Each year, Accountancy Age ‘s 35 Under 35 celebrates the emerging leaders shaping the future of the accountancy profession. Now in its 15th year, the ranking has spotlighted more than 450 rising professionals since its launch in 2012, evolving into one of the most respected milestones in the accounting calendar- recognising young accountants not only for their technical excellence, but for the way they are reshaping the profession.
As proud partners of the campaign, we at AJ Chambers are privileged to play a part in bringing those stories to light. With nominations for the 2026 cohort now open until 30th June, we sat down with 2025 winner Shiv Shah to reflect on what the recognition has meant for his career, and why he believes others should put themselves, or their colleagues, forward.
A Recognition That Resonates
35 Under 35 is designed to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to the accountancy sector through technical excellence, leadership, transformation, client impact, or community involvement. For Shiv, being named among the 2025 group carried a weight he hadn’t fully anticipated, and an aftermath he hadn’t seen coming.
I’ve been really humbled by not only being a 35 Under 35 winner, but also from the recognition this has received amongst colleagues, peers and friends of mine from across the industry. What was so surprising is how many were unsurprised! Sometimes you don’t realise the impact you’re having when you’re in the thick of it.
For Shiv, the win also proved to be a genuine career milestone and a reminder that recognition within the profession can resonate far beyond the moment itself. Shortly after, he was invited to join the board of Top 20 accountancy firm TC Group as their inaugural Chief Growth Officer. It is the kind of opportunity that speaks to what the 35 Under 35 can set in motion for those it recognises, and he is clear about the role the award played in making it happen.
This was a really proud moment for me last year and another one was being given the privilege of being invited to join the Board of Top 20 accountancy firm TC Group as our inaugural Chief Growth Officer. Being a 35 under 35 winner undoubtedly helped open the door to this fantastic opportunity.
On Putting Yourself Forward
35 Under 35 attracts entries from across the full breadth of the UK accountancy profession. When Shiv decided to put his name forward, he did so knowing that the case for his own impact was one only he could truly make. It was a deliberate choice and one that has paid off in ways he could not have predicted.
I took the leap and nominated myself! It hasn’t been something that necessarily crossed my mind in the past, but I’m really proud of the role I’m playing in shaping the future of our profession in what is a landscape shifting moment in time. I’m a firm believer that no one is your biggest advocate than yourself, and I encourage anyone who feels strongly about the impact they’re having to not feel they can’t stand up and take recognition for this.
Self-nomination is actively welcomed by Accountancy Age. The 2026 programme is looking for professionals who are genuinely shaping the future of the profession, and if that sounds like you or someone you know, the nomination is worth making. A strong submission is built on the quality and impact of the work, not the confidence of the person putting it forward. For those who would rather champion a colleague than themselves, the principle is the same: if you can see the impact someone is having, say so. Shiv’s message on this is equally clear.
For those that see the impact their colleagues are making, I encourage you to give them their flowers where you can.
The Strength of the Collective
Winning 35 Under 35 is not just about individual recognition, it brings with it access to a community of professionals who are equally driven and committed to the future of the profession. For many winners, that sense of belonging to something larger than a single accolade is one of the most unexpected and lasting benefits of the programme. It was certainly something Shiv found genuinely surprising.
I think anyone who has been a 35 under 35 winner hasn’t done what they’ve done for this to be their end goal. They’re clearly passionate about what they do and this is a great platform to showcase this. Reading the profiles of my fellow winners and from meeting a few in person, I’ve been genuinely taken aback by their passion and purpose of the fantastic work they’re doing. The collective will continue to inspire the next cohort of winners as past winners have done too.
At AJ Chambers, this is something we have witnessed first-hand for a long time. From placing talented professionals into roles that shape their careers, to partnering on programmes like this, we see that ambition and capability every day. The next generation is not waiting to be handed the future of the accountancy profession, they are already building it.
A Profession to be Proud Of
At a time when the future of the sector is often met with uncertainty, Shiv’s outlook is one of confidence and optimism and it is an outlook grounded in evidence. Despite ongoing challenges around talent, regulation and technological change, the sector has shown consistent confidence that it will continue to grow, driven by innovation and sustainability initiatives.
I’m really proud of the profession we’re in and what has shaped my and many others’ formative years. Often there can be a lot of doom and gloom about the future of our sector, but if this platform represents the next generation of leaders for our profession, we should be excited to see what’s to come.
Shiv’s optimism is one we recognise. The talent coming through the profession today is exceptional, and what is perhaps most striking is the ambition that sits behind it- a genuine desire not just to succeed, but to leave the profession in better shape than they found it. 35 Under 35 exists precisely to ensure that talent is seen, celebrated, and inspired to keep going.
Make Your Nominations For 2026
Accountancy Age’s 35 Under 35, delivered in partnership with AJ Chambers, is now open for 2026 nominations until 30th June. Whether you are considering putting yourself forward or nominating a colleague who merits recognition, we encourage you to take that step.
Submit your nominations here: https://lnkd.in/eppQPYdG
AJ Chambers Recruitment Ltd,