Get involved with ICAS
Volunteer on an ICAS board, committee or panel
Volunteering your time can be a great way to add new insights, skills and expertise to your portfolio and can enable you to grow your network and give something back to the profession. You’ll also be playing an active role in shaping the future of both ICAS and the CA profession.
You can be based anywhere, as most meetings take place virtually. Many roles are suitable for those early in their careers, not just for the more experienced. Meetings typically last between 2-4 hours and occur three to four times per year.
ICAS is governed by Council, which delegates certain responsibilities to a range of boards and committees whose remit covers governance and operations, qualifications, ethics and policy leadership. In addition, our specialist panels and boards consider matters such as taxation, pensions and charities.
Latest positions currently open for application:
If you can't find a role that suits you, please register your interest by emailing connect@icas.com. We will then notify you when a suitable opportunity becomes available.
ICAS Audit & Risk Committee
We have one vacancy for an ICAS CA member working in industry, practice, public or third sector, with risk management and cyber security knowledge to join our Audit & Risk Committee (ARC).
The committee usually meets three times per year, with two hybrid meetings and one in-person meeting in Edinburgh.
Time commitment is three hours per meeting, plus reading time. Ad hoc shorter meetings are sometimes required as part of a working group or to meet stakeholders.
Appointments are for an initial three-year term and may be renewed for a further three years.
The candidate
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have an interest in ‘giving back’ to ICAS and the CA profession.
- Have a commitment to and enthusiasm for the work of the Audit & Risk Committee.
- Have an in-depth knowledge of risk management and preferably, cyber security.
The successful candidate will be expected to share their knowledge and experience to inform and influence ARC and ultimately ICAS Council and help ICAS develop robust business practices. The successful candidate will be expected to constructively challenge information presented to ARC and actively participate in meetings.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The successful candidate will have:
Essential:
- Accounting experience, particularly in respect of financial management and financial reporting.
- Risk management experience, and preferably cyber security experience.
- Knowledge of corporate governance arrangements.
- Ability to challenge rigorously and debate constructively.
- Strong communication and inter-personal skills.
- Ability to analyse and weigh up complex information and reach a decision.
Desirable:
- Knowledge or experience of information technology or information management.
- Knowledge or experience of risk management and oversight.
- Knowledge or experience of health and safety.
- Knowledge of the higher education sector.
- Knowledge or experience of audit and auditing practices.
The role
As part of a committee, the successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Monitoring the integrity of the financial statements and reviewing any significant financial reporting judgements.
- Assessing, monitoring and reviewing and providing assurance to ICAS Council on risk and the risk management system including the internal control environment.
- Advising Council on the appointment of the external auditor.
- Overseeing the external audit process.
- Overseeing the internal audit process and reviewing the effectiveness of the internal auditor.
This position is voluntary and not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for any in-person meetings.
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to apply and your suitability for the role to Chris Barber, ICAS Chief Financial Officer, at connect@icas.com by 17.00 on Thursday 31 October 2024.
ICAS Investment Advisory Group
We have one vacancy for an ICAS CA member working in industry, practice, public or third sector, with investment knowledge to join our Investment Advisory Group (IAG).
The IAG provides independent oversight of the ICAS Investment Manager’s performance, to monitor the investments and to make recommendations to the ICAS Oversight Board for any changes to the Investment Guidance. The IAG will propose an asset allocation guide, to be approved at least annually by the Oversight Board.
IAG usually meets three times per year, with the option of further meetings should they be necessary. They are usually held as hybrid meetings, although the group may sometimes decide to meet in person.
Time commitment is one hour per meeting, plus reading time. Ad hoc shorter meetings are sometimes required as part of a working group or to meet stakeholders.
Appointments are for an initial three-year term and may be renewed for a further three years.
The candidate
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have an interest in ‘giving back’ to ICAS and the CA profession.
- Have a commitment to and enthusiasm for the work of the IAG.
