At a glance
- The IFA has named West Yorkshire’s Muhammad Bilal as our Member of the Year.
- IFA judges praised his passionate advocacy for mental health.
- Bilal focuses on normalising conversations around mental health within accounting.
Accountants are charged with helping ensure financial wellbeing. But recently crowned IFA Member of the Year Muhammad Bilal feels fostering good mental health is just as vital.
The Shipley, West Yorkshire accountant says he has seen the toll the profession can have on accountants, as well as the strain that running a business can put clients under.
“I’ve seen firsthand the intense pressures that clients and colleagues can face, and I’ve also seen how damaging it can be when those challenges are left unacknowledged,” he says.
“That experience has only strengthened my belief that mental wellbeing deserves as much attention as any other aspect of professional life.”
Muhammad Bilal’s experience reflects a nationwide challenge. Recent UK studies show that accountants are facing rising levels of work-related stress, making this conversation more important.
Making space for conversations
To foster mental wellbeing, Bilal says he focuses on opening up space in day-to-day work to embed empathetic conversations about mental health.
“Whether it’s with clients navigating high-stress periods or team members managing competing demands, I aim to foster a culture where people feel heard, supported, and genuinely valued,” he says.
“In my practice, I’ve made it a priority to raise awareness about mental health challenges and to help create a culture where people feel safe to speak openly about how they’re coping – especially during high-pressure periods like VAT tax season, year-end accounts or times of business uncertainty.”
Bilal says his goal is to normalise conversations around mental health within the accounting profession – and to demonstrate that it is not just possible but necessary to be both technically excellent and deeply compassionate.
“My aim is to encourage more firms and individuals to integrate mental health awareness into their workplace culture, recognising that wellbeing isn’t a distraction from high performance, but a foundation for it,” he says.
IFA award recognises mental health advocacy
Muhammad Bilal was bestowed the award, sponsored by Equals Money, at last month’s annual IFA Conference. Judges praised his influence and efforts to support mental health advocacy.
Bilal says the award is an incredible honour.
“This award is not just a recognition but also a motivation, a licence to work even harder, and a reminder that being part of a respected governing body means your contributions are valued and visible,” he says.
“Being part of the IFA community means belonging to a network of like-minded professionals who share a commitment to integrity, excellence, and recognising the human side of accountancy. The IFA has provided me with invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others who are passionate about making a positive impact not just in technical practice, but in how we support people.
“Now, having the chance to give back and contribute to that community is something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s a privilege to represent an organisation that upholds such meaningful values.”
It’s far from the only plaudit that Bilal has received for his advocacy; his efforts also earned him attendance at the Royal Garden Party hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
“Wellbeing isn’t a distraction from high performance, but a foundation for it.”
Muhammad Bilal, IFA Member of the year
Inspired by his father
Bilal says his commitment to mental health advocacy is deeply personal.
“It was shaped early on by my father, who taught me the value of compassion and the importance of supporting those who are struggling particularly at a time when mental health was rarely spoken about and often misunderstood,” he says.
“Without a doubt, my greatest influence has been my father. His example, his achievements, and the values he lived by have shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. He taught me the importance of integrity, compassion, social justice and standing up for what matters even when it’s not easy.
“Growing up in that environment, I was inspired by his values not just his professional accomplishments but his emphasis on compassion, supporting others and always learning.”
Advocating from the soul
Bilal acknowledged that delivering good service to clients in a busy practice was demanding, and adding advocacy work on top of that could leave him stretched thin.
“However, I remind myself that advocacy is not something separate from my professional role; it is an integral part of being a good accountant and leader,” he says.
But more than that, he says, his advocacy is in itself a powerful source of wellbeing.
“Supporting others whether through volunteering or community initiatives is not only a civic duty, but also a meaningful way to enhance your own wellbeing.”
“It can improve mental health, keep you engaged, and bring a deep sense of fulfilment. For me, it’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of both my personal and professional life.”
Bilal offers a quote from the Persian poet Rumi: “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”
