Alan Johnson FCCA, immediate past president of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), has been made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to the accountancy profession. The sixth most senior award in the British honours system, the order is awarded to people who have ‘rendered important services to Commonwealth or foreign nations’.
‘It has been an immense privilege and honour to have been the president of IFAC and to have served my profession,’ Johnson said. ‘To receive an award in the King’s New Year Honours is recognition for the great work our profession does across the world, supporting strong and sustainable economies and societies.
‘I wish to thank all ACCA members and future members for the great work they do'
‘None of this would have been possible without the opportunities provided to me by ACCA. It was by chance that I became a member of ACCA’s Market Oversight Committee in 2006, after which I was nominated to join IFAC’s Professional Accountants in Business Committee in 2011 and then the IFAC board in 2015. I thank [ACCA chief executive] Helen Brand for the support and encouragement she has given me over these years, as well as Andrew Steele who was my technical adviser during my time on the IFAC board.
‘I wish to recognise the leading role ACCA plays in the development of the accountancy profession around the world, and thank the leadership, staff and indeed all ACCA members and future members for the great work they do.’
Services to charity
Elaine Boyd FCCA, director of audit quality & appointments at Audit Scotland, chair of ACCA Scotland’s Members’ Committee and ACCA UK's public sector advocate of the year, is a recipient of the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to charity and public service. She described herself as ‘overjoyed and humbled’ to be named in the King’s New Year Honours list.
A passionate advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion, Boyd has cerebral palsy, and has been a charity trustee and representative at various organisations for the past 20 years. The bodies she has supported over the years include Cerebral Palsy Scotland, the Riding for the Disabled Association and Disability Snowsport UK. In 2021 and 2022 she was named as one of the UK’s most influential disabled people.
'We shouldn’t be pushed by our problems but led by our dreams'
‘I’m overjoyed and humbled to be receiving this honour,’ Boyd said. ‘I’ve met so many inspiring and brave people over the course of my career and in my experiences with different organisations. I’ve also received such incredible encouragement, support and love from my family and friends to enable me to live a full, fun and independent life and pursue my passions.
‘I’ve always believed firmly that we shouldn’t be pushed by our problems but led by our dreams. As a society, we have lots more to do to become truly inclusive and equal, but I’m proud of playing my part to support people with disabilities to have a voice, and to access opportunities regardless of their circumstances.’
In 2022 Boyd was placed on the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list for her promotion of inclusion in her work in the accountancy profession.
