Financial Power List 2018: 21-25 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 21-25 on this year’s list.

25. Paul Morton, Tax Director, Office of Tax Simplification

Following the publication of the OTS report into the VAT system last year, much of the OTS focus this year will be on the business life cycle as well as looking at relief for capital expenditure. Morton and the OTS may also be vocal on technology in 2018, including how technology developments can inform and improve the user experience. The VAT issues are not yet resolved, however, with Morton likely to be at the centre of further consultation this year on the recommendations raised by the OTS last November.

24. Helen Brand, CEO, ACCA

ACCA’s global membership surpassed the 200,000 milestone at the end of last year, and Brand will be looking to continue this success in 2018. As well as developing the professional body, Brand will be closely monitor the progress of Brexit negotiations, ensuring that the government takes the industry in account when agreeing trade policy and terms for a future partnership with the EU.

23. John Sim, CEO, PKF International

Sim has been at the helm of PKF International since 2014, charged with implementing the strategy for the network of PKF firms. PKF representation in the UK had a cracking year in 2017 with four member firms shortlisted for the British Accountancy Awards and two firms emerging as winners: PKF FPM for mid-tier firm of the year and PKF Littlejohn for innovation project of the year. After numerous admissions of new member firms in 2017, Sim will be on a mission to expand and strengthen the PKF brand further this year.

22. Bruce Cartwright, Incoming CEO, ICAS

In March, Cartwright will become the CEO of ICAS, taking over from Anton Colella who leaves the professional body after 10 years. Cartwright’s focus will be on growing the ICAS membership, strengthening partnerships in global accountancy and navigating the body through disruption facing the industry. He’s no stranger to the organisation having sat on a number of ICAS committees in the past years – experience which should serve him well in his new role.

21. Mark Carney, Governor, Bank of England

It’s been a busy three years for Carney as he has battled to steady the ship amid the ongoing Brexit storm. With just under 18 months left as governor of the Bank of England, the remainder of his tenure will be critical for the UK as Brexit edges ever closer, but uncertainty shows no sign of fading. Carney himself has been at the centre of controversy with his comments on the UK’s exit from the EU with the governor unlikely to be able to make it through 2018 without riling the pro-Brexit boat some more.

Find out which individuals are at 26-30 on this year’s list.

View the Financial Power List 2017.