Financial Power List 2018: 26-30 revealed

Compiled by the Accountancy Age editorial team, the Financial Power List 2018 ranks the 50 individuals who we believe will have significant influence on the direction of the accountancy industry over the next 12 months. Individuals considered for the list span government, practice and business with the rankings reflecting who has the power to make an impact in 2018.

Make sure you check back to view the full rankings, which will be released on 31 January, with five individuals announced every day between now and the end of the month.

Here, we reveal the individuals who have made positions 26-30 on this year’s list.

30. Humphrey Singer, CFO, Marks & Spencer

Singer is lined up to replace current M&S CFO Helen Weir this year, with Weir leaving the company at the end of March. In his role, Singer will be integral to the M&S five-year transformation plan to become a digital-first business. His experience of managing Dixons through a similar period of change should stand him in good stead as CFO of the retailer.

29. Anton Colella, CEO, Moore Stephens International (current ICAS CEO)

After 10 years at ICAS, Colella is departing the professional body in March this year to embark on a new challenge as global CEO of accountancy network Moore Stephens International. Tasked with implementing a new strategy, Colella will be intent of driving growth and strengthening the Moore Stephens brand worldwide in his new role.

28. Jim Harra, Second Permanent Secretary, HMRC

Following the retirement of Edward Troup last year, Harra assumes the post in HMRC at a time when the revenue authority is undergoing a significant transformation project. With Making Tax Digital fast approaching and Brexit negotiations ongoing, Harra has his work cut out to overcome the inevitable challenges that HMRC will encounter this year.

27. Laurence Longe, CEO, RSM UK

Longe will be pleased with RSM UK’s 2017 performance in which it recorded 9% revenue increase and 15% profits rise. Having increased its workforce by 4% last year, Longe is leading the firm closer to its goal to become the first-choice adviser to middle market leaders. Can he make similar progress this year?

26. Meg Hillier, Chair, Public Accounts Committee

The PAC has already had an explosive start to 2018 with the release of the committee’s report into HMRC performance last year. Criticising HMRC’s handling of its transformation programme, Hillier will be at the forefront of holding HMRC to account over how it plans to manage competing priorities and emerging challenges in 2018. With HMRC due to report to the committee in March, Hillier will be preparing herself for Round Two, but it’s not likely to be the last battle that PAC enters into with HMRC this year.

Find out who is in the Financial Power List at positions 31-35.

View the full 2017 Financial Power List.