Catherine Hardinge

“Regulation keeps changing, and it rarely gets simpler. The firms that cope best are the ones that make time to understand it properly.”

Catherine is Compliance Partner and a member of the Board at Price Bailey. She joined the firm in 2003 and, with more than 20 years here, leads its technical, training and compliance work. She helps teams across the group apply complex accounting, auditing, company law and charity sector requirements with confidence.

Catherine has significant experience advising corporate and charity clients on complex accounting and auditing issues. She oversees internal technical support, group training and regulatory compliance, so the firm maintains high professional standards across all its services. Outside the firm, she has volunteered with ICAEW since 2008 to make sure small and medium-sized practices have a voice when standards are set.

How I help clients and colleagues

• Supporting clients and internal teams with training, practical guidance and clear interpretation of regulatory change.
• Overseeing data protection across the firm.
• Overseeing professional qualifications for our students and trainees.
• Leading the firm’s continuing professional development (CPD) training.

Career Highlights

2003 – Joined Price Bailey as a manager in the Audit & Assurance department

2014 – Appointed Compliance Partner

2026 – Joined the Board

2026 – Received the ICAEW Founding Societies’ Award for outstanding volunteer service

External roles

• Member of the ICAEW Audit & Assurance Faculty Board.
• Member of the ICAEW Technical and Practical Auditing Committee.
• Member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Small and Medium Practices Advisory Group, following nomination by ICAEW.

Q&A

What’s the best part of the work you do?

The variety. One moment I am advising partners on a complex accounting or audit issue. The next I am dealing with regulators or looking at where we can improve, such as best practice initiatives from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).

Most rewarding career moment?

Receiving the ICAEW Founding Societies’ Award for outstanding volunteer service in 2026. I have volunteered with ICAEW since 2008, mainly to make sure smaller firms and their clients are properly represented when standards are written. Having that work recognised meant a great deal.

Compliance is often seen as a burden. How should business leaders think about it?

As protection for the business. Good compliance reduces regulatory, financial, legal and reputational risk. My job, for the firm and for clients, is helping people understand what is required and get it right, so leaders can make decisions with confidence.

What do you enjoy outside work?

Walking with my two dogs, hiking and paddleboarding.