Get involved with ICAS
Volunteer on an ICAS board, committee or panel
Volunteering your time can be a great way to add new insights, skills and expertise to your portfolio and can enable you to grow your network and give something back to the profession. You’ll also be playing an active role in shaping the future of both ICAS and the CA profession.
ICAS is governed by Council, which delegates certain responsibilities to a range of boards and committees whose remit covers governance and operations, qualifications, ethics and policy leadership. In addition, our specialist panels and boards consider matters such as taxation, pensions and charities.
Latest positions currently open for application:
ICAS Authorisation Committee - CA Members - several vacancies
Authorisation Committee – vacancies for CA members – March 2024
We have a number of vacancies for ICAS CA members who specialise in general practice.
Role of the Committee
The Authorisation Committee is an exceptional committee in terms of both responsibility and workload – it has responsibility for the licensing of members and hence authorises members’ ability to conduct practice and other regulated services (audit, insolvency). The workload is also heavy - it has 6 scheduled meetings a year and occasional additional meetings - as it receives the reports of monitoring inspections from firms where the work could do with improvement and makes decisions about conditions on licenses.
Read more about the work of regulation at ICAS on the website - Regulation
The candidates
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have experience of practice and insolvency.
- Have an understanding of the regulatory environment for members in practice
- Are members of ICAS
- Have an interest in ‘giving back’ to ICAS and in maintaining high standards amongst the CA profession
- Have a commitment to and willingness to actively engage in the work of the Authorisation Committee
- Are able to analyse practice reports, ethical considerations and make decisions regarding standards in practice.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
As part of the Authorisation Committee, currently comprising of 10 members, of whom not less that one third must be lay members, the successful candidates will:
- Provide oversight and decision making regarding licencing applications
- Review and consider monitoring reports
- Share their experience and knowledge of practice
- Be willing to undertake a heavy workload
These positions are not renumerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for any in-person meetings.
How to apply
If interested please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to apply and your suitability for the role to the secretary of the Authorisation Committee, Graeme Percival, at connect@icas.com by 15 April 2024.
Highlands Area Network Committee Chair - one vacancy
We have one vacancy for an ICAS CA member to chair the Highlands Area Network Committee.
The Highlands Area Network Committee works with ICAS Members’ Board to help increase member engagement within the Highlands area. The Highlands Area Network Committee connects with ICAS members and students and encourages them to engage with ICAS. There is a particular focus on building relationships with ICAS students and newly qualified members and establishing lifelong engagement with ICAS. The committee also helps communicate key ICAS initiatives to Highlands-based members and provides feedback to ICAS Members’ Board from local members and students.
The committee meets a minimum of three times per year. Time commitment is 1-1.5 hours per committee meeting, plus attendance at some local ICAS events where available. In addition, the chair would attend an Area Network Chairs’ forum each year (1.5 hours per meeting).
Read more about the work of the Highlands Area Network and its members.
The candidate
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have an interest in ‘giving back’ to ICAS and the CA profession.
- Have a commitment to and enthusiasm for growing and supporting the network of CAs in the Highlands area.
- Are inclusive, innovative and could bring a fresh perspective.
- Can confidently chair a meeting of around 10 CA members.
- Can take accountability and have strong leadership skills.
To ensure the composition of the committee reflects the diversity of the changing membership demographics we are looking for members from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups
The role
As the chair of the Highlands Area Network Committee of CA members, the successful candidate will:
- Confidently chair and set an agenda for a meeting of around 10 CA members.
- Share experience, knowledge, good practice and insights.
- Help identify priorities for the committee.
- Gain a better understanding of the different perspectives of ICAS members and be able to provide feedback from your local area.
- Attend local ICAS events and promote and publicise ICAS initiatives and events to members and students through your own channels and network.
- Play an active role in shaping the future of both ICAS and the CA profession.
This position is voluntary and not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for any in-person meetings
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to apply and your suitability for the role to Ashley Gibb, Senior Engagement Manager, at connect@icas.com by 17.00 on Monday 22 April 2024.
If you would like further information about the role, contact Ashley Gibb at connect@icas.com.
Members' Board - Highlands Area - one vacancy
We have one vacancy for an ICAS CA member who lives or works in the Scottish Highlands area.
Members’ Board reports directly to ICAS Council and performs a strategic role in considering all aspects of the way ICAS engages with its members. The Board is closely engaged with the development and delivery of the new ICAS strategy, and the ICAS Area Networks and international member communities.
