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This article was first published in the April 2016 international edition of Accounting and Business magazine.

In the first six months of my presidency I have had the honour of being able to meet ACCA members in all sectors who are making outstanding contributions to the communities in which they work.

Whether that has been helping deliver public services, advising small businesses or supporting listed companies, it is hugely gratifying to see finance professionals who qualified with ACCA doing such great work. The talent and knowledge that we have among our members is unparalleled, and it is something that we always want to harness.

For that reason I want to encourage you to either consider standing for election to ACCA’s Council or to nominate potential candidates. Council governs ACCA and is a vital part of how we are run. It is a group of 36 members from all over the world, elected by the ACCA membership, who volunteer their time to shape our future, develop the profession and ensure ACCA’s wellbeing.

With unique global perspectives, Council members contribute their individual knowledge and skills from across the accountancy profession, working closely with the Executive Team to devise our strategy and oversee its delivery. They apply their specialist knowledge in our committees, working groups and Council itself.

I have been grateful for the opportunity to serve on Council – for the opportunity it provides not only to give something back, but to build a personal profile, gain leadership skills, and share experiences and views with other experts in the profession.

Any member can stand for election to Council, and if you feel you have something to offer, I urge you to consider doing so. The deadline for nominations for this year’s Council election is 15 June. Anyone who is interested in standing for election should contact the ACCA Secretary at the details provided below.

Once you have registered, you will receive an information pack, including two documents to be completed and returned by 15 June. You will need nominations from 10 named supporters, who need to be ACCA members of good standing.

Once your candidacy has been accepted, you will be asked for an election statement of around 500 words, along with a head-and-shoulders photograph. You may also supply a short video in support of your nomination.

Members are elected to Council for an initial term of three years. They must then retire or stand for re-election. Members can serve for a maximum of nine years, but this can be extended to 12 years if they become an Officer in their last term.

Voting in elections is open to all members and opens at the end of July, with results announced at the Annual General Meeting on 15 September.

ACCA is your membership body. You can help to shape its future in a number of ways, but one of the most direct contributions you can make is as a Council member – and I hope you will think about putting yourself forward for election this year or in the years to come.

Alexandra Chin runs her own practice in Sabah, Malaysia

To stand for election, contact the ACCA Secretary at ACCA, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6AU, UK, or email: secretariat@accaglobal.com