Ashley Green’s Post

Did you know that ACCA trainees are in huge demand in Australia, with accountancy one of the most in-demand jobs Down Under? To learn more about why accountants are so highly valued in Oz and for advice when it comes to relocating, read the full article featuring exclusive insights from Hays Director Rachel Barnetson, who specialises in supporting professionals move their career to Australia or New Zealand. https://lnkd.in/eGSm2ZGG

Hi, my name is Sibahle Shabalala and I am a practitioner in the public sector 👋 In case you were wondering (or ever wondered) what we at the Auditor-General of South Africa do, and why we do what we do, the image below should give you perspective and insight. To those of you joining the office for the first time, I trust that this finds you (yes, I hope it finds you well, but ultimately, just finds you). May it ignite you to go out there, with your head held high, your heart in the right place, knowing that you have a meaningful role to play. The work we do in the public sector (as a whole, not just audit) may not always be glamorous but it has the power to create lasting change in lived realities. This is also for those of us who are already in the employ of the supreme office. Lest we forget the role we have to play. If we’ve lost sight of its significance, may the below awaken you to the magnitude of what we do and what we have to continually do. May it be an invitation to your heart to be in it too! If you found yourself employed at the AGSA by chance, i.e. you were just looking for any job, bursary placed you there, it was the only place that accepted you etc, (and this does not only apply to the new intake of trainees), know that whether you like it or not, there has been a responsibility placed on you, one far greater than you may realise. A responsibility to your country, community, family, yourself and future generations. May the below give you a different perspective of what exactly it is that you have been called to do. Then go out there and do it - with your heart in it! To whomever this finds, whether you are a public sector employee or not, may you find something that resonates with you in the place your find yourself in. Hold on to that, and you will get to do whatever job it is - with your heart in it! Stumbling upon this image below in one of the AG presentation docs, if anything, at least it opened one set of eyes. “Do it with your heart” -PS Louis Kotze 🙏

We were delighted that all our sessions ran slightly over schedule - a clear sign that the students were engaged, asked great questions and enjoyed the lively debates. There are numerous ways for students to start investing in their future such as: - attending vac work programmes such as the one MGI Bass Gordon hosted last week - volunteering at an NPO and gaining skills related to their studies (accounting, marketing, events coordination etc) - getting involved with the various student bodies and attending different talks at their universities. Don't finish your studies only to realise you don't know enough about the outside world - start doing your research, developing crucial soft-skills and asking your questions now. #thefutureisyou #youth #empoweryourself #knowledgeispower

Why Stay in Accountancy Practice? 🤔 In the world of accountancy, the allure of moving to industry roles can be tempting. However, there are compelling reasons to stay within accountancy practice that you might not have considered. ✅ **Diverse Client Exposure**: Working in accountancy practice offers the unique opportunity to engage with a variety of clients from different sectors. This diversity not only broadens your experience but also enhances your problem-solving skills. Each client presents unique challenges, keeping your work dynamic and interesting. ✅ **Career Progression**: Accountancy practices often provide clear and structured career paths. From Trainee Accountant to Partner, there are numerous opportunities for advancement. Practices invest in your professional development, offering training and support to help you climb the career ladder. ✅ **Professional Network**: Staying in practice allows you to build a robust professional network. The relationships you develop with clients, colleagues, and industry professionals can open doors to future opportunities and collaborations. Networking in practice is invaluable and can significantly boost your career. What are your thoughts on staying in accountancy practice versus moving to industry? Share your experiences and let's discuss! #Accountancy #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth

If you are a third-year SAICA trainee, this is important ❗ Wondering what you're going to do next year? We are already seeing many of our 3rd year candidates interviewing and being employed for a January 2025 start. The local newly qualified CA market is going to be a bun fight this year! We've seen an 80% reduction in newly qualified CA’s securing audit roles abroad. What that means for you is a LOT more competition for the roles you want in the South African market, the most competitive we have seen in the last 5 years. For this reason, Blue Recruiting has built CAs Online, a brand-new video-enabled platform for soon-to-be-qualified CAs (and part-qualified SAICA candidates) to get discovered by top employers in the most efficient way. Upload your profile now and stand out before others do the same. Plus, there is no cost to you. Create your profile here: https://bit.ly/4eTIVl3. How it works: - Create a profile (it only takes 10 minutes) - Record a 2-minute professional video chatting through your CV and achievements - Get discovered by hundreds of employers looking for newly-qualified CAs.

✨ Good News Friday ✨ What a week! Tuesday was a strategy day with my new amazing, force of nature Chair of my new Advisory Board Deborah Harris FCA 💃🏿💃🏿. Scheming, planning and generally putting the world to rights. Huge thank you to Debo. Wednesday was a head-down work day. After that I had catch up with Sam Preston about how we might work together, supporting apprentices at different stages of their careers. Thursday started with some voluntary coaching with Business in the Community. I have a new coachee who is a Ukrainian refugee and I'm doing all I can to help them into employment in the world of finance. If anyone has some good resources for this, please let me know! Today I've had an alarmingly short haircut which is ironic as I've only just had new photos taken 😂 no-one will recognise me now. I also had a lovely chat with apprentice Christelle Clements-Davis. Then to finish it all off I had some fab feedback from both Deborah and an ACA trainee who I recently coached through an accountancy resit. Sometimes you don't notice the progress you're making. It feels slow and I'm not a very patient person. But bit by bit progress IS being made. If you are a new business owner or have recently gone freelance, I hope you are celebrating even the small wins. Have a great weekend all! Hannah ------------------------------------------------------------------ For individual accountancy resit coaching, you can find me at support@accountancyhub.co.uk. For accountancy and professional services firms who are looking to increase retention, improve wellbeing, and reduce sick days amongst their early careers population - head over to accountancyhub.co.uk. #accountancyapprentice #acca #aca #cima #aat #cipfa #financeindustry #examcoaching #businessowner #accountancystudy #wellbeing #inclusion #EDI

