In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal explores what it’s like to work as a chartered accountant in charities and the public sector.

 This episode covers:

• The relevance of the ACA qualification to taking a role in the public sector.
• How transferable the skills are between a traditional practice and the more varied experience offered by charities or jobs in the civil service.
• The job satisfaction such a role can provide.
• How to make an informed career move.

Jag is joined in the studio by James Yianni, Head of Finance at two charities – Medical Detection Dogs and Farms for City Children – and Evie Dolega-Ossowski, Senior Auditor at the Government Internal Audit Agency.

Links

ICAEW Student Insights - https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights

 Host

Jag Dhaliwal

Guests

• James Yianni, Head of Finance at charities Medical Detection Dogs and Farms for City Children
• Evie Dolega-Ossowski, Senior Auditor at the Government Internal Audit Agency

Episode first published: 6 January 2026

Podcast recorded: 19 September 2025

In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal talks to two experts about the way we learn and how we can all make the most of our time taking in and retaining information.

 This episode covers:

• The Identify, Modify, Adapt (IMA) framework and how we can use it to make the best use of our time in a classroom.
• Why learning strategies are much more beneficial than learning styles.
• How we can use the IMA framework to make the right career choices.
• The value of using learning strategies post qualification to make the most of ongoing CPD.

 Jag is joined in the studio by Ashley Boroda, Talent Advisor and IMA Practitioner; and Amy Gottler; eLearning Developer and Consultant.

 Links

ICAEW Student Insights - https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights

 Host

Jag Dhaliwal

 Guests

• Ashley Boroda, Talent Advisor and Trainer 
• Amy Gottler, eLearning Developer and Consultant 

Episode first published: 26 November 2025

Podcast recorded: 19 September 2025

In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Orkhan Freeman explores what it’s like to be an accountant working in industry.

This episode covers:

• The relevance of the ACA qualification to training or working in industry.
• The transferable skills between practice and industry roles.
• Building relationships with colleagues outside of finance teams.
• How to make an informed career move.

Orkhan is joined in the studio by Amy Battrick, Management Accountant at EG Group; and Bronwyn Fitzgerald, Finance Team Manager at Gerald Edelman.

Links

ICAEW Student Insights - https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights 

Host

Orkhan Freeman

Guests

• Amy Battrick, Management Accountant, EG Group
• Bronwyn Fitzgerald, Finance Team Manager, Gerald Edelman

Episode first published: 31 October 2025

Podcast recorded: 11 August 2025

In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Orkhan Freeman discusses the different career opportunities available in practice.

This episode covers:

• Growing your confidence as a student.
• The increasing focus on advisory work in practice. 
