I am absolutely thrilled to share that I am standing as a candidate in the ACCA Global Council Elections 2025.
Being part of ACCA for almost 30 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. It has connected me to a global community of inspiring professionals and is the foundation of a rewarding, and impactful career . Standing for Council is my way of giving back – so that future generations of accountants can thrive in our ever-evolving profession.
Why Vote for Heather Smith?
🟥 First Australian-born ACCA Fellow (since 1995) with 30 years of membership – and the only candidate from the Southern Hemisphere.
🟥 Chair of the ACCA Global Forum for SMEs (& SMPs) – advocating for the backbone of the global economy.
🟥 Member of the ACCA Global Forum for Technology since 2019 – championing digital transformation in our profession.
🟥 One of 15 international hosts of The Practice Room, a peer-to-peer global community for small and medium practices.
🟥 The only female representative on the Queensland & Northern Territory ACCA Panel in 25 years.
🟥 Facilitator of the Australian SME/SMP Interest Group, hosting monthly webinars for members.
🟥 Represented ACCA on the ATO BAS Agent Advisory Group (2006–2011), helping secure recognition for ACCA under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009.
🟥 Winner of ACCA ANZ and ASEAN-ANZ Advocacy Awards.
🟥 Awarded Accounting Thought Leader of the Year 2024.
🟥 Authored 10 business books (currently writing my 11th!) and multiple accounting technology columns.
🟥 Strong connections across APAC and globally, linking professional bodies, tech ecosystems, and member communities.
🟥 Contributor to ACCA Professional Insight Reports on AI, ESG, digital skills, analytics, and fintech.
🟥 Represented ACCA at 100+ international conferences, sharing insights with our global community.
My Focus
🌍 Global Representation – I’m proud to be the only candidate from the Southern Hemisphere, bringing regional depth to a global perspective.
📊 SMEs & SMPs – I’m deeply passionate about giving a voice to small and medium practices, ensuring they have the support to thrive.
💻 Technology & Innovation – I champion future-focused practices, digital skills, and tech adoption to keep ACCA members ahead of the curve.
🌱 Values & Impact – I lead with kindness, inclusion, and integrity, always seeking to do meaningful work that positively impacts people’s lives.
Why Your Vote Matters
Many members don’t realise how powerful the Council is. Council sets the agenda for our profession:
🟥 How ACCA invests in CPD and member support
🟥 What we advocate with regulators
🟥 How AI, sustainability, and global mobility are prioritised
🟥 The long-term projects shaping the profession for the next decade
In 2024, less than 5% of members voted. That means your vote carries 20 times more impact than in most elections.
A Personal Note
This is my sixth campaign for Council. I share this to highlight my persistence, resilience, and unwavering commitment to serving our profession.
If you are an eligible ACCA member, I kindly ask for your vote. You can vote for up to 21 candidates – I’d be honoured if you would use one of those votes for me.
Voting is now open, and you should have received an email from takepart@cesvotes.com with instructions.
Final Thought
One of the reasons I was first drawn to ACCA was its global focus. Our strength lies in our diversity – across borders, cultures, and perspectives.
This year, I encourage you to think globally and use your vote to ensure the Council reflects the full breadth of our worldwide community.
Together, we can shape a future-focused ACCA that supports every member, everywhere.
I’d be honoured to serve you.
Heather Smith
