Arrow left dark
Newsletter icon SUBSCRIBE

ICAS launches quest for the world’s top 35 CAs

Clock icon Reading time: 4 minutes

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland’s competition to find the 35 most promising and inspiring young CAs from around the world is now open.

ICAS said its One Young CA competition is seeking those “who stand out from the crowd; the future leaders who are inspiring and motivating the next generation of CAs”.

Launched in 2015, the competition celebrates innovation, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit among ICAS young members.

Every CA under 35 can take part, wherever they are in the world.

They can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. Entries can be made through the One Young CA website.

Nominations should be made in one of the following four categories:

  • Entrepreneurship: For CAs who can demonstrate a knack for entrepreneurial initiative and have used their skills to help shape original ideas into a successful reality

  • Innovation & Technology: For CAs who are known for implementing dramatic change and thrive in an environment of new innovative processes and technologies

  • Leadership & Influence: For CAs who motivate and inspire those around them while driving their organisations toward diversity, inclusivity and success

  • Sustainability & CSR: For CAs that are dedicated to making a positive impact in both business and wider society with deference to sustainability and corporate responsibility

    • The competition, which is free to enter and closes on 12 May, is backed by Investec Click & Invest, a new online actively managed investment management service for UK residents with £10,000 or more to invest.

    Anton Colella
    Anton Colella

    ICAS CEO Anton Colella, said: “This competition seeks the best and brightest young members in our profession from around the world.

    “We are looking for the young innovators, the entrepreneurs, the CAs who command the respect of their peers and are committed to acting in the public good. If this sounds like you, then I strongly encourage you to apply.

    ​“We are delighted that Investec Click & Invest are joining us in our search for the world’s top 35 CAs.

    “The One Young CA competition opens today and I would urge all CAs under 35 to go to the website to find out more.”

    The top 35 CAs will be selected from across the four categories by an expert judging panel, and the list will be unveiled on 3 July.

    The judges must then determine who, from the 35 outstanding candidates, are the winners of the four categories and two additional awards: the Global Influence award, for the CA who has made their mark internationally, and the discretionary Chief Executive award.

    From the four category winners, the judges will then decide who will be crowned ICAS One Young CA 2017.

    The ICAS One Young CA 2017 winner will have the privilege of representing ICAS at the global youth summit, One Young World in Bogota, Colombia. The winner will attend as part of a delegation for Chartered Accountants Worldwide.

    The winners will be announced on 15 September at the Young Leader’s Summit, which is being hosted in conjunction with the One Young CA awards ceremony.

    The top 35 CAs are chosen by a panel of independent, expert judges. The judges have a wealth of experience in a variety of different sectors and some are winners from last year’s competition.

    The 2016 One Young CA, Rimla Akhtar MBE, said: “Being a part of the One Young CA competition has been a fantastic experience: from being in Ottawa for the One Young World conference, to meeting some amazing young CAs, to being piped in at an ICAS dinner for the first time.

    “I know there is still so much more to come and much I will be able to contribute to ICAS going forward. I’d encourage all young CAs to nominate themselves and others for this great opportunity.”

    Last year’s competition attracted entrants from all over the world including Brazil, Australia, Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong.

    Share icon
    Share this article: