CA magazine: October 2024
By Sarah Speirs, Executive Director of Member Engagement and Communications
26 September 2024
From sole practitioners to large City-based firms, what is the current state of play in the practice community?
This month’s CA magazine reveals the key findings from the ICAS Practice Survey 2024, offering insight into emerging challenges, MTD preparedness, hourly rates and more.
In recent weeks, ICAS has begun the process of issuing communications to all members on their annual subscription. The renewal window will open on 11 November.
This year, we have also produced a guide to your membership, which outlines the value you get from ICAS and how we support you as a member, as well as the many ways in which we represent the profession and uphold the highest standards.
To ensure everyone gets the most from their membership, we’ve also updated the member value proposition (MVP), which clearly sets out all the benefits that come with being part of this professional body.
In this issue, we publish the results of the ICAS Practice Survey 2024. The respondents range from sole practitioners to large City-based firms employing hundreds of people.
One of the survey questions asks members what they consider to be their greatest current challenges. The top five responses are as follows (in order): balancing the volume of work throughout the year; succession planning; compliance/regulation; impact/adoption of AI; and uncertainty about the economy. For our members in practice, we have a specialist support team providing the tools and guidance you need.
The results of another recent survey have suggested accountants across all sectors are experiencing higher levels of stress. This month sees the annual Mental Health Awareness Day, on 10 October, which is a good time to remind members of the Wellbeing Toolkit we introduced last year.
October also marks Black History Month. This issue features interviews with two successful CAs who speak candidly about their journeys, the boundaries they’ve broken and the stereotypes they’ve challenged during their careers.
Another key date for your diary this month is 8 October, when ICAS hosts Beyond the Numbers. The event will reveal the latest findings from the Shaping the Profession programme, which is examining the long-term future of accountancy. There will be a panel discussion, alongside a keynote speech from author and broadcaster Timandra Harkness on the impact of the technological revolution on the workplace and wider society. It is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the road ahead for the profession. Find more information and register at icas.com/events.
Enjoy the issue.
