In this ‘Insights In Focus’ episode, we discuss ways to attract and retain talent in the accounting profession.

Last year saw the UK accountancy sector’s graduate intake fall for the first time since 2008. Meanwhile, job applications across the sector fell by more than a third, compared with 2021.

While the numbers have coincided with significant economic challenges, questions remain about how accountancy is perceived as a profession – and, in particular, whether it is seen to offer a rewarding career over the long term.

Host Philippa Lamb discusses the issues with Gillian Woolman, Audit Director at Audit Scotland; Dave Payne, Head of Access and Volunteer Programmes at ICAEW; and Jackie Crane, an ICAEW member who chose to leave accountancy.

Links

• ICAEW attractiveness of the profession hub: https://www.icaew.com/about-icaew/who-we-are/attractiveness-of-the-profession 
• ICAEW: ACA for Employers: https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/aca/aca-employers
• ICAEW President Julia Penny: to attract talent, let’s focus on why we matter: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2022/dec-2022/to-attract-talent-lets-focus-on-why-we-matter

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Gillian Woolman, Audit Director, Audit Scotland
• Dave Payne, Head of Access and Volunteer Programmes, ICAEW
• Jackie Crane, ICAEW member and former practising accountant

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 3 March 2023
Podcast recorded: 23 February 2023