Voting opens for the 2024 ICAS Council elections and AGM business
Voting for the ICAS Council elections and AGM business is now open. Get involved, make your selections and help shape the future of ICAS.
Your nominations are in, and voting is now open for the contested Open Seat and the England, Wales and Northern Ireland Electoral Area Seat in the ICAS Council elections.
You're also encouraged to vote on the 2024 ICAS AGM resolutions.
Who will I be voting for?
The Open Seat vacancy
Four nominations were received from the membership for the ICAS Council Open Seat vacancy. Choose your preferred candidate from the following four candidates:
- Jaci Badenhorst CA
- Stuart Hope CA
- Graham Stirling CA
- Gareth David Wilson CA
Meet the candidates
Learn more about the four candidates, including their professional biographies and what they view as this election's three key issues for ICAS, its members and students.
Jaci Badenhorst CA
Jaci’s statement and professional biography
I am fully committed to serving on the ICAS Council if elected, bringing a wealth of experience from my current role as Head of Financial Insights and Innovation for Performance Insights at NatWest Finance and as a member of the NatWest GenAI Oversight Committee. My work focuses on the cutting-edge integration of technology, including generative and traditional AI technologies, to solve business problems in a way which make a difference and is sustainable - demonstrating a proactive approach to navigating the complex landscape these technologies present to our profession. In this regard, I am pleased to be involved in the early stages of working with the ICAS AI working group highlighting my dedication to supporting our members through the challenges and opportunities AI introduces.
With a career that began as a Chartered Accountant, I have developed a deep understanding of business operations and stakeholder management, grounded in my early experiences in auditing, business restructuring and trading insolvencies. This foundation supported my transition into retail banking reporting, where I have directed my passion for technology towards innovative solutions that drive business growth. I am a firm believer that true value can be gained through a blend of financial acumen with technological innovation to deliver insightful, data-driven solutions.
As a forward-thinking problem solver with a commitment to leveraging data and technology, I aim to contribute new perspectives and drive innovation within ICAS, ensuring our members remain at the forefront of the accounting profession in an increasingly digital world.
Jaci’s three key issues
- As Artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated and prevalent in accounting and finance, ICAS faces the challenge of updating its professional standards to address new ethical considerations, data security, and privacy concerns. Clear proactive guidelines that help members navigate the complexities of using AI in their practices are required.
- In an era of increasing AI and automation, ICAS must champion the crucial role of professional scepticism and the irreplaceable value of human insight and intelligence, ensuring members are equipped to guide and enhance AI capabilities and automation for ethical and effective outcomes.
- ICAS is dedicated to evolving education and professional development to align with the changing business environments, ensuring members have the tools for success in a digital world and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. This will become even more important in the future, especially for current members.
Stuart Hope CA
Stuart’s statement and professional biography
I would be delighted to have the opportunity to serve on ICAS Council. My accountancy qualification has been the base from which I have developed professionally and personally since commencing my training at Chiene+Tait 12 years ago. My skills as an accountant have taken me to some amazing places meeting brilliant individuals and teams. Joining Council is an opportunity to give back and help to ensure the profession and qualification is just as valuable to others in many years to come.
Today I am a Portfolio Manager at Grosvenor, our London Estate manages over 300 acres of Mayfair and Belgravia to deliver great places where community, nature and businesses thrive - we aim to make places better for the next century, not just this one. Since joining Grosvenor's Property Fund Management business in 2015 I have performed a variety of finance and property roles including extended time spent in Sweden and the Far East. Working across cultures and a variety of capital sources has taught me a lot about the importance of relationships in business.
Since 2022 I have been an active member of ICAS' London Area Network - most recently playing the role of pub quizmaster and I actively mentor a current CA trainee. Outside of professional life, you will either find me on the golf course, walking the dog with my wife (also a CA) or taking on a DIY challenge at our home in the Scottish Borders.
Stuart’s three key issues
1. Trust
Trust in accountants has grown over the past few years despite recent accounting failures. Trust is our currency, in a world where the public is sceptical of much published information, we should strive above all else for accountants to do good and be highly trusted members of society.
2. Talent Attraction
The next generation is expected to hold more jobs in their working lives than generations before them. This is a risk and an opportunity for ICAS. The CA gives a solid grounding yet the training requires great commitment - marketing of our qualification and the opportunities is crucial.
