Celebrating the Architects of Change: Nominations Open for 35 Under 35 Class of 2026

The UK accountancy profession is at a crossroads. As firms grapple with a persistent talent shortage and a relentless wave of regulatory shifts, the industry is looking for more than just technical proficiency; we are looking for the architects of a new era. It is in this spirit of evolution that Accountancy Age, in partnership with AJ Chambers, officially opens nominations for the 35 Under 35 Class of 2026.

This initiative spotlights the trailblazers who are not just surviving current industry disruption but are actively reshaping the role of the modern accountant.

Resilience and Vision in a Transformative Year

The professionals entering the Class of 2026 are defined by their ability to manage some of the most significant changes the sector has seen in a decade. From the fundamental overhaul of lease accounting under FRS 102 to the mandatory rollout of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax this past April, the technical bar has been raised significantly.

Beyond compliance, we are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Strategic Agility: Advising clients through a complex fiscal landscape following major shifts in Capital Gains Tax and inheritance tax reliefs.
• Technological Leadership: Integrating AI and automation to bridge the “capacity gap” created by the industry-wide talent shortage.
• Cultural Impact: Driving meaningful change and mentoring the next generation within their practices.

Why the Class of 2026 Matters

Being named as a 35 Under 35 honouree is more than just a title; it is a career-defining milestone that provides a platform for both personal and professional growth.

James Gosling, Managing Director of AJ Chambers, highlights the importance of the programme during this period of transition:

“This is the 8th year that AJ Chambers has partnered with Accountancy Age for the 35 Under 35 campaign. It is a partnership we are very proud of, in order to shine a spotlight on the best young talent shaping the future of the UK accountancy profession. The world of accountancy has been and continues to see a huge evolution with the deeper use of AI and technology as an example of this. Those recognised in the 35 Under 35 are helping navigate, pave the way and champion new ways of working.”

What Makes a 35 Under 35 Honouree?

To stand out in the 2026 cohort, a nomination must go beyond a standard CV. Last year’s winners set a high bar, demonstrating qualities that we continue to value:

• Tangible Impact: We prioritise candidates who provide specific, documented outcomes. Last year’s honourees showed how their actions created lasting change within their firm or for their clients.
• Leadership Beyond Titles: We look for those who have motivated teams, taken charge of high-stakes projects, or steered their firm through the recent audit reform debates.
• Proactive Innovation: We value the “disruptors” who stay ahead of the curve, whether through pioneering sustainable accounting practices or driving firm-wide digital transformation.
• Community and DEI: Successful entries often highlight a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or significant pro bono work.

You can view the full list of our incredible 2025 winners here to see the calibre of talent that defines this ranking.

How to Nominate

We encourage both self-nominations and peer recommendations. If you or someone you know is making a significant impact on the profession, we want to hear about it.

To submit a nomination, please follow these steps:

1. Access the Form: Complete the 2026 survey here to submit your nomination.
2. Provide Evidence: Detail the nominee’s achievements over the past 12 months. We are particularly interested in real-world examples of how they have managed recent regulatory changes.
3. Supporting Statement: You will be asked for a statement (approx. 500 words) outlining the nominee’s professional journey and impact. Bonus tip: A short video statement can often help a nomination stand out to the judging panel.
4. Deadline: All entries must be submitted by 30 June 2026.

The final 35 will be announced in a series of ‘waves’ starting at the start of September this year, followed by a comprehensive report on the trends and insights defining this year’s cohort.

Finalists will also be recognised at an in-person awards ceremony in London on the 13th of October 2026.

Join us in celebrating the individuals who are shaping the future of UK accountancy. Nominate the Class of 2026 today.