4 President's Message

As president since November 2020, I’ve been very lucky to meet with many members and future members, albeit online. I truly wish this could have been face-to-face and in a real space rather than a virtual one. Lockdowns and restrictions on travel made this impossible for me as it did for so many of you.

But travel restrictions are only one of the huge challenges we’ve all faced over the last year – and which we continue to face.

From these meetings, formal and informal, I’ve witnessed first-hand how so many ACCA members have stood strong in the face of the Covid-19 storm. It makes me and my fellow Council members proud to witness their resilience, talent and innovation in continuing to guide and support the businesses and organisations in which they work – and their colleagues and clients – through difficult times and tough decisions. I know this has not been easy, and that many have experienced immense personal and professional challenges in a year like no other in living memory.

What I’ve heard and seen during these meetings is an ACCA community that is robust and connected. It has been pleasing to see our global community taking opportunities to share their thoughts and experiences on navigating the crisis. I wholeheartedly thank our members and future members for their strength over 2020-21.

Our annual report for 2020-21 shows how ACCA has been resolute in its determination to support our members, future members and the wider community through these uncertain times, demonstrating resilience, flexibility and strength.

My thanks and that of Council also go to Helen Brand, the Executive team and all ACCA employees. With Council, we have worked together to launch and implement a new strategy to 2025 and adapt our 2020-21 critical strategic focus in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yes, it has been a challenge, but we have collaborated to assess the risks and prepare for what may lie ahead. Importantly, we have worked to ensure our support is there for our community.

We have been able to achieve this by staying close to our strategic values of innovation, integrity and inclusion, and by remaining true to our purpose to be a force for public good, and to lead the global accountancy profession by creating opportunity.

Here, I share some highlights of the support we’ve developed over the course of the past year, all aimed at creating value for members and future members. I am sure many of you will have seen these innovations being rolled out, and I hope they have been helpful.

I also hope you enjoy reading this integrated report. It has been a pleasure to meet so many of you over the year, a year in which the importance of having a powerful, connected and supportive community has never been so evident.