ICAP's recent initiative to offer international articleship opportunities for students has sparked discussions on its overall benefits. While there are clear advantages such as gaining global exposure, enhancing professional skills, and expanding professional networks, there are also potential challenges to consider. Financial implications, including the cost of living abroad and visa requirements, can be significant barriers for some students. Additionally, adapting to a new work environment and cultural norms may pose initial challenges. However, for students who are willing to overcome these obstacles, international articleship with ICAP offers a unique chance to immerse oneself in diverse business practices, learn from global experts, and build a solid foundation for a successful career in the competitive field of chartered accountancy. Ultimately, the decision to pursue international articleship depends on individual readiness to embrace both the opportunities and challenges it presents.

For aspiring accountants in Ireland, the academic path can feel like a maze. Should you focus purely on accounting qualifications, or is a broader approach more valuable? Here's why I believe a well-rounded education, coupled with professional qualifications, is the winning formula. 👨🎓 Firstly, the accounting landscape is evolving. Technology is automating tasks, demanding a shift towards analysis and strategic thinking. A strong foundation in business, finance, or even data science will equip future accountants to thrive in this data-driven environment. Understanding the bigger picture – how businesses operate and create value – allows them to go beyond number-crunching and become trusted advisors. 👨🎓 📜 Secondly, soft skills are increasingly valued. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential for navigating complex client relationships and collaborating with diverse teams. A balanced academic journey, encompassing modules in communication, critical thinking, or even a foreign language, can hone these crucial skills. 📜 🎓 Of course, a solid accounting foundation remains vital. Completing a recognized accounting qualification, like those offered by Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), equips individuals with the technical expertise and industry knowledge needed to excel. These qualifications are often integrated with relevant work experience, providing a practical application of theoretical concepts. 🎓 👍 So, the ideal path isn't a straight line. Consider a bachelor's degree in Business Studies or Finance, incorporating accounting modules. Look for programs offering internships or work placements to gain valuable experience. Pursue professional accounting qualifications while honing soft skills through relevant coursework or extracurricular activities. 👍 🙂 Remember, the best academic pathway is the one that best suits you. Explore options, assess your strengths, and seek guidance from career advisors or experienced accountants. By building a strong knowledge base, coupled with well-developed soft skills, you'll be well-positioned to navigate the exciting and ever-evolving world of Irish accountancy. 🙂 If you would like to discuss how you can find the best pathway for your accountancy career get in touch on the details below c.oconnor@brightwater.ie or call me on 01 5927858 #accountancy #accountancycareers #accountancyjobs

Looking to enhance your team’s expertise and drive your business forward? Our Professional Accountancy Technician Level 4 programme is designed to equip your employees with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the finance sector 🚀 With 92% of finance leaders finding it challenging to recruit the right talent, investing in your team’s development is more important than ever. Here’s how our programme benefits your organisation: ✔️ Skilled Workforce: Equip your team with advanced accounting skills and knowledge that enhance their performance. ✔️ Employee Retention: Develop and retain top talent by providing valuable training and career progression opportunities. ✔️ Operational Excellence: Ensure your employees are up-to-date with industry standards and best practices, driving efficiency and accuracy in your finance department. ✔️ Multiple Pathways: Tailor the programme to your team’s needs with options for AAT, ACCA, and CIMA. See how our programme has positively impacted organisations and helped them build a proficient and dedicated accounting team. Ready to strengthen your finance team? Discover more about Babington’s Professional Accountancy Technician Level 4 programme here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ePVCXnvF The next AAT cohort begins on the 10th of July. #Babington #Accountancy #EmployeeDevelopment #SkillsDevelopment #Finance #UpSkilling #BusinessGrowth #Apprenticeships

We’re delighted to celebrate the launch of Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)’s Campus Enterprise Hub and the Polytechnic Pathway Programme (PPP) at NP! These initiatives open doors for all full-time polytechnic students, including those taking non-Accountancy related diplomas, to pursue a career in accountancy. With the inaugural Campus Enterprise Hub on our campus, NP learners can look forward to connecting with industry professionals and accessing resources to help them jump-start their accounting careers. The PPP, supported by a $6 million funding initiative, offers: ✅ Sponsorships for the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ)  ✅ Exclusive resources and access to student ISCA/associate membership  ✅ A pathway for non-business students to join the accountancy profession Passionate about the accounting profession, NP students Lim Hui Zhen and Aaron William Hemmings are eager to explore the PPP and appreciate that it includes sponsorship. The Hub will also connect students to over 1,000 Accredited Training Organisations (ATO) and affiliates, offering exciting internship and career opportunities. Read more about PPP at Business Times here: https://lnkd.in/g2TQ2Wdq #ngeeannpoly #bepartofxtra #polytechnicpathwayprogramme #futureofaccountancy