Global research on AI and the future of the profession

Daniel Clark, Director, Digital Skills for Professionals Ltd
Daniel is a freelance trainer and writer with a specialism in digital skills and the impact of technology on the accounting profession. He is Chair of the ICAEW Tech Board, which advises the institute on policy and priorities relating to technology.

Daniel qualified as a Chartered Accountant with EY and subsequently worked in a range of finance, management and HR roles including a spell as a Vice President at Goldman Sachs. He moved into professional education in 2007, joining BPP and working as a tutor, author, programme lead and senior manager. In 2023, he set up his own company, Digital Skills for Professionals Ltd, to deliver services in assessment, training development and delivery.

Daniel’s focus on technology goes back to his time as an auditor, when he was an Analytics Champion, pioneering the use of advanced data analysis tools to identify anomalies and trends. He has subsequently led several projects relating to the implementation of new technology in a range of settings, introduced innovative training courses and authored articles relating to the impact of technology on professional services, and business generally.

Becky Shields, Head of Digital Transformation, Moore Kingston Smith
Becky is a member of Moore Kingston Smith’s Senior Leadership Team and Head of Digital Transformation, sitting on the Outsourcing, Moore ClearComm and IT strategy boards.

Becky is a strategic partner for businesses of all sectors and sizes, from SMEs to large corporates. She specialises in helping her clients develop and implement digital transformation strategies that align with their growth and business objectives. By providing expert guidance, evaluating finance functions, and automating operations, Becky empowers her clients to improve efficiencies, liberate their teams to focus on high-value tasks and achieve sustainable growth.

Knowing that digital transformation isn’t about technology alone, it’s the people and processes behind it, Becky leads on the firm’s digital strategy with a focus on data, AI, and automation. This gives her a real understanding of the challenges her clients face having stood in their shoes, complemented by the experience and insight to devise practical solutions, tailored to their unique goals.

Ian Pay, Head of Data Analytics and Tech, ICAEW
Looks at the role that analytics and technology solutions play in the profession. Prior to this, Ian worked for over 10 years at PwC in Data Analytics, specialising in External Audit and Data Acquisition and developing robust and automated ETL processes to support the firm’s award-winning Halo suite of applications. Ian also played an active role in the development and delivery of training courses, with digital upskilling being an area he is particularly passionate about. He has previously trained as a secondary school teacher and a musician.

Esther Mallowah, Head of Tech Policy, ICAEW
Esther influences Technology policy to enable businesses, accountants and society to harness its benefits while limiting harm. Prior to joining ICAEW, she worked in technology internal and external audit roles, focussing on information and cyber security and operational resilience. She is also a qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant, qualifying whilst at Deloitte.