Celebrating the future of accountancy: The 2025 Accountancy Age 35 under 35

Last night, Scale Space in London was buzzing with energy as the Accountancy Age 35 under 35 Class of 2025 came together to celebrate their achievements.

In partnership with AJ Chambers, the event brought together this year’s honourees, their guests, industry leaders, and partners for an evening of recognition, insight, and connection.

The celebration marked the 13th year of the 35 under 35 campaign, a programme that has now spotlighted more than 450 rising professionals since its launch in 2012.

Over time, what started as a recognition ranking has evolved into one of the most important milestones in the accounting calendar, a platform that celebrates young accountants not only for their technical excellence but also for the way they are reshaping the profession.

A milestone moment for the profession

The evening opened with a warm welcome from George Looker, MD of ClickZ Media which runs Accountancy Age, and reflections on the impact of the campaign to date. This year’s process drew a record number of entries from across the UK, spanning practice, corporate finance, fintech, academia, and the public sector.

The winners of 2025 reflect the incredible diversity of the profession today. Nearly 80% work in practice, while others represent growing in-house corporate roles, fintech innovators, public sector specialists, and academics.

Together, they embody the breadth of skills and experiences shaping accountancy’s next chapter.

From driving digital adoption to leading corporate deals, from mentoring future leaders to championing ESG and inclusion, these 35 individuals are proving that accountancy is about far more than numbers — it’s about leadership, innovation, and impact.

Setting the tone for the future

The keynote, With an Ever-Changing Environment Comes Opportunity, was delivered by Daniel Prendergast, Technical Director at CIMA. Drawing on his experience across Barclays, Investec, and JP Morgan, Daniel urged the audience to embrace change with curiosity and confidence.

“You have the chance to be the generation that bridges the human and the artificial, turning progress into benefits for business, people, and society,” he said. “Be curious about the tools — but be even more curious about the problems worth solving. And keep sharpening your human skills, because that’s where the real competitive advantage lies.”

It was an inspiring reminder of the unique position this generation holds as technology, regulation, and client expectations continue to evolve at pace.

Panels that sparked conversation

The programme also featured two lively panel discussions that captured some of the most pressing issues facing the profession.

The first, Accountancy 2.0: The Digital Leap, brought together Mandy Bagot, Director of Virtual Finance at Mercer & Hole, and Will Rush, General Manager at XBert, with moderation from Luke Farren, Founder of The Modern Firm.

Together, they explored how technology — from automation to AI — is reshaping client service, internal processes, and career pathways. Speakers highlighted the opportunities for firms to deliver more value and efficiency, while also cautioning that success depends on cultural buy-in and effective change management.

The second, Talent of Tomorrow: Skills for 2025 and Beyond, featured Duncan Crooks, Head of Talent Acquisition at Price Bailey, and Ellie Burford, Director of People at Affinia, moderated by Danny Brown, Associate Divisional Director at AJ Chambers.

The discussion turned the spotlight onto people, examining how the skills accountants need are shifting beyond technical ability. The panel explored rising demand for leadership, resilience, data literacy, and communication, as well as how firms can better support the next generation through training, mentoring, and inclusive cultures.

Both sessions reinforced a central theme of the evening: the profession is at an inflection point, and its future will be shaped by those willing to adapt, innovate, and lead with purpose.

Recognition and celebration

The evening also included remarks from James Gosling, Managing Director at AJ Chambers, who reflected on the importance of investing in talent and supporting the next generation of leaders.

The highlight of the night was, of course, the awards ceremony. George Looker and Andrew Hilliard, Founder of AJ Chambers, took to the stage to present the awards to each of the 35 winners, celebrating them for their achievements and contributions.

This year’s honourees represent an exciting cross-section of the profession:

• Practice professionals leading in audit, tax, advisory, and corporate finance.
• Corporate finance and in-house roles driving growth and transformation within major businesses.
• Fintech innovators building tools that are reshaping how finance operates.
• Public sector specialists ensuring accountability and impact in critical services.
• Academics influencing the future of education and professional training.

Their stories varied, but common threads emerged — embracing digital transformation, advancing ESG initiatives, mentoring colleagues, and building more inclusive workplaces.

The achievements recognised on the night demonstrated not only individual excellence but also the values and priorities shaping accountancy’s future.

A celebration to remember

The evening concluded with a drinks reception and networking, where conversations flowed as freely as the celebratory toasts. For many of the winners, it was a rare opportunity to connect face-to-face with peers from across the UK, share experiences, and build relationships that will no doubt extend beyond the event itself.

As one guest put it, “It’s not just about recognition — it’s about being part of a community that believes in the future of the profession.”

Looking ahead

The 2025 Accountancy Age 35 under 35 celebration was a reminder of the dynamism, ambition, and purpose driving the next generation of accountants.

With record entries, inspiring stories, and a community that is growing year on year, the campaign continues to highlight why accountancy remains one of the most vital and evolving professions in the UK.

Here’s to the Class of 2025 — a group not only shaping balance sheets but also shaping the very future of business and society.