Zaiton Mohd Hassan Elected ACCA President
Malaysian finance professional Zaiton Mohd Hassan has been elected president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, succeeding Melanie Proffitt.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
ACCA's global governing council elected Malaysian finance professional Zaiton Mohd Hassan as president, a decision the association announced in a statement on Friday. She succeeds Melanie Proffitt in the role.
Why it matters
The ACCA represents a large global accountancy body, with more than 266,000 members and 546,000 future members across 179 countries. Leadership changes at the association shape its direction for members working in finance and accounting worldwide.
ACCA reports more than 266,000 members and 546,000 future members across 179 countries. Zaiton was first elected to the ACCA Council in 2016 before rising to vice president and deputy president.
The players
Zaiton Mohd Hassan
Zaiton is a Malaysian finance professional who has served on ACCA's council since 2016 and is chief executive of the Malaysia Professional Accountancy Centre.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
ACCA is a global professional accountancy body with more than 266,000 members operating across 179 countries.
Melanie Proffitt
Proffitt was ACCA's outgoing president, succeeded by Zaiton Mohd Hassan.
The details
Zaiton is chief executive officer of the Malaysia Professional Accountancy Centre and chairman of digital bank GX Bank Bhd. Cristina Gutu, a KPMG director from Romania, serves as ACCA deputy president.
Timeline
2016: Zaiton first elected to the ACCA Council.
November 6, 2026: ACCA announces Zaiton's election as president.
Market Landscape
ACCA's leadership changes occur through its global governing council, which elevated Zaiton from council member to president over a decade. The succession reflects the association's internal progression path for senior volunteer leaders in the global accountancy profession.
ACCA members may see shifts in association priorities under Zaiton's presidency, affecting membership services and professional qualifications. Accountants and finance students worldwide should watch for any announced changes to certification or member programs.
The takeaway
Zaiton's rise from council member to president shows how ACCA's volunteer governance can carry leaders from national practice into global influence. Professionals tracking the accountancy field should follow how her priorities take shape over her term.
Further reading
Explore more business people profiles to see other leaders shaping global finance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Edge Malaysia.
