Aplin and Parritt set for ICAEW presidency vote

Tax expert Paul Aplin and long-standing council member Clive Parritt are the nominations for the next vice-presidency of the ICAEW.

The winner is appointed VP for a year, before moving up to deputy president, then president 12 months later.

Aplin has chaired the ICAEW's tax faculty and served as a lobbyist for tax advisers over the taxman's move to electronic tax filing.

Parritt was Baker Tilly chairman until his move to chief executive role at corporate finance house The Business Exchange. Parritt joined council in 1983. He recently served as chairman at ill-fated BetonSports, which was liquidated after a run-in with US regulators.

Parritt, current chairman of Baronsmead VCT 2 and a non-exec at London & Associated Properties, said the profession must be an essential contributor to rebuilding the economy. He intends to fight red tape and regulation creep.

'We can develop our influence by expressing our opinions on key issues in a thought provoking, unbiased and concise way. I will support our public affairs team and help to communicate our views.'

Aplin, a partner at AC Mole & Sons, wants to reach out to members more effectively and increase the institute's influence with policymakers.

He said: 'I am passionate about this institute and I believe that we are at a defining point it its history…The most important attributes I can offer as vice president are enthusiasm, practical knowledge of how our Institute operates and a proven ability to influence policy makers. There is a job to be done: I would love to do it.'

The successful candidate will be announced at the 4 February ICAEW council meeting, and takes office in June 2009.