Membership
Being a member of the Chartered Accountants’ Company provides a unique opportunity to be part of a small and distinguished peer group which contributes to the continued success of the City of London and participates in charitable activity.
It allows members to give back to the profession, engaging with their peer group across the profession and hearing quality speakers in unique venues.
Membership Criteria
Currently, only members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) can join the Chartered Accountants’ Livery Company, but we hope in the near future to be able to welcome Chartered Accountants from other institutes.
Chartered Accountants who are interested in joining the Company should contact the Clerk who can explain more about becoming a member, or complete the application form.
Membership Composition
There are two levels of members, Freeman and Liverymen.
Freeman of the Company
For almost all new Members, entry is gained by way of “Redemption”, for which the initial step is by completing the application form.
Occasionally, a Freeman is admitted by “Patrimony”. This is available to a child of a Freeman or Liveryman of the Company and of the City of London, who is a member of the ICAEW and who was born when the Freeman parent had already received the Freedom of the City.
Whichever route is taken, the application to become a Freeman is normally supported by one or two Liverymen of the Company, although applications made without a proposer or seconder are welcomed. Interviews may be held by members of the Court of Assistants.
Applications for Freemen are approved by the Court of Assistants. Having been elected by the Court and paid the annual subscription (called Quarterage), the applicant becomes a Freeman of the Company.
Liveryman of the Company
Freemen are generally considered for advancement to Liveryman of the Company after a period of at least one year of active membership, during which the Freeman should have attended Company events and made financial contributions to the Company’s charity.
However, before asking to be considered, Freeman must first apply for and be granted the Freedom of the City of London. This is done via the Chamberlain’s Court at the City of London Corporation. The process involves the presentation of certain documents at an interview and then culminates in a short, but very enjoyable ceremony.
Once they have obtained the Freedom of the City, it is open to any Freeman of the Company to ask the Court to consider their advancement to the Liveryman.
Becoming a Liveryman is evidenced by the clothing ceremony when a member takes the oath and is traditionally ‘clothed’ with the Livery of the Company.
The new Liveryman is then introduced to the Master, Wardens, and the members of the Court before being formally announced at a Company dinner.
At present we have around 235 Liverymen and 150 Freemen. Some two-thirds of our members are based in London and the South-East. We have some members based outside the UK and invite applications from internationally based ICAEW accountants.
By happy accident of history, our Company is the only one of the City of London’s over 110 Liveries which is still permitted to wear a Livery uniform at formal events. This is a maroon jacket, in a variety of styles to suit men and women, which all Liverymen are encouraged to wear, most usually these days at black tie events.
In terms of further advancement within the Company, only a Liveryman can become a Court Assistant, vote at the Company’s annual general meeting or vote in the Common Hall of the City of London at Guildhall, where the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs are elected.
Why Join Us?
There are many reasons to join us such as support for the City, our profession, our charitable mission and fellowship. Click the button to read more.