ICAS Gold Dust Career Insights Series: on-demand videos
This video and podcast series features ‘gold dust’ insights from fellow CA members who have experienced exceptional and interesting career journeys since being admitted into ICAS membership.
Popular Radio DJ Paul Harper from Heart FM and Dougie Loan from Odro, speaks with a range of CAs to reflect on their key insights and career defining moments which have helped them get to where they are today.
Alan Turner CA
Partner, Head of Tax & Legal Services - Corporates at KPMG UK
Alan grew up with his parents running their own business; a dairy farm in the West of Scotland. He witnessed first-hand the importance of a CA within business. This inspired him to follow the CA route himself, therefore following his studies of Business Law at University of Strathclyde he joined one of the big 4 where he undertook his CA qualification.
In this short video, Alan also stresses the importance of networking, and highlights that as CA’s the most valuable network you have is each other, and encourages all his fellow CA’s to be mindful of this.
Once you have watched the video, reflect on what your gold dust career insights might be – you can share them with other members via ICAS’s Linkedin and Twitter accounts using the hashtag #ICASCareerInsights.
Lynne Walker CA
Lynne Walker CA
Partner, Head of Business Advisory, Johnston Carmichael*
Our next gold dust career insights video comes from Lynne Walker CA. Lynne talks of her career path that has developed beyond what she had expected. From her enjoyment of numbers at school, to qualifying as a CA, to a considerable career within audit then to her most recent role within business advisory.
Watch Lynne’s video to hear her story; her career journey and advice and inspiration for others.
*Lynne was previously Deputy Head of Business Advisory but since filming Lynne has gained promotion and is now Partner, Head of Business Advisory at Jonnston Carmichael.
Stuart Blues CA
Stuart Blues CA
Financial Director - Chanrossa Group*
With good oversight of his career journey to date Stuart talks about how the CA qualification has supported him in developing his leadership skills, with ethics being right at the heart of what he does.
Stuart is a believer in continually developing your own individual leadership style, drawing on the characteristics and experiences of others and adapting them to your own personality, team and environment.
*Stuart was previously Finance Manager at The Gleneagles Hotel but since filming has moved roles and is now Financial Director at the Chanrossa Group.
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Susan Findlay CA
Susan Findlay CA
Lead Internal Auditor, William Grant & Sons*
Susan shares insight in to a day in life at ICAS.
Despite our MoralDNA profiling tool indicating that Susan has the behavioural preferences of that of a teacher, she herself believed accountancy was a natural route for her given her passion for numbers.
Susan talks about identifying her weaknesses and how she transformed such in to strengths, paving the way for her to secure her former role as Assistant Director at ICAS.
*Susan was formerly Assistant Director of Regulatory Authorisations at ICAS but since filming has moved roles and is now Lead Internal Auditor at William Grant & Sons.
Rory Forrest CA
Rory Forrest CA
Finance Director, Signature Pub Group
Professional football aspirations did not materialise for Rory Forrest, however with his acumen for numbers he believes he was destined for a role in accountancy. In this next video of our gold dust career insights series, Rory shares his career journey to date.
Starting out with one of the Big 4, Rory quickly branched out in to the big world and gained a variety of experience including; operations management, audit and accountancy, leading him to his current role of Finance Director with Signature Pub Group.
Another interesting watch with lots of inspiration and insight.
Annie Graham CA
Annie Graham
Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
At the time of becoming Partner, Annie was the youngest Partner in the UK. Annie talks about when and how her CA journey began; a journey she fell in to but has never looked back. Annie shares valuable insight on many topics, in particular the facets of a great leader.
Energetic and vibrant, this is a must watch video.
Yusuf Ahmet CA
Yusuf Ahmet CA
Senior Manager, Baringa Partners
Following a less than privileged start in life Yusuf secured a job with Blackrock and went on to secure a place at the University of Surrey, and very quickly saw his career develop, most recently achieving his CA qualification.
Watch Yusuf’s video to hear his story; his journey, his inspiration and his advice for others.
On the go?
These Gold Dust Career Insights Series videos are also available as podcasts