The Society of Accountants was established in 1885, initially in reaction to the restrictive practices of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), founded in 1880. Members were known as 'Incorporated Accountants'. Initially, members were mainly elected by the Society's Council, but in 1889 examinations were introduced and the Society established itself as an examining body. In 1889 the Society began publishing a quarterly journal ''Incorporated Accountants' Journal
, which became a monthly in 1895 and was renamed Accountancy'' in 1938. After the merger with ICAEW in 1957 Accountancy became the journal of the ICAEW. The Society was housed at
Two Temple Place (Incorporated Accountants' Hall) from 1928 to 1957. In 1959 the building was sold by ICAEW. ==Presidents==