Voting closes on 28 April for the ICAS 2021 Council elections and AGM business

Annie's statement and professional biography

I am proud to be a CA and the role CAs plays across the spectrum of society. We contribute in a meaningful way to the economy, jobs and that makes a difference to lives. The impact of the pandemic on social and economic levels is like no other. CAs have a meaningful role in supporting the recovery now and in the future. We face scrutiny of our profession which brings a need to step up, embrace change and that is what attracts me to stand for a second term on ICAS Council.

I have been a CA since 2001, I am an EY LLP partner since 2008 and I am mum to three small kids. Balancing the demands of life and career is something that is not always easy, but it is important to show it can be done and to help others to be themselves, believe and achieve.

Annie's three key issues

1. World renowned pride in being a CA
   Being a CA is renowned the world over. Creating agility in global connections and pride in belonging in ICAS is important to protect and nurture. With speed of change in technology, business and lives we must think global first and foremost.
2. Attractiveness of our profession
   In the history books, this will be a period of change for business and for CAs. Economic and social turbulence and our profession in the spotlight require us to step forward and embrace change to ensure we continue to attract the very brightest talent.
3. Agile learning
   Keeping the CA qualification on the front foot of rapidly evolving business environments is imperative. We must provide the canvas for all CAs to keep current so they maximise their contribution to business and the economy and protect the reputation of the CA for the next generation.

Watch Annie's election video

Kenneth's statement and professional biography

I'm a native Glaswegian, the first in my family to go to university, graduating from the University of Dundee in 1991. I started my career with Kidsons Impey (now RSM) in Glasgow, moving to PwC on qualification in 1994. I began my career there serving the insurance industry, moving with PwC to the USA in 1998. I am now based in the New York City area and am a partner at EisnerAmper LLP, a top 20 US firm, where I lead the insurance industry practice and provide audit and consulting services.

I am also a board member representing ICAS on Chartered Accountants Worldwide USA and am a member of the New York area ICAS committee. I am grateful for the opportunities that my CA qualification has given me and, if elected, I plan to work to ensure that future and current generations of CAs are well served by ICAS.

Kenneth's three key issues

1. Engagement with and representation of Members increasingly outside of Scotland, as well as those within Scotland, as ICAS continues to evolve as a global body. Providing Members with support and networking opportunities.
2. Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion by giving all Members the opportunity to succeed and be welcomed, regardless of background, through strong thought leadership and concrete actions that build on the strong existing commitment of ICAS.
3. The education of new trainee CAs and continuing education for existing Members, so that the relevance of the qualification is maintained and ICAS continues to lead at the forefront of changes as the world of accounting continues to evolve with the use of technology.

I am ready and willing to serve on Council to further the interests of ICAS and its members to the best of my ability.

Watch Kenneth's election video

Rimla's statement and professional biography

I have lived global business and elite sport. A Guinness World Record Holder, in 2014 I joined the FA Council and in 2015 was awarded an MBE. I hold a portfolio of strategic and boardroom roles, having over 15 years’ experience in the sports industry across the UK, Middle East and Asia, with Forbes ranking me 14th in their 2018 global list of the Most Powerful Women in Sport. Whilst carving out a successful career in the city at PwC, I also captained Britain in Futsal competitions. I am founder of the leading global consultancy, RimJhim Consulting, and chaired the Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation until December 2018, developing its global reputation for excellence. I am also co-founder of the global Muslim Women in Sport Network, a Board member of Bettys and Taylors Group, the Rugby Football League and the Sports Ground Safety Authority.

Having served on the Council for one term, I would like to continue contributing to the growth and sustainability of ICAS. In addition to strategic support in the Council forum, I've been actively engaged with supporting ICAS' work for our membership in England & Wales through events and contributing to the CA magazine. I will continue to support and challenge ICAS through bringing fresh perspectives to current and future issues and in setting strategies with the ICAS executive on behalf of members. I hope to continue to bring our Members' voices to the Council forum. Please do get in touch if you have any questions.

Rimla's three key issues

1. The pace of digital change for the profession and how ICAS must respond both within the organisation and the outward-facing services, support and voice it provides for the profession.
2. Coronavirus impact - ICAS should continue to be a leader, providing guidance and support, during the current pandemic and the impact it is having on the global economy.
3. Having driven our recent efforts on equality, diversity and inclusion, including the recruitment process for our new Committee Chair, my hope is for ICAS to become the leader for social and environmental justice in our profession. I believe our current and future members do and will demand it.

Kate's statement and professional biography

I was part of the new wave of CAs who, following University, moved to London to pursue a career as a Chartered Accountant. Until I qualified in 2009 I had not ever crossed the Scottish border, but the admissions ceremony in Edinburgh remains a career highlight of mine and I have enjoyed many more trips since.

I began my career at EY London in 2006 before moving to mid-tier practice Ecovis Wingrave Yeats "Ecovis" in 2007.

During my time at Ecovis, disconnected from other training CAs, I wanted to feel closer to ICAS and chose to become embedded in the activities of CA Student Society, quickly taking on the role of Chair of ICAS CAPELLA, as it was known back then (2009-10).

I qualified as a CA in 2009.

I was a committee member of the ICAS London & Home Counties committee (2011 - 2017) and an active member of the ICAS Members in Practice Advisory Board serving two terms (2012 - 2019).

I have remained at Ecovis ever since and was made a Partner in 2016, a position that I still hold today. We are seven Partners and 60 staff based in Soho, W1. I am an Audit Partner and Head of our Media & Entertainment specialist sector team. I also lead the Firm's Responsible Business strategy, overseeing our Mental Health & Well Being, Giving Back and Diversity & Inclusion teams.

Kate's three key issues

1. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the future of work.
   Understanding the new challenges and opportunities that are available in a post-pandemic environment. Identifying how ICAS can support its Members in recovering from the impact on their careers and mental health.
2. Building trust and confidence in the Audit sector.
   To ensure that we maintain high levels of quality output, continue to exercise professional scepticism and maintain independence. As a profession we need to continue to promote trust and confidence in our work.
3. Continue to promote a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.
   To ensure that our membership is representative of wider society and that we make our profession more accessible and continue to pursue and break down some of the social-mobility barriers that exist at entry level.