The board meets up to four times per year, usually up to three meetings are held virtually and one in-person in Edinburgh. Time commitment per year is three hours per meeting, plus reading time. Ad hoc shorter meetings are sometimes required as part of a working group or to meet stakeholders.
Appointments are for an initial three-year term and may be renewed for a further three years.
Read more about the work of Members’ Board and its members.
The candidate
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have an interest in ‘giving back’ to ICAS and the CA profession.
- Have a commitment to and enthusiasm for the work of Members’ Board.
- Can inspire confidence in other members and stakeholders.
- Are capable of building and maintaining relationships, diplomatic and personable.
- Are understanding of the issues facing members.
- Can demonstrate commitment to creating equality, celebrating diversity and building an inclusive profession.
- Live or work in the Highlands area of Scotland*
*By virtue of the appointment to Members’ Board, the candidate would also become a member of the Highlands Area Network Committee. Find out more about the Highlands Area Network Committee.
To ensure the composition of the board reflects the diversity of the changing membership demographics we are looking for members from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
As part of a board of 15-18 ICAS CA members and three ICAS colleague members, the successful candidate will:
- Share experience, knowledge, good practice and insights.
- Help identify work priorities for the board.
- Provide constructive challenge to ICAS colleagues.
- Support in communicating key ICAS initiatives to their network.
- Identify and seek to understand different membership experiences and outcomes.
The position is voluntary and not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for any in-person meetings.
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to apply and your suitability for the role to Ashley Gibb, Senior Engagement Manager, at connect@icas.com by 17.00 on Monday 22 April 2024.
ICAS Members’ Board – three vacancies
We have three vacancies for ICAS CA members to join Members’ Board.
Members’ Board reports directly to ICAS Council and performs a strategic role in considering all aspects of the way ICAS engages with its members. The Board is closely engaged with the development and delivery of the new ICAS strategy, and the ICAS Area Networks and international member communities.
The board meets up to four times per year, usually up to three meetings are held virtually and one in-person in Edinburgh. Time commitment per year is three hours per meeting, plus reading time. Ad hoc shorter meetings are sometimes required as part of a working group or to meet stakeholders.
Appointments are for an initial three-year term and may be renewed for a further three years.
Read more about the work of Members’ Board and its members.
The candidate
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have an interest in ‘giving back’ to ICAS and the CA profession.
- Have a commitment to and enthusiasm for the work of Members’ Board.
- Can inspire confidence in other members and stakeholders.
- Are capable of building and maintaining relationships, diplomatic and personable.
- Are understanding of the issues facing members.
- Can demonstrate commitment to creating equality, celebrating diversity and building an inclusive profession.
To ensure the composition of the board reflects the diversity of the changing membership demographics we are looking for members from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
As part of a board of 15-18 ICAS CA members and three ICAS colleague members, the successful candidate will:
- Share experience, knowledge, good practice and insights.
- Help identify work priorities for the board.
- Provide constructive challenge to ICAS colleagues.
- Support in communicating key ICAS initiatives to their network.
- Identify and seek to understand different membership experiences and outcomes.
The position is voluntary and not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for any in-person meetings.
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to apply and your suitability for the role to Ashley Gibb, Senior Engagement Manager, at connect@icas.com by 17.00 on Monday 22 April 2024.
ICAS Indirect Taxes Committee - several vacancies
We have several volunteer-based vacancies for suitably qualified ICAS members or non-ICAS members. Applicants are likely to be working in the area of VAT and indirect taxes in practice, in-house in industry, in the public sector or in an academic position.
The remit of the committee is:
- To be a focus for ICAS’ contribution on tax technical and tax reporting issues that affect indirect taxes and putting forward views on these issues to HMRC, HMT and any other relevant bodies.
- To consider areas where ICAS could make a contribution on practical matters relating to tax that affect indirect taxes.
- To co-ordinate with the ICAS Tax Board and its other Committees on the preparation of submissions on indirect tax issues.
The candidates
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have an interest in volunteering for ICAS.
- Can commit to delivering an enthusiastic contribution to the work of the Indirect Taxes committee and through the committee to wider ICAS tax policy work.
- Possess in-depth knowledge of VAT and indirect taxes.
- Are willing to review and give input to/comment on consultation responses, technical papers and thought leadership papers.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
Successful candidates will:
- Share experience, knowledge, good practice and insights.
- Help identify work priorities for the committee.
- Review and comment on draft consultation responses, thought leadership and policy position papers etc as necessary.
- Undertake to read agendas and associated papers in preparation for formal meetings.
