AN audit and accounts manager from York has been appointed as the new president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales’ West Yorkshire and York division.

At just 29-years-old Tom Bell says he plans to ring in plenty of changes as he becomes the youngest ever president of the organisation.

Mr Bell, who works for BHP, one of Yorkshire’s largest independent accountancy firms, said: “I am really keen to develop a lot of outreach work with schools and further educational establishments and also plan a big push with our younger members and students to ensure more engagement, which will help them progress in their careers and also raise a better awareness of our institute.

“A high percentage of these younger members will shape the future of our industry and some will become our next business leaders, so it’s essential we work with them now.

“Another element of my role will involve continuing to promote the different routes into accountancy as well as helping members to understand the new strategy within ICAEW and to make sure we all continue to push the vision throughout the organisation and beyond.”

Mr Bell carried out his accountancy training at Clough & Company, now part of BHP, seven years ago and manages a wide portfolio of accounts for sole traders through to SMEs, as well as working for not for profit and charitable organisations throughout York. He was president of the Bradford Student Society of Chartered Accountants from 2015 – 2016 and part of the ICAEW Student Council from 2015 to 2016.

He is one of a team of more than 300 at BHP across five offices in York, Sheffield, Leeds, Cleckheaton, and Chesterfield.