Join us for a forward looking breakfast session that puts the future of the finance profession centre stage.

This session is part of the 2026 Edinburgh Finance Festival programme and is set to be a must attend conversation for anyone shaping, leading, or influencing the profession. 

Our panel will bring together senior voices from across the sector to explore how the skill sets required of finance professionals are rapidly evolving. Expect a dynamic discussion covering how the following will impact on skills:

• Society’s expectations of accountants in the future
• Technology and the accelerating impact of AI on ethical leadership and public trust
• Sustainability and the shift to a net zero economy
• What education and skills providers must do now to prepare future talent

As a named partner of the Edinburgh International Finance Festival for the second year running, ICAS is proud to lead this conversation at a pivotal moment for the profession.

CPD Event

Counts as CPD

Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, attending this event can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.

• ICAS students and members
• Non-members

• Stephen BoyleAuditor General for Scotland, Audit ScotlandStephen Boyle was appointed Auditor General in July 2020 by Her Majesty the Queen, and is responsible for auditing around £40bn of taxpayers’ money. He audits all public bodies except local authorities, including the Scottish Government, NHS bodies, police and fire, further education colleges and most non-departmental public bodies. He is also the accountable officer for Audit Scotland.

• Gail BoagCEO, ICAS Gail began her role as ICAS CEO on 1 January 2026 having previously held the role of Executive Director of Learning since 2022. Previously, Gail was the Dean of The Business School at Edinburgh Napier University, one of the biggest Business Schools in Scotland with a reputation for programmes that are closely connected to industry. She has has spent the majority of her career working with a diverse mix of organisations, through a variety of leadership roles in commercial management, business development, strategic contract delivery and business transformation.