The committee usually meets two or three times per year (for one to two hours) – meetings will be hybrid or virtual. Short ad hoc virtual meetings may take place in response to specific developments. Meetings may occasionally be attended by HMRC or HM Treasury officials – for example to discuss consultations. The time commitment for this role is approximately 10 to 15 hours per annum. Read more about the structure and governance of the ICAS Tax Board and tax committees and about the policy positions of the ICAS Tax Board.
These positions are not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for attendance in person at hybrid meetings (usually held at CA House in Edinburgh).
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to join the committee and your suitability for the role to Susan Cattell, Head of Tax Technical Policy, at connect@icas.com by 5pm on 29 April.
Charities Panel - three vacancies
We have two vacancies for ICAS CA members and one vacancy for an academic with an interest in charities, who does not need to be an ICAS member.
About the Charities Panel
The Charities Panel represents ICAS on matters impacting the UK charity sector, in relation to:
- Public policy.
- Law and regulation.
- Financial reporting.
- External scrutiny, encompassing both independent examination and auditing.
The panel also issues guidance on accountancy related matters to ICAS members who are involved with charities in a variety of roles.
Appointments to the Charities Panel will be for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for a further three-year period provided that the panel member still meets the criteria for membership of the Panel. Appointments may be extended further as necessary to ensure that a broad range of expertise on charity matters is retained on the panel.
The panel meets formally three times per year, with one meeting held virtually and two in-person/ hybrid meetings based in Edinburgh. Virtual meetings are 90 minutes and face-to-face meetings are two hours, plus reading time in relation to the agenda papers.
In between meetings, the commitment from panel members is as much as they feel they can give to the panel’s ongoing activities. Membership of the panel is a great opportunity for personal development and to work with other ICAS members from across the UK to influence sector developments and support the many ICAS members who are involved with charities.
The candidate
Currently we are seeking applications from:
- Charity finance directors or other senior charity finance staff.
- Charity academics.
- Anyone in a charity sector role with knowledge and experience of charity tax matters.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
As a member of the Charities Panel, the successful candidates will:
- Share experience, knowledge and insights with other panel members and ICAS colleagues.
- Help identify emerging issues and work priorities for the panel.
- Contribute to consultations from policymakers and standard setters.
- Support the development of guidance for ICAS members and other member communications on charity matters.
- Provide a charity sector perspective on ICAS thought leadership projects on matters relevant to the accountancy profession.
These positions are not remunerated. Reasonable expenses will be paid for any in-person meetings.
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to apply and your suitability for the role to Christine Scott, Head of Charities and Reporting at connect@icas.com by 5pm on Monday 29 April 2024.
International and Large Business Taxes Committee – one vacancy
We have one vacancy for a suitably qualified ICAS member or non-ICAS member. Applicants are likely to be working in the area of international or large business taxation in practice, in-house in industry, in the public sector or in an academic position.
The remit of the committee is:
- To be a focus for ICAS’ contribution on tax technical and tax reporting issues that affect international and large businesses and putting forward business views on these issues to HMRC and HM Treasury.
- To consider areas where ICAS could make a contribution on practical matters relating to tax that affect international and large businesses, such as complexity and uncertainty in the system, tax reporting and large business relationships with HMRC.
- To co-ordinate with the ICAS Tax Board and its other committees on the preparation of submissions on tax issues affecting large and multinational businesses.
The candidates
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have an interest in volunteering for ICAS.
- Can commit to delivering an enthusiastic contribution to the work of the International and Large Business Taxes committee and through the committee to wider ICAS tax policy work.
- Possess in-depth knowledge of international and large business taxation issues.
- Are willing to review and give input to/comment on consultation responses, technical papers and thought leadership papers.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
The successful candidate will:
- Share experience, knowledge, good practice and insights.
- Help identify work priorities for the committee.
- Review and comment on draft consultation responses, thought leadership and policy position papers as necessary.
- Read agendas and associated papers in preparation for formal meetings.
The committee usually meets two or three times per year (for one to two hours) – meetings will be hybrid or virtual. Short ad hoc virtual meetings may take place in response to specific developments. Meetings may occasionally be attended by HMRC or HM Treasury officials – for example to discuss consultations. The time commitment for this role is approximately 10 to 15 hours per annum.
Read more about the structure and governance of the ICAS Tax Board and tax committees here and about the policy positions of the ICAS Tax Board here.
The position is voluntary and not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for attendance in person at any hybrid meetings (usually held at CA House in Edinburgh).
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to join the committee and your suitability for the role to Susan Cattell, Head of Tax Technical Policy, at connect@icas.com by 17.00 on 29 April 2024.
