The annual event, held this year in Edinburgh on Saturday 7 March, also marked a significant milestone for social mobility, as the ICAS Foundation celebrated helping more than 50 young people from low-income backgrounds to achieve CA status.

Reaching this impressive target demonstrates the vital impact of the ICAS Foundation in widening access to the profession by supporting academically talented students from disadvantaged communities to study accountancy or finance-related degrees.

Established in 2014, the charity provides financial assistance, mentoring and tailored career development throughout university, aiding participants to progress into employment and pursue Chartered Accountancy training through the prestigious ICAS qualification.

Of the 219 students who have graduated from the Foundation’s Nurturing Talent programme, 110 have begun ICAS training contracts and 52 are now qualified Chartered Accountants – including the 13 admitted at this year’s ceremony.

Gail Boag, CEO at ICAS, said: “Welcoming the 50th ICAS Foundation alumnus to membership at this year’s ceremony is a particularly special moment in our 172-year history. Their admission, alongside 776 new members, reflects our commitment to removing barriers to entry and building a diverse pipeline of future talent within the accountancy profession.  

“The CA qualification opens doors far beyond traditional accounting roles and serves as a passport to business and finance. With 86% of FTSE 100 companies employing ICAS members in senior positions, our graduates join a global community who are shaping organisations as the ethical leaders of tomorrow.” 

Sanjay Singh, managing director of the ICAS Foundation, added: “This milestone is evidence of what can happen when talented individuals are given the opportunity and tools to succeed, regardless of their background.  

“We are now seeing our alumni progress into promoted roles, feature on industry rising star lists, contribute to ICAS committees, and act as mentors and ambassadors for the next generation. Their achievements show how widening access not only changes individual lives, but helps drive social mobility across the whole accountancy profession.” 

Andrea Liddell CA, ICAS Foundation alumnus and audit advisor at AAB, said: “My journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the ICAS Foundation.

“The mentoring and financial assistance I received throughout university helped me achieve a First-Class Honours degree, then gave me the confidence to secure a training contract with my firm and complete the ICAS qualification. The admission ceremony was an incredibly proud moment, and I’m now passionate about giving back to future Foundation students as an alumni ambassador.”