The ICAEW, several accountancy firms and the City of London Corporation have given their backing to a new initiative promoting social mobility in the accountancy profession, with a particular focus on the capital.

The plan, named Careers that Count, is designed to promote accountancy as a career option to those from non-traditional backgrounds in schools, colleges and universities in the City and neighbouring areas.

The initiative has secured the support of a number of firms including Baker Tilly, Crowe Clark Whitehill, Kingston Smith, Mazars, RSM Tenon, and Smith & Williamson. They will work with the employment engagement team at the City of London Corporation, and organisations including the Brokerage Citylink, to reach out to prospective students who might not otherwise have considered training as an accountant.

Anthony Carey, a partner at Mazars will lead the steering group on behalf of the participating firms. He said: 'As a profession we have a commitment to contribute to wider society and this includes ensuring fair and open access to the profession. To be successful, we must be a profession of all the talents'.