An Interview with Phillip Ford, AIA Vice President

Welcome to an interview with Phillip Ford, Vice President of the Association of International Accountants.

In the world of finance and accountancy, few journeys are as varied and inspiring as that of Phillip Ford, Managing Director of Parkers Accountants and Vice President of the Association of International Accountants (AIA). From a budding interest in business to becoming a well-respected figure in the accounting profession, Phillip’s story is one of resilience, adaptability and an underlying passion for helping others. In this exclusive interview, Phillip shares his unconventional path to becoming an accountant, his vision for AIA and his insights on the evolving challenges and opportunities within the accounting industry.

What inspired you to become an accountant?

My path wasn’t exactly linear. Growing up, I always thought about working in business and making money! That initial fascination inspired me to consider accounting. However, my mother had other ideas and encouraged me to pursue medicine.

As I didn’t want to disappoint my family, I decided to study medicine, but after three years I made the decision that it simply wasn’t for me. If truth be told, I couldn’t handle seeing all the blood and pain – it was just too much. So, I made the decision to switch paths entirely, moving to the US and studying accountancy at Loyola University in New Orleans. I qualified as an accountant there, but when I returned to England, I discovered my American qualifications weren’t recognised.

Undeterred, I started over, pursuing qualifications with both AIA and ACCA simultaneously. I’m proud to say I achieved both, a move that laid the foundation for my career in England. It certainly wasn’t an easy road, but it was one that built my resilience and set me on a path for an enjoyable and fulfilling career.

What skills do you feel make a successful accountant and business leader?

For me, a good accountant needs to be much more than just a numbers person. Perhaps in years gone by this would have been enough, but these days, clients expect a holistic approach.

Accountants are often advisors, problem-solvers and even, at times, social workers. Whether it’s helping a client to purchase a property, advising on tax strategy or resolving personal disputes, being approachable, empathetic, knowledgeable and well-rounded is key.

After qualifying, I built my career by embracing opportunities and forming meaningful connections. One pivotal moment came when I met former AIA CEO Jack Turnbull, whose guidance and mentorship over many years had a lasting impact on my career.

As a business leader, you need vision, patience and the ability to inspire trust. People need to look up to you, not just for your technical expertise but for your integrity and dedication.

What does being an international accountant mean to you?

It can mean so much, but ultimately for me being an international accountant is about more than just qualifications; it’s about being part of a global community. Accounting transcends borders, and as professionals, we need to think beyond local standards. It’s about upholding the highest regulatory standards, sharing knowledge and contributing to a worldwide framework of trust and excellence.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is a significant topic in today’s industry. Is AIA doing enough?

AIA and the wider profession have made great strides, but there’s always room to strive for improvement. Historically, accountancy was dominated by men, but we’ve come a long way since those days.

At AIA, we actively work on initiatives to make the profession more inclusive. For example, our scholarship programme opens doors for students from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that talented individuals have opportunities to succeed, regardless of their personal circumstances.

Respect for diversity is central to creating an environment where everyone can thrive, and we’re committed to fostering a culture of inclusion within the profession. Progress takes time, but through focused efforts we are helping to foster a more inclusive profession. Clearly there is still work to be done, but the momentum and willingness is there to progress.

What challenges do you foresee for the accountancy profession as we enter 2025?

The profession faces several challenges, including the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic instability. The war in Ukraine, Middle East tensions, and rising energy and food prices all have significant economic repercussions.

Additionally, increased taxation and wage pressures could push us into a mild recession. Accountants will need to navigate these complexities, helping clients and businesses to adapt to the changing landscape.

What does building a sustainable future mean to you as a leader within AIA?

Sustainability is one of the most pressing issues of our time. For me, building a sustainable future means equipping accountants with the tools and knowledge they need to guide businesses toward decisions that consider environmental, social and economic factors.

As an organisation, AIA is committed to promoting practices that balance immediate needs with long-term impact. Whether it’s through education, thought leadership or advocacy, we aim to support a profession that understands its responsibility to society at large.

What are your aspirations as Vice President of AIA?

As Vice President, I’m focused on positioning AIA as a leader in the global accountancy profession. This means building on our reputation for high standards, driving membership growth and expanding our voice.

I want to ensure that AIA is seen not as an alternative to other qualifications but as a premier choice for accountants worldwide. This requires continuous innovation, a willingness to collaborate with others, and a commitment to delivering value to our members and the broader community.

What advice would you give aspiring accountants?

My advice is simple but powerful: be honest, ethical and someone people can trust. Accountancy is about more than just technical skills – it’s about character and the ability to adapt to a changing world.

Aspiring accountants should stay curious and proactive in their learning, whether it’s understanding the latest regulations or embracing emerging technologies. A forward-thinking mindset is key to staying relevant and valuable in the profession.

Lastly, we’ve heard you were once an Olympic swimmer! Is that true?

Yes, that’s true! I competed competitively many years ago in the 50 metre freestyle. Nowadays my sporting passion is a little more sedate, watching Premier League football. Swimming, however, did teach me discipline and resilience, lifelong lessons that I’ve carried into my professional career.

Phillip Ford’s story exemplifies how perseverance, adaptability and a genuine passion for helping others can lead to remarkable success. His journey from aspiring accountant to AIA Vice President is a testament to the diverse and rewarding nature of the accounting profession.

 

Phillip Ford Bio

Phillip Ford manages a successful accountancy practice in Manchester, offering a personalised service to business owners, from start-ups to larger companies, and individuals. His client portfolio includes local, national and international clients. Phillip specialises in accounts preparation, taxation services and business development. He qualified with PricewaterhouseCoopers and was previously a director at Tenon Accountants.

He is an expert in taxation and frequently represents clients at tax tribunals. He leverages this expertise on behalf of AIA, representing the Association on the HMRC Joint VAT Consultative Committee (JVCC). His expertise makes him detail oriented and he brings an analytical and logical approach to addressing issues and proposing solutions.