The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is pleased to announce Mr. Charles Tilley OBE, FCMA, CGMA of the UK, as the esteemed recipient of the 2023 IFAC Global Leadership Award, celebrating his influence and dedication to the global accountancy profession.
Charles Tilley, a renowned advocate for integrated reporting and integrated thinking, played a pivotal role in the development of the Integrated Reporting Framework, the conception of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), and later became CEO of the IIRC. He oversaw the merger of the IIRC and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) into the Value Reporting Foundation, which was subsequently integrated into the IFRS Foundation. His ongoing contributions to integrated reporting and thinking continued while chairing the IFRS Foundation’s Integrated Reporting and Connectivity Council, providing advice to the Foundation’s trustees and to its two standard-setting boards.
For 15 remarkable years, as the Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Mr. Tilley brought about transformation in the positioning of management accounting and professional accountants in business and the public sector within the profession and in society. His relentless efforts have elevated the relevance of the profession in the context of the needs of organizations and capital markets. His post-2008 global financial crisis endeavors focused keenly on fortifying trust in the capital markets, emphasizing ethics and good governance and the critical role of professional accountants in long-term value creation.
Mr. Tilley’s visionary leadership was further evident when he orchestrated a landmark partnership culminating in the formation of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants and the inception of the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.
Throughout his career, Mr. Tilley has steered the direction of management accounting thought leadership. This encompasses developments in both external and internal reporting, performance management, and the progressive evolution of the CFO and finance function roles. Under his visionary leadership from 2014 to 2019, the Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Advisory Group underwent transformative changes, fostering enhanced collaboration and thought leadership on behalf of the global profession. His tenure witnessed the inception of significant initiatives such as the future-ready CFO series and the exploration of the CFO's role in value creation.
This designation now stands as a global hallmark of excellence in management accounting and finance leadership.
"Charles is not only a trailblazer in the accountancy realm but also an inspirational figure who has tirelessly championed change, innovation, and ethical practices," remarked IFAC President Asmaa Resmouki. "His commitment to the profession and his transformative initiatives, including the creation of the CGMA designation and his work in integrated reporting and advancing management accounting, underline his deservingness of this recognition."
On receiving this award, Mr. Tilley remarked “I am delighted and honoured to receive this prestigious award. Over a fifty-year accountancy career including partnership at KPMG and investment banking CFO roles, the profession has looked after me well and I am pleased to have contributed to its development. It has a critical role and needs to remain dynamic and responsive to the ever-changing needs of business and society.”
Instituted in 2017 by the IFAC Board, the IFAC Global Leadership Award in Honor of Robert Sempier celebrates individuals for their unparalleled contributions to the worldwide accountancy profession. The tribute salutes the legacy of Robert Sempier, IFAC’s inaugural executive director, who significantly shaped the profession's global landscape.
The honor was conferred during IFAC’s Council meeting held on November 15, 2023.
