Ross Wilson CA
From taking him to sunny Jamaica to helping him forge lifelong friendships, Ross Wilson shares why he is Proud to be a CA.
The value of ICAS to me over the years has been massive throughout my career.
After qualifying in 1971 I secured a great job in Jamaica.
Everywhere I have been since then the qualification has been held in incredibly high esteem, which is just one reason why I feel hugely proud of being a CA.
I am determined to protect such a great brand for as long as I can. I was delighted when one of my sons decided to become a CA and was our first ICAS student to do so here in our firm in the South of England.
As well as my CA qualification being an international passport in my early years, it has allowed me to live a wonderful life and to enjoy a career long after many have retired.
As the old adage goes: ‘Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.’ Thanks to ICAS, that saying has applied to me for over four decades.
Add to all that the opportunity to have developed a great network, including being heavily involved with a local Royal Charity since it was formed in Windsor in 1977.
The Prince Philip Trust is a charity which helps many organisations in our local community. My initial involvement was primarily because of my CA qualification, albeit over time my input has probably gone way beyond finance.
As well as my CA qualification being an international passport in my early years, it has allowed me to live a wonderful life and to enjoy a career long after many have retired.
I realise I am the present for ICAS, not the future. I just hope the present lasts a while longer since it is great fun!
I have operated in the South of England with many amazing people. Among them are Alan Ross CA, my current tax partner who we recruited in 1983 straight from Glasgow when we did our MBO of an accounting practice and needed a tax partner designate, Sandy Kerr CA, a Motherwell boy, who was a partner in our firm and Billy Mills CA, a Glasgow boy and my former audit partner who I have known since we were both wee lads in our early twenties in Jamaica with PKF on a three year contract setting out on our great adventure.
All are firm friends so yet again another major benefit of ICAS membership.
There is no finer business qualification which offers so many opportunities not only in finance but in most walks of business life. My message to all thinking of a career in Accountancy is think ICAS – you won’t be disappointed and you could be amazed what the future might hold.