ICAS Tax Board – several vacancies
ICAS Tax Board – several vacancies
We have several volunteer-based vacancies for suitably qualified ICAS members or non-ICAS members. Applicants are likely to be working in taxation in practice, in-house in industry, in the public sector or in an academic position.
Objectives of the ICAS Tax Board, tax committees and tax team
Public trust and Influence future policy
ICAS Tax will seek to deploy a public voice which offers independent, timely, insightful and practical guidance on taxation and related matters of interest to the public, tax professionals, government, regulatory and other stakeholders.
A profession fit for the future
ICAS Tax will seek to be relevant to ICAS members’ interests throughout their training and subsequent careers and in all of the main locations in which ICAS members serve the sector, by issuing guidance and keeping members informed of relevant developments.
Hand in hand with practice
ICAS Tax will continue to be connected with ICAS members involved with tax through a variety of ICAS communication channels which will engage members and keep them informed about tax and related matters, which will help ensure that our members deliver a high standard of service to their clients, employers and others.
Uphold standards
ICAS Tax will continue to work with the Ethics Board and with other ICAS departments in ensuring that ICAS members are aware of any specific Rules or ethical requirements including the Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation guidance.
ICAS Tax will continue to build trust by contributing to cross profession discussion about regulation of the tax profession; informing debates on avoidance; promoting PCRT.
The candidates
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have an interest in volunteering for ICAS.
- Can commit to delivering an enthusiastic contribution to the work of the Tax Board and through the Board to wider ICAS tax policy work.
- Possess knowledge and understanding of taxation issues.
- Are willing to review and give input to/comment on consultation responses, technical papers and thought leadership papers.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
Successful candidates will:
- Share experience, knowledge, good practice and insights.
- Help identify work priorities for the Tax Board and its committees.
- Review and comment on draft consultation responses, thought leadership and policy position papers etc as necessary.
- Undertake to read agendas and associated papers in preparation for formal meetings.
The Tax Board usually meets three times per year (for two hours) – meetings will be hybrid or virtual. Short ad hoc virtual meetings may take place in response to specific developments. Meetings may occasionally be attended by HMRC or HM Treasury officials – for example to discuss consultations. The time commitment for this role is approximately 10 to 15 hours per annum. Read more about the structure and governance of the ICAS Tax Board and tax committees and about the policy positions of the ICAS Tax Board.
These positions are not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for attendance in person at hybrid meetings (usually held at CA House in Edinburgh).
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to join the committee and your suitability for the role to Susan Cattell, Head of Tax Technical Policy, at connect@icas.com by 17.00 on 29 April 2024.
ICAS Private Client Committee - several vacancies
We have several volunteer-based vacancies for suitably qualified ICAS members or non-ICAS members. Applicants are likely to be working in the area of personal tax in practice, in-house in industry, in the public sector or in an academic position.
The remit of the committee is:
- To be a focus for ICAS’ contribution on tax technical and tax reporting issues that affect private clients and putting forward views on these issues to HMRC, HMT and any other relevant bodies.
- To consider areas where ICAS could make a contribution on practical matters relating to tax that affect private clients.
- To co-ordinate with the ICAS Tax Board and its other Committees on the preparation of submissions on tax issues affecting private clients.
The candidates
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have an interest in volunteering for ICAS.
- Can commit to delivering an enthusiastic contribution to the work of the Private Client committee and through the committee to wider ICAS tax policy work.
- Possess in-depth knowledge of personal taxes.
- Are willing to review and give input to/comment on consultation responses, technical papers and thought leadership papers.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
Successful candidates will:
- Share experience, knowledge, good practice and insights.
- Help identify work priorities for the committee.
- Review and comment on draft consultation responses, thought leadership and policy position papers etc as necessary.
- Undertake to read agendas and associated papers in preparation for formal meetings.
The committee usually meets two or three times per year (for one to two hours) – meetings will be hybrid or virtual. Short ad hoc virtual meetings may take place in response to specific developments. Meetings may occasionally be attended by HMRC or HM Treasury officials – for example to discuss consultations. The time commitment for this role is approximately 10 to 15 hours per annum. Read more about the structure and governance of the ICAS Tax Board and tax committees and about the policy positions of the ICAS Tax Board.
These positions are not remunerated. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid for attendance in person at hybrid meetings (usually held at CA House in Edinburgh).
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to join the committee and your suitability for the role to Susan Cattell, Head of Tax Technical Policy, at connect@icas.com by 5pm on 29 April.
