Overall purpose of role

• To work with the CEO to promote, lead and develop ICAEW in the delivery of its Global Strategy.
• The post holder will lead the overall operational efficiency of ICAEW and its departments and enhance matrix   working across departmental boundaries with particular responsibility for Learning & Development, Members,   Technical Strategy, International, Commercial, Digital and Brand/Marketing.
• The post holder will also deputise for the Chief Executive in their absence.

  Main responsibilities of role

• The COO will be a member of the Board of ICAEW, fully contributing to the formulation of ICAEW’s overall strategy and monitoring its implementation on behalf of Council.
• Lead policy formulation in the areas of responsibility and the presentation of proposals to the Board and Council.
• Leading on the implementation of the strategy for:

Education and training: Attracting future business and professional leaders to the profession through educating the chartered accountants of tomorrow and supporting them through targeted and relevant CPD throughout their careers.

Belonging and Supporting: Providing relevant and demand-led support to members across all sectors, geography and career stages.

Reputation and Influence: Protecting the public and holding our members accountable.  Seeking to influence across government, business and professional activity in areas where our voice can make a substantive contribution.

• Leading on the implementation of the strategy for ICAEW's commercial activities, maximising revenues and developing these into a major business asset while ensuring that actions undertaken are in line with ICAEW's brand.
• Supporting the CEO in leading and influencing on climate change with our members, the profession and wider business.
• Regularly review ICAEW’s global strategic plan, working with the Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Staff.
• Develop strong professional relationships with the Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Staff and other senior colleagues, stakeholders and members, to ensure continual collaboration and good cross-functional working, to provide strategic direction and leadership of ICAEW.
• Act as an anchor point between the Chief Executive and departmental directors, anticipating and challenging, where necessary, the implementation of ICAEW's global strategy.
• Lead in the drive for achieving efficiencies and effective use of resources.
• Build and lead a high performing, collaborative and diverse team including strong professional relationships, to ensure good cross functional working.
• To act as a spokesperson for ICAEW when appropriate.
• Lead by example in championing diversity and inclusion across ICAEW.
• Specific duties will vary from time to time in line with the business needs.

• A chartered accountant or other relevant qualification.
• Demonstrable leadership success at a senior executive level, with exposure to a non-executive board.
• Strong commercial orientation with the stature to act as an ambassador for ICAEW in respect of its complex network of stakeholders and the appetite to drive international growth.
• Demonstrable experience of fostering cultures of inclusivity and equity, building roles and structures which have empowered and developed high performing teams.  
• Proven experience of managing complex relationships and directing multiple teams, enhancing inter-departmental collaboration.  
• Evidence of contribution to strategy and corporate direction.
• Demonstrable experience of process and project skills and change management.
• A lateral thinker with excellent organisation and communication skills.  A good influencer who is tactful, respectful and diplomatic, whilst action orientated and results focussed.
• This post will require some international travel.