3. Technical Innovation, Automation and The Accountant's Relevance
The industry must evolve its training and shift public perception of accountants' roles and their value as certain tasks are delivered via AI and Automation. The role of an accountant will become more strategic, but there will ultimately be fewer accountants required.
Graham Stirling CA
Graham’s statement and professional biography
Commencing my career in 2009 with Grant Thornton, I qualified as a CA in 2012 after completing my training contract in the Glasgow audit department. I subsequently moved to Singapore in 2013 to help build and develop the audit and assurance practice before joining the Financial Accounting and Advisory Services Group at Grant Thornton Ireland in July 2021. As a Director RI based in Dublin, I currently support a range of multinational clients in the Global Statutory Audit team.
In July 2016 I was a finalist in ICAS's "Top 35 CAs under 35" and in June 2018 in ICAS’s “Top 100 Young CAs”. Formerly Chairman of the ICAS Singapore Community Members' Committee, I am currently an ambassador for the Irish ICAS network and since 2023 I've supported the Scottish business community in Ireland as a "GlobalScot".
Having gained so much from my CA qualification, I feel strongly about giving back to ICAS through active participation and support. I am passionate about serving the CA membership as a Council Member and feel that I can add significant value, particularly for our overseas CAs. From my extensive international experience, I believe I understand the needs and concerns of our overseas CAs well and would be effective at advocating for them in this formal capacity. I really appreciate the support I have received from my nominating members and I'm excited at the prospect of supporting the wider CA community.
Graham’s three key issues
- An urgent need to address talent shortages within the accounting profession, with focus on both the number of students pursuing a career in accounting and retaining top talent post qualification.
- Ensuring ICAS remains relevant to overseas members, noting an anticipated increase in CAs exploring opportunities abroad in light of the continuing cost of living crisis and housing issues in the UK.
- Ensuring the CA syllabus and qualification remains relevant considering the continuing change in demands on accounting professionals. Greater exposure to technology, automation, sustainability and cross-border activity is required for the modern-day CA.
Gareth David Wilson CA
Gareth’s statement and professional biography
I confirm my willingness to serve on Council if elected and will do my best to represent the interests of the broader CA membership and constructively add to the stewardship of ICAS.
I have close to 14 years experience within assurance, across both external and internal audit, and am currently a senior audit manager at M&G. I started my career within financial reporting before progressing on to train with EY to become a CA following completion of an MSc in investment analysis. I have worked across banking and capital markets, asset management, insurance and wealth management sectors and have led audits for the majority of my career now.
In my current role I am the senior leader for the wealth element of the audit team within the Edinburgh office and represent audit at various committees and boards across the group. I have a keen interest in people matters, including EDI, as well as health and wellbeing as I believe it is important to get these right to support a high performing team.
I am a member of the ICAS equality, diversity and inclusion committee and a former member of the ICAS audit and assurance committee.
Gareth’s three key issues
1. Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
Better understanding EDI issues across the membership base and proactively tackling these to help advance our commitment to EDI.
2. Relevance in the market
From attracting new members, engagement with industry and thought leadership.
3. Membership engagement
I am keen for ICAS to explore ways to better demonstrate value to the broader membership base as in my experience this drops off following the training period.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland Electoral Area
Two nominations were received from the membership for the ICAS Council England, Wales and Northern Ireland Electoral Area Seat vacancy. Choose your preferred candidate from the following two candidates:
- Tracey Rob Perera CA
- David Wilson CA
Please note that you are only eligible to vote in this electoral area election if your place of business or home address is within this electoral area.
Meet the candidates
Learn more about the two candidates, including their professional biographies and what they view as this election's three key issues for ICAS, its members and students.
Tracey Rob Perera CA
Tracey’s statement and professional biography
With the help of your votes and support, I look forward to serving on the Council to help with the oversight of the ICAS 2030 strategy, CA24 and the new EDI strategy implementation (addressing social mobility and inclusiveness).
I was ICAS EDI committee Chair for the last 3 years and we successfully delivered the first phase of the EDI transformation. There is more work to do as we deliver the new 3-year EDI strategy and I continue the second term as Chair. I am an ICAS Audit risk committee member and a CA practice member. Serving on the Council, I will join up the dots to improve members’ and practice members' support and ensure the EDI strategy is delivered top-down focusing on all buckets of EDI whilst addressing the business challenges mentioned above.
I work with emerging technologies and on growth, finance, strategy, operations and EDI-inclusive leadership.
As a portfolio career CA , I am a Tech start-up Fractional CFO / COO, tech scale-up director and NED.
