CA magazine: December 2021/January 2022
By Sarah Speirs, ICAS Executive Director of Member Engagement and Communica
1 December 2021
Moving forward into 2022, at ICAS we have cautious optimism. In this edition of CA magazine, we look to the future of tax and of the economy, and reflect on the challenges and opportunities of growing digitalisation. We also consider the lessons learned from the pandemic for CAs working in unprecedented circumstances at home and abroad.
The year is ending in a better place than where it began. The vast majority of the UK population is vaccinated, which has enabled the return of many sectors that were previously shuttered – and the beginnings of experimenting with hybrid living and working. Going forward, we will all have one foot in the “real” world and one in the digital. That’s why Mark Zuckerberg is investing billions in the metaverse – a digital environment where just about anything can be conducted.
For all the technological advancements and growing reasons for optimism, there is no forgetting that the last two years have thrown many curveballs at us. ICAS is here to support members through ongoing uncertainty. And that means continually evaluating the services and resources that we offer. It’s not just about enabling CAs to demonstrate technical skills at the highest standard – but also delivering the insight that contextualises those skills. Our members are in firms of all sectors and sizes, possessing considerable business influence. And ICAS has a responsibility to help create a community of well-rounded professionals who can approach both the details and the big picture with confidence.
In practice, this means that you’ll see a renewed focus on six key themes across CA magazine and ICAS in 2022. We will be building on existing work, seeking to lead the conversation on trust and ethics; technology and AI; equality, diversity and inclusion; mental fitness; professional development and leadership; and sustainability. These are significant, fast-moving areas that influence the work of CAs. Our goal is to continue to demystify them – breaking through the noise and pulling out the key learnings that help businesses and careers grow.
We hope this focus on creating resources that support members is best demonstrated by ICAS winning two Membership Excellence Awards at September’s memcom ceremony. The inaugural CA Summit conference, held in 2020, won Best Educational Event and Best Use of Data and Insight. And it’s the magic blend of commentary, leadership and interactivity offered by CA Summit that will inform our services going forward.
I hope you enjoy this edition of CA magazine and we look forward to sharing more throughout 2022.