ACCA has awarded honorary membership to two leading members of the accountancy profession - Ian Ball, former CEO of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), and professor Bob Eccles, senior lecturer at Harvard Business School.

ACCA president Martin Turner said that Ball was honoured in recognition of his contribution to the development of the global profession and for championing the cause of improving financial management in the public sector.

Professor Eccles was presented with honorary membership of ACCA for his contribution to developing the thinking behind integrated reporting.

Turner said: 'Both have made significant contributions to the development of the profession. They have progressed and promoted the profession, while also forging ahead with new thinking on accountancy and business.'

In 1999, ACCA took the decision to award honorary membership to exceptional individuals who have played a pivotal role in the international development of the accountancy profession.