ICAS Expands Rising Stars Awards, Adding Social Impact Category to Spotlight Next-Gen Accountants

EDINBURGH/LONDON – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has opened its annual global hunt for the accounting profession's most promising young leaders, unveiling a refreshed awards framework for 2026 that places community impact alongside technical excellence.

Nominations are now live for the CA Rising Stars awards, which identify and honour Chartered Accountants under the age of 35 who are redefining the role of the profession. In a significant update, ICAS has introduced a new 'Community and Social Value' category, bringing the total number of award themes to four. The other categories remain Ethical Leaders, Innovators in Technology, and Changemakers.

"The profession is at a crossroads," said ICAS CEO Gail Boag. "Beyond technical prowess, society now expects accountants to be stewards of ethical practice, drivers of innovation, and architects of social value. This year's awards directly reflect that broader mandate."

Candidates must demonstrate clear, measurable achievements within one of the four themes. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in central London in June 2026. The overall winner will also secure a delegate position at the One Young World Summit in Cape Town (November 3-6, 2026), representing ICAS and Chartered Accountants Worldwide on a global stage.

The awards launch follows recent regulatory tensions. Earlier this month, ICAS publicly expressed disappointment over the UK government's decision to shelve the Audit and Corporate Governance Reform Bill—a move many see as a setback for corporate transparency. The Rising Stars programme, analysts suggest, underscores the institute's parallel strategy to foster change from within the profession's next generation.

Industry Voices:

"This isn't just about trophies," says Michael Thorne, 42, a finance director in Manchester. "It's a strategic signal. By adding a social value category, ICAS is telling firms and clients what the future accountant's scorecard should include. It elevates the entire profession's narrative."

"Awards are fine, but let's be real—this is optics," counters Lena Rossi, 38, an audit manager and industry blogger based in Glasgow. "How many of these 'rising stars' work in firms that still prioritize billable hours over genuine societal impact? ICAS should be lobbying harder for structural reform, not just handing out accolades. The shelved audit bill is the real story here."

David Chen, 29, a recent CA qualifier in London, sees practical value: "Having a category for community impact validates the pro bono work many young CAs already do. It makes that work visible and career-relevant. For my cohort, this makes the award more meaningful."

This report is based on information initially published by The Accountant. Content is provided for general information only and is not professional advice.