Owner Managed Business Taxes Committee – five vacancies
We have five volunteer-based vacancies for suitably qualified ICAS members or non-ICAS members who currently hold a role in an accounting practice advising Owner Managed Businesses. The committee aims to be a focus for ICAS’ contribution on tax technical issues that affect small and medium Owner Managed Businesses and put forward these issues to HMRC and HM Treasury.
The candidates
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have an interest in volunteering for ICAS.
- Can commit to delivering an enthusiastic contribution to the work of the Owner Managed Business Taxes Committee and, therefore, to the work of wider ICAS tax policy.
- Possess an in-depth, expert technical knowledge of the Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Corporation Tax and broader tax legislation and guidance in relation to Owner Managed Businesses.
- Can consider/assess/scrutinise consultations, technical papers and thought leadership papers on tax issues affecting Owner Managed Businesses.
- Can offer practical feedback to ICAS on the effects and consequences of the Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Corporation Tax and broader tax legislation and guidance in relation to Owner Managed Businesses.
We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse people and other minority groups.
The role
Successful candidates will:
- Share experience, knowledge, good practice and insights.
- Help identify work priorities for the committee.
- Review draft consultation responses, thought leadership and policy position papers as necessary.
- Undertake to read all agendas and associated papers in preparation for formal meetings.
The time commitment for this role is approximately 10 - 12 hours per annum including reading time. There are two to three formal meetings of two hours per annum and up to two ad-hoc meetings of up to two hours, dependent on emergent issues arising such as fiscal events or consultations. Read more about the structure and governance of the ICAS Tax Board and tax committees and about the policy positions of the ICAS Tax Board.
These positions are voluntary and not remunerated. Most meetings are held virtually, but reasonable travelling expenses will be reimbursed where attendance is required in person.
How to apply
To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would like to apply and your suitability for the role to Chris Campbell, Head of Tax (Tax Practice and Owner Managed Business Taxes) at ICAS at connect@icas.com by 5pm on 29 April 2024.
Hear from our volunteers
Being on Members Board has given me an opportunity to influence ICAS’ priorities, contribute my own ideas and have a direct influence on the experiences of the entire ICAS membership.
Sobhan Afzal CA
Serving on the council, Chairing EDI committee and being a member of Audit and Risk committee has been personally and professionally rewarding. It offers a unique chance to contribute, make a lasting impact, and witness the power of collective expertise. By actively participating, we can influence improvements in strategy, EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion), culture, and audit and risk governance. Join us in shaping the future of our profession, promoting excellence, and driving positive change to help support and grow our inclusive diverse membership and ensure a sustainable progressive institute. Volunteer your time and expertise to make a difference.
Tracey Rob Perera CA
“Being part of the ICAS EDI Committee has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to influence ICAS policy in this important area, contribute with my own lived experiences and hopefully have a positive and direct impact on the experience of future cohorts undertaking the ICAS journey, as well as established members.”
Ronnie Jamieson CA
Learn more about the various ICAS boards and committees
Other ways to get involved:
- Connect with your local ICAS Area Network
- Volunteer with a charity
- Peer-to-peer mentoring
- Assist the ICAS Foundation
Get involved with your ICAS Area Network
The over 23,000 members of ICAS form an international business community that spans industries and continents, so you’re never far from a CA connection. Our local Area Networks and international communities are just one of the many ways we foster those bonds between our members.
The Area Networks act as local links between CAs and ICAS. By getting involved you’ll play a key role in representing members’ views as the Area Networks provide a platform for delivering feedback direct to those at the helm of the profession. You’ll support in communicating key initiatives and provide insight into a calendar of events.
Get involved as a charity volunteer
Getting involved with a charity, by providing your accounting, business or management services on a pro-bono basis, is an additional way for ICAS members to make great use of their qualification and experience. Not only will you be making a positive difference and giving back to wider society, you’ll be widening and strengthening your portfolio of expertise and your professional network.
Get involved as a mentor
Getting involved as a mentor allows you to play a hugely important role in the life and career development of the mentee you help. Mentoring involves motivating and empowering someone to overcome their obstacles, meet their challenges and turn ambition into success. Not only can the process be personally rewarding, professionally it can widen your network and introduce you to new challenges and working methods.
Get involved with the ICAS Foundation
The ICAS Foundation is a charitable organisation that aims to support academically talented young people from disadvantaged communities into university through the provision of mentoring and financial assistance. (links to http://www.icasfoundation.org.uk)
Getting involved with the Foundation usually involves volunteering as a mentor. You’d be working with a high-school student or undergraduate who wants to study accounting or finance. Just as with mentoring peers through CA Connect, mentoring with the ICAS Foundation can be a highly rewarding experience, and help shape the next generation of Chartered Accountants.