Alan Clarke, senior partner of Downham Mayer Clarke accountancy practice, has been appointed president of ICAEW Manchester Chartered Accountants.
He now heads the 5,000-strong membership group across Greater Manchester.
ICAEW Chartered Accountants Manchester is the regional arm of the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales), a leading worldwide professional membership organisation.
The role of the group locally is to represent the views of GM members to the national body and have a voice on matters affecting business in the area.
Alan has a particular passion for the ICAEW’s renowned ACA qualification which recognised globally and for the development of young people in general.
Alan said: “The ACA is an outstanding qualification and offers great career progression opportunities.
“Our commitment to excellence in training translates to a wealth of talent across our membership in Greater Manchester and is showcased in the work they do for thousands of businesses every day.”
Alan will lead the first-ever formal ACA graduation ceremony for the Class of 2016 later in the year.
Alan is a non-executive director of several public and private companies, on the General Assembly at the University of Manchester and is the Treasurer and Deputy Chair of Governors at The Manchester High School for Girls.
Originally from the London, Alan trained as a chartered accountant and became a partner with Ernst & Young before moving to Manchester in 1986.
After leaving Ernst & Young in 1996, he has spent the last 20 years working on a variety of consultancy projects whilst building a new accountancy practice.
He spent over 10 years on various roles at the University of Manchester including Chair of the Investment Committee of the Technology Transfer Company, which has grown to be one of the most successful organisations in the country.
Alan will be supported in his year of office by Anthony Woodings, Partner at Hurst and Co and an ICAEW Council Member.
Outside of work Alan is an active member of The Wilmslow Golf Club, is married to Penny and has two grown-up daughters.