The search for the UK’s most exceptional young financial talent is officially underway. Our 2026 judging panel brings together a powerhouse line-up of industry heavyweights from EY, Grant Thornton, ACCA, Cooper Parry, and Intuit. Read on to discover what they expect from the next generation of strategic advisors, and what it takes to secure a spot on this year's definitive 35 Under 35 list.
As the criteria for excellence in the UK accountancy profession reach a new benchmark, selecting the definitive 2026 35 Under 35 cohort requires a judging panel that embodies the exact traits the industry now demands. This year, our judges’ reflections on what defines a modern financial leader have set a clear expectation for our nominees. Leadership is no longer measured solely by technical accuracy; it is defined by a professional’s capacity to act as a resilient, inclusive change agent.
Across the board, our panel emphasises that while core values like integrity, scepticism, and sound judgement remain the non-negotiable baseline, the true future leaders are those who blend technical excellence with high emotional intelligence. They are professionals who stay curious, lead with deep humility, and responsibly harness emerging technologies like AI to translate complex data into clear, forward-looking commercial strategy. In an era of rapid structural shift, this panel is looking for trailblazers who do not just navigate change, but actively use it to redefine the value of the entire profession.
We are proud to introduce this year’s panel, in partnership with AJ Chambers. Comprising global leaders, practice trailblazers, audit specialists, and technology pioneers, our five judges bring decades of collective expertise to evaluate who will become the next generation of strategic advisors.
Rob Alder has spent the last 20 years promoting non-graduate entry points into accountancy. At the ACCA, his focus is centred on expanding Level 4 and Level 7 Apprenticeships by collaborating directly with employers, learning partners, and early-career talent. Alder is also closely involved with the ACCA’s major ongoing initiatives, including a widespread digital transformation project and the development of a data-science and employability-focused qualification launching in 2027.
Alder believes future accountancy leaders possess an authentic passion for their work, influencing organisational strategy through commercial acumen, strong interpersonal skills, and a forward-looking mindset.
“They are always looking forward, able to bring people with them and are accountable for their actions”.
Based in London, Dilek Cilingir sits on EY’s Global Partner Group and commands a global platform of over 6,000 forensic professionals operating across 80 countries. With over 30 years of international experience across the US, Turkey, and the UK, she routinely guides boards and senior executives through corporate crises, financial crime investigations, and complex regulatory compliance. She previously served as EY’s Global Assurance Talent Leader, overseeing strategies for more than 130,000 professionals globally.
Cilingir notes that while fundamental public-interest commitments, professional scepticism, and integrity must remain constant, future leaders must be highly adaptable to changes in tech and regulations. They must use data and AI responsibly to enhance insight and quality while creating environments where inclusive teams can learn and perform.
“The most effective accountancy leaders will combine rigour with curiosity, confidence with humility, and technical excellence with the ability to build trust”.
An award-winning M&A advisor with over 35 years of experience, Andy Parker helps entrepreneurs, investors, and management teams reach their strategic growth and exit goals. At Cooper Parry, which is one of the UK’s fastest-growing professional services firms and a certified B Corp, Parker helps champion a distinctive, tech-enabled, and culturally driven environment that balances rapid expansion with a strict people-first ethos.
For Parker, the future leader is someone who leans into AI and automation to lift administrative burdens and surface insights rapidly, but recognises that data extraction is only half the battle. The true skill is interpreting that data and knowing when to challenge the machine.
“By turning that insight into genuine strategic advice, and leading teams that stay curious and adaptable, they’ll become true trusted advisors, not just accountants”.
Zeenat Patel is a Partner within Grant Thornton’s North West Audit practice, managing a diverse client portfolio ranging from owner-managed small businesses to large listed entities. Alongside her audit delivery responsibilities, she serves as the region’s People Lead. She was also an integral contributor to the firm’s recent ‘Limited’ campaign, which showcased the fastest-growing and most successful privately owned businesses in the North West.
Patel advocates for deep resilience, adaptability, and, above all, inclusive leadership. Having previously served on the firm’s inclusivity advisory board, she stresses that fostering an open culture is an operational necessity for modern firm survival.
“An inclusive culture isn’t a nice-to-have, it is how leaders attract, develop and retain the talent that we need”.
Richard Creedon leads international product teams at QuickBooks, working directly at the crossroads of technology, compliance, and product strategy. His background spans complex global regulatory adjustments, including the rollouts of EMEA e-invoicing and the UK’s Making Tax Digital mandate. He has been central to the international deployment of Intuit Intelligence, steering QuickBooks’ AI-powered assistants to automate financial tasks and identify reporting discrepancies. Crucially, Creedon spent years working as an accountant in practice before transitioning to product management.
Creedon emphasises that future leaders must actively embrace emerging technologies without abandoning core accounting fundamentals. They need to use their unique judgement to interrogate and build upon AI outputs, pivoting their primary skill sets toward client relationship building.
“Above all, the best future leaders will be those who see change not as a threat to the profession, but as an invitation to redefine its value”.
From evaluating data literacy and tech adoption to measuring emotional intelligence and inclusive mentoring, our 2026 judging panel knows exactly what it takes to guide a practice into the future.
The countdown is on. Ensure your firm’s brightest tactical and strategic minds are recognised by this elite panel before the nomination window closes.
Nominations for the 2026 35 Under 35 rankings remain open until 15 July. Submit your nomination here.
