ICAEW appoints Bishop Fleming partner as president

Accountancy firm Bishop Fleming partner Caroline Smale has become the president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Smale, who leads the risk and compliance team at Bishop Fleming, will represent more than 210,000 members and students worldwide during her 12-month term.

The role involves supporting the strategy of the institute, which focuses on equipping members with future skills, upholding public trust, and building professional resilience.

Smale joined Bishop Fleming as a graduate trainee in 1988 before qualifying as a chartered accountant in 1992, later serving as president of the South West branch.

Smale said: “I am incredibly proud to take on this role as ICAEW president. The finance profession is a force for good, helping organisations make sound decisions, and ultimately, supporting businesses to grow, create jobs and invest.

“That is why, in my time as president, my aims echo the ICAEW strategy in supporting the profession to flourish. I want to ensure accountants remain at the cutting edge of digital transformation, promoting sustainability, and changing market needs.” 

She added: “As president, I will champion a profession that is inclusive, forward-looking and encourages talent from every background because the future strength of the profession depends on the opportunities we create today.”

Andrew Sandiford, Bishop Fleming managing partner, concluded: “On behalf of everyone at Bishop Fleming, I am delighted to congratulate Caroline on her appointment as president of ICAEW. This is a richly deserved personal achievement, reflecting her long-standing contribution to the profession, her leadership and her commitment to its future.

“To have one of our partners representing the profession at its highest level is also a proud moment for our firm too. It reinforces the strength of our people and our continued role in shaping the future of accountancy. We wish Caroline every success in the year ahead.”