- Have an in-depth knowledge of investment advisory and performance.
The successful candidate will be expected to share their knowledge and experience to inform and influence the IAG, ICAS Oversight Board and ultimately, ICAS Council, and help ICAS grow its investments. The successful candidate will be expected to constructively challenge information presented to the IAG and actively participate in meetings.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The successful candidate will have:
Essential:
- Investing experience, particularly in respect of fund management strategy.
- Senior management experience.
- Knowledge of corporate governance arrangements.
- Ability to challenge rigorously and debate constructively.
- Strong communication and inter-personal skills.
- Ability to analyse and weigh up complex information and reach a decision.
Desirable:
- Knowledge or experience of information technology or information management.
- Knowledge or experience of risk management and oversight.
- Knowledge or experience of health and safety.
- Knowledge of the higher education sector.
- Knowledge or experience of audit and auditing practices.
The role
As part of a group, the successful candidates will provide oversight on:
- Performance of the funds (and benchmarking as appropriate).
- Fund management strategy and the Statement of Investment Guidance.
- Asset allocation.
- Performance reports from the fund managers and analysis of investment choices.
- Discussion with Investment Managers of economic outlook.
- Consider the periodic appointment of the fund managers and be involved in any tender exercises.
- Any compliance or risk issues arising.
These positions are voluntary and not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for any in-person meetings.
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to apply and your suitability for the role to Chris Barber, ICAS Chief Financial Officer, at connect@icas.com by 17.00 on Thursday 31 October 2024.
ICAS Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee
We have one vacancy for an ICAS CA student.
The EDI Committee helps ensure ICAS is committed to placing equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of all that we do. The committee helps ICAS to build a diverse membership and workforce that reflects and advances the communities we serve.
The committee meets three times per year, usually two are held virtually and one in-person in Edinburgh. Time commitment per year is three hours per meeting, plus reading time. Ad hoc shorter meetings are sometimes required as part of a working group or to meet stakeholders.
Appointments are for an initial three-year term and may be renewed for a further three years.
The candidate
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have a commitment to and enthusiasm for the work of the EDI Committee.
- Would like to build their knowledge of EDI.
- Would like to gain practical experience of being on a committee.
- Have a lived experience of being part of a social minority group.
- Are able to consider, scrutinise and feedback on EDI plans.
- Are studying towards the ICAS CA qualification.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
As part of a committee of ten CA members, one non-CA member called a ‘public interest member’, and four ICAS colleague members, the successful candidates will:
- Share experience, knowledge, good practice and insights.
- Help identify work priorities for the committee.
- Ensure ICAS continues to deliver on EDI priorities against the agreed work plan.
- Act as an advocate in helping to promote ICAS’ EDI work.
This is a voluntary position and not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for any in-person meetings.
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to apply and your suitability for the role to Laura Butcher, Director of Engagement and Brand at connect@icas.com by 17.00 on Monday 28 October 2024.
ICAS Public Sector Panel
We have three vacancies for ICAS members and one for a non-CA.
Role of the Public Sector Panel
The Public Sector Panel represents ICAS members working in or for the public sector. It is a senior group comprising of members from across the public sector, including finance practitioners, directors, non-executives, auditors and advisors. Their work experiences range across central government, the NHS and local government, both in practice and in public bodies.
Members provide expert input on public sector issues, inform ICAS work priorities on public sector topics and contribute to the ICAS voice. Work includes contributing to consultations and inquiries, points of view, developing guidance and representing ICAS
Our areas of focus are public sector financial and corporate reporting, financial management, audit, governance and the public finances. We offer an independent perspective and promote the principles of accountability and transparency.
The panel meets two or three times per year, either hybrid or in-person in Edinburgh. Time commitment per year is one to two hours per meeting, plus reading time. Ad hoc meetings may also be required as part of a working group, contribute to consultation responses or to meet stakeholders.
Appointments are for an initial three-year term and may be renewed for a further three years.