I am a former KPMG UK director. For over a decade, I led strategy, operations and transformation programmes within the UK and internationally. My focus was on improving the growth, operations, regulatory compliance and future-proofing plans including Sustainability.
I trained with ICAS in KPMG London and spent a decade on Audits and transactions across various sectors while also serving 6 years on the England and Wales ICAS Area committee.
Thank you for your support. Happy to help - DM me at traceyrobperera@gmail.com
Tracey’s three key issues
- ICAS wants to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of the new 2030 Strategy,CA 24 and EDI strategy. The focus is multiple: membership growth; inclusiveness of the profession; strong voice in policy and regulatory changes; improved syllabus and delivery of CA qualifications using tech and AI.
- ICAS needs to ensure increased access, relevance and timely support for members tackling issues such as data, emerging technologies, sustainability and regulatory compliance. This includes existing members, practice members and the next generation prospective students so they are drawn to ICAS. ICAS aims to actively address inclusiveness and social mobility.
- Financial, regulatory and education focus is key for sustainability of ICAS. ICAS is a regulator taker and a regulator maker with the related costs to juggle with the delivery of tech-enabled CA24 training and the increase of access to relevant member support. Key is to increase revenue whilst managing finances.
David Wilson CA
David’s statement and professional biography
I confirm my willingness to serve Council if elected.
I currently serve on the ICAS Member Board, contribute as a member of the ICAS Sustainability Panel and sit on the ICAS London Area Network committee.
I am the Chief Financial Officer at IfATE, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, and a member of its Executive Leadership Team. IfATE is an arm's length body of the Department for Education and my career has included roles in both the private and public sectors.
After training as a chartered accountant with Grant Thornton in London, I led cross-functional teams to deliver strategic projects with a global scope and advised clients in countries including Canada, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and the UK.
Following a successful career in professional services, I decided to enter public service and joined the UK Civil Service in 2021.
My voluntary activities have included serving as trustee and treasurer of a children's theatre charity focused on delivering anti-bullying programmes in schools. I currently serve on the Alumni Council of Cambridge Judge Business School.
I have a passion for lifelong learning and hold a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Cambridge and a BA (Hons) in Accounting from Abertay University.
I retain close links with Scotland and regularly visit my family who are based in Edinburgh and Perthshire.
David’s three key issues
1. Growth
Potential entrants to our profession will have a wide range of exciting career opportunities to choose from. At ICAS, we will need to ensure a career as a CA is an attractive option that is open to talented individuals from all backgrounds across the UK and beyond.
2. Trust
ICAS will need to demonstrably act with the highest levels of integrity to retain the trust of the public and their elected representatives. Maintaining and strengthening trust will require continued investment in our regulatory and policy capabilities to demonstrate we are always acting in the public interest.
3. Relevance
The coming years will see rapid changes in technology, societal attitudes and sustainability. To remain relevant, ICAS will need to be agile in supporting members, students and employers to seize the opportunities presented by these changes. This will require a collaborative approach to working with members and strategic partners.
Uncontested Seats
The following position that was open to nominations was not contested, meaning that the candidate listed below will be appointed with effect from the AGM:
Scotland North Electoral Area
Gavin MacKenzie CA was the only candidate who submitted a nomination so has been elected unopposed.
Are there any other matters to be voted on?
You are also being asked to vote on 2024 ICAS AGM resolutions:
- Receive and approve the Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements, and
- Approve the re-appointment of Martin Gill, BDO LLP as ICAS Auditor.
Full information can be found on the Mi-Voice voting site, accessed through your voting email (see further information below). You can learn more about the 2024 ICAS AGM and register for the event here.
How do I vote?
From Tuesday 2 April, you will receive an email from Mi-Voice, the independent election scrutineer who is managing the voting on behalf of ICAS. The email will contain a link to the secure elections website. There, you will find further information on what you need to vote on, details about the candidates who have been nominated for election, and the all-important opportunity to vote.
If you do not have an email address, you will be notified by letter and can either vote online or request a postal ballot pack.
Not received your voting email?
Voting emails will be sent to you from 2 April 2024 from icas@mivoice.co.uk.
If you don’t see the email in your inbox, please check your spam or junk mail folders. If you still don’t see the email, please contact the Mi-Voice support team at support@mi-voice.com.
When does voting close?
Voting will close on Wednesday 24 April at 12 noon BST.
When will we know the results?
The results will be announced at the 2024 ICAS AGM on Friday 26 April.
