Karen Scholes becomes ICAS' sixth female president

Karen Scholes has been appointed the new president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) for the 2025/26 term, making history as the sixth woman to hold the prestigious position in the organisation’s 171-year history.

Scholes, partner director at Scholes CA, an independent accountancy firm, was confirmed as president at the ICAS Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2025. She succeeds Alison Cornwell, former chief financial officer of Vue International.

Scholes’ career spans over three decades, with a notable start at AJB Scholes, the practice founded by her late father. She was the sole practitioner until its incorporation in 2008, after which Scholes CA expanded to a staff of 36, with offices in Kirkwall, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen.

Scholes previously served as vice president of ICAS in 2023 and deputy president in 2024.

Bruce Cartwright, ICAS chief executive, praised Scholes for her wealth of experience, highlighting her successful business leadership and extensive involvement with ICAS.

“Karen brings a wealth of experience to ICAS from her thirty-year career in practice and directing her own successful business,” Cartwright said.

“Her dedication to nurturing and supporting SMEs that form the backbone of local economies is exemplary. Her contributions to ICAS have been invaluable, and her understanding of the value of ICAS membership and the CA qualification will be key to our efforts to grow the profession.”

Scholes’ appointment comes alongside the induction of David Cruickshank and Jonny Jacobs as deputy president and vice president, respectively. These appointments reflect ICAS’s ongoing commitment to leadership succession and the future of the profession.

Earlier this month, ICAS also celebrated the induction of 760 newly qualified chartered accountants at its annual Admission Ceremony in Edinburgh, with graduates from the Robert Gordon University Graduate Apprenticeship programme marking a first for the institution.

Scholes and her leadership team are poised to guide ICAS through its next chapter, continuing the organisation’s mission to support and grow the profession and inspire the next generation of Chartered Accountants.