Read more about the work of the Public Sector Panel and its members.
The candidates
We are looking for applicants who:
- An interest in ‘giving back’ to ICAS and the CA profession
- A commitment and enthusiasm for:
- the work of the Public Sector Panel; and
- sharing experience and good practice to promote good practice and promote positive change for members and the wider public sector.
- An interest in promoting trust in the profession, robust financial management and sound public finances; with an interest in influencing future standards, regulations and relevant public policy (including parliamentary inquiries) to reflect members views and the public interest.
- In-depth knowledge of public sector topics relevant to our profession, such as accounting, reporting, audit, governance, finances, general advisory or wider public sector policy which may have an impact on our profession or is a matter of public interest.
- The ability to consider/assess/scrutinise proposed regulations, standards and to share cross-lateral experience to promote good practice and better regulation.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
As part of a panel, the successful candidates will:
- Share their experience, knowledge, good practice and insights from their work within or for public sector bodies.
- Help identify work priorities for the panel.
- Advise on the key issues in the public sector where ICAS can have a constructive say or positive influence.
- Contribute to panel discussions and working groups; and help ensure ICAS publications and statements are of a high standard and reflect members views.
These positions are voluntary and not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for any in-person meetings.
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to apply and your suitability for the role to Alice Telfer, Head of Business Policy and Public Sector by email to: atelfer@icas.com by 17.00 on Thursday 7 November 2024.
Hear from our volunteers
Being on Members Board has given me an opportunity to influence ICAS’ priorities, contribute my own ideas and have a direct influence on the experiences of the entire ICAS membership.
Sobhan Afzal CA
Serving on the ICAS Council, chairing the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and being a member of the Audit & Risk Committee has been personally and professionally rewarding. It offers a unique chance to contribute, make a lasting impact, and witness the power of collective expertise.
Tracey Rob Perera CA
“Being part of the ICAS EDI Committee has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to influence ICAS policy in this important area, contribute with my own lived experiences and hopefully have a positive and direct impact on the experience of future cohorts undertaking the ICAS journey, as well as established members.”
Ronnie Jamieson CA
Learn more about the various ICAS boards and committees
Other ways to get involved:
- Connect with your local ICAS Area Network
- Volunteer with a charity
- Peer-to-peer mentoring
- Assist the ICAS Foundation
Get involved with your ICAS Area Network
The over 23,000 members of ICAS form an international business community that spans industries and continents, so you’re never far from a CA connection. Our local Area Networks and international communities are just one of the many ways we foster those bonds between our members.
The Area Networks act as local links between CAs and ICAS. By getting involved you’ll play a key role in representing members’ views as the Area Networks provide a platform for delivering feedback direct to those at the helm of the profession. You’ll support in communicating key initiatives and provide insight into a calendar of events.
Get involved as a charity volunteer
Getting involved with a charity, by providing your accounting, business or management services on a pro-bono basis, is an additional way for ICAS members to make great use of their qualification and experience. Not only will you be making a positive difference and giving back to wider society, you’ll be widening and strengthening your portfolio of expertise and your professional network.
Get involved as a mentor
Getting involved as a mentor allows you to play a hugely important role in the life and career development of the mentee you help. Mentoring involves motivating and empowering someone to overcome their obstacles, meet their challenges and turn ambition into success. Not only can the process be personally rewarding, professionally it can widen your network and introduce you to new challenges and working methods.
Get involved with the ICAS Foundation
The ICAS Foundation is a charitable organisation that aims to support academically talented young people from disadvantaged communities into university through the provision of mentoring and financial assistance. (links to http://www.icasfoundation.org.uk)
Getting involved with the Foundation usually involves volunteering as a mentor. You’d be working with a high-school student or undergraduate who wants to study accounting or finance. Just as with mentoring peers through CA Connect, mentoring with the ICAS Foundation can be a highly rewarding experience, and help shape the next generation of Chartered Accountants.
