his peers, the next generation of Chartered Accountants, drawing on the relevance of the 1920s.
The 1920s were a decade of possibility, and so is this one. The question is: what will we do with it? How will we shape the future of our profession — and indeed the world around us?"
Welcome
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and dazzling denizens of this grand soirée, good evening, and welcome to the CASSL Annual Ball 2025!
Welcome also to the magnificent Chartered Accountants' Hall, the Headquarters of YOUR professional body - a grade II listed-building as steeped in history as the profession we celebrate tonight.
Tonight, we step into an era of opulence and revelry, a night where the champagne flows, the music sways, and the spirit of the Roaring Twenties comes alive once more.
What an incredible sight—feathered headpieces, glistening bow ties, and enough sequins to make Gatsby himself jealous! I must say, everyone has outdone themselves tonight, and I can already feel the energy of what promises to be an unforgettable evening.
The 1920s: A decade of transformation
As I look around this room, I can't help but reflect on the parallels between the 1920s and our own era. The 1920s were a period of transformation - a decade marked by innovation, cultural shifts, and a sense of boundless possibility. Sound familiar? Today, we're living through our own period of rapid change, with advancements in technology, evolving societal expectations, and a profession that's constantly adapting to new challenges.
The professional landscape of the 1920s
Imagine being an accountant in the 1920s - no spreadsheets, no artificial intelligence, just you, a paper ledger, and a whole lot of ambition. During the Great War, ICAEW Chartered Accountants were recognised as being of 'national importance' - so much so that they were exempt from conscription. While others were sent to the trenches, we were sent to balance the books. Who says accountants are boring?
The aftermath of World War I reshaped the global economy, and accountants found themselves at the heart of rebuilding efforts. They were no longer just number-crunchers; they were strategic advisors, helping businesses navigate unprecedented challenges. It was a time when the profession truly came into its own.
Historical Fact: Between 1919 and 1931, no fewer than seven unique British accountancy institutes were formed. That's how much the field was growing and evolving. It was a golden age for the profession, as accountants stepped into new roles and gained recognition for their expertise.
Mary Harris Smith: A pioneer in accounting
But the 1920s weren't just about numbers - they were also about people. In a week, we will celebrate International Women’s Day. So I would like to highlight the significance of the 1920s for another reason. In 1920, Mary Harris Smith made history by becoming the world's first female Chartered Accountant. Imagine the courage it must have taken to step into a room where no one looked like you, to claim your place in a profession that hadn't yet made space for you. Her story reminds us that progress isn't given without a fight.
Introducing our keynote speakers
Tonight, we have the privilege of hearing from two individuals who've made an indelible mark on our profession.
Malcolm Bacchus: President of the ICAEW
First, let me introduce Malcolm Bacchus, President of the ICAEW. Malcolm's career is nothing short of extraordinary. Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1981, he has held numerous senior financial management positions, taking companies to market across industries like leisure, property, telecoms, and more.
Career highlights:
- Senior financial management roles across multiple industries
- Served on ICAEW Council over the past twenty years
- President of the London Society of Chartered Accountants
- Passionate advocate for business ethics and education
And let's not forget his role as Honorary President of CASSL - a position he's held with unwavering dedication for more years than I can remember. Malcolm, thank you for your leadership and for being such an inspiring figure in our profession.
Afua Kyei: CFO of the Bank of England
Secondly, we have Afua Kyei, CFO of the Bank of England. Managing a 1 trillion pound balance sheet is not just a job - it's a responsibility of monumental proportions. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with ICAS, she joined the Bank of England in 2019 and has been at the core of its leadership ever since.
Her work includes modernising funding mechanisms and overseeing critical infrastructure like the UK's Real Time Gross Settlement System, which processes over 700 billion pounds in payments daily.
Notable achievements:
- Named the most influential Black woman in the UK in the Powerlist 2024 and 2025
- Named on the Independent's prestigious 2025 Influence List, where she stands among 50 extraordinary women shaping British society
- Honoured as the top female on the Empower Global Executives Role Model List
Afua, we're thrilled to have you here tonight. Please join me in welcoming Afua Kyei.
My journey in the profession
Just like the pioneers of the past, every one of us is forging our own path in this profession - often with a few doubts along the way.
As someone who's about a month away from qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, I can tell you that the journey is as rewarding as it is demanding. Tonight, we're here to celebrate how far we've come - and the incredible achievements of this student community.
My own journey to this point has been a mix of sheer determination and, frankly, a lot of luck. I didn't grow up dreaming of becoming an accountant. I had no idea what a Chartered Accountant was until I landed a training contract. Now, not only do I know, I even have a favourite IFRS standard - yes, that's a thing. And yes, it's IFRS 9. But looking back, I can see how each step - each opportunity - led me here.
Personal journey highlights
Educational Milestones:
- Won a scholarship to a selective school
- First person in my family to attend university
- Worked in Westminster for a political party and a Government minister
- Completed ACA traineeship while working in FS Audit at PwC, London
I was lucky enough to win a scholarship to a selective school, which opened doors I never imagined. I became the first in my family to attend university, graduating from a Russell Group university. I worked in Westminster for a political party and a Government minister - during which time I helped people in the most need get the help they needed from the political system and had audiences with four successive British Prime Ministers. But even then, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. It wasn't until I started my traineeship at PwC that I began to see the possibilities within this profession.
The ACA Journey
Let's be honest - the ACA journey isn't for the faint of heart. Balancing work, exams, and a personal life can feel overwhelming at times. I remember signing out of my final exam back in the Summer, thinking, 'What next?'. Passing the ACA is a huge milestone, but it's also a moment of uncertainty.
Through CASSL, I've found mentorship, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging. I've learned that it's okay not to have all the answers — that the journey is just as important as the destination."
So, as we celebrate tonight, let's remember how far we've all come - and how much further we can go. Whether you're just starting your ACA journey or about to qualify like me, know that you're part of a community that supports you, challenges you, and believes in your potential.
And if you're wondering what comes next, don't worry. The possibilities are endless - and that's the most exciting part.
A night to remember: Celebrating our successes and future
So, my 15-page speech is now slowly drawing to an end… you're lucky my printer ran out of toner! Tonight's agenda is packed with excitement. We'll hear from two incredible keynote speakers who embody the very best of our profession. After dinner, live music and dancing will transport us back to the Golden Age of Jazz, so don't be shy about showing off your best moves.
But tonight isn't just about looking back - it's about celebrating where we are now and where we're headed. It's about recognising how far we've come as a community and inspiring each other to dream even bigger.
So, as we raise a glass to the Roaring 20s - both then and now - let's also raise a glass to ourselves. To the late-night study sessions, the hard-earned successes, and the moments that brought us here tonight.
Here's to a night of celebration, connection, and inspiration. Take lots of photos, make new friends, and dance like nobody's watching… even though everybody is. Because tonight will go down in the history books.
What's that line from the Fergie song? 'A little party never killed nobody'? Well… here's to the Roaring Twenties and the roaring success of our accounting community!
And as Gatsby himself once said, 'Can't repeat the past? Why, of course, you can!' So tonight, let's do just that - celebrating our successes, supporting our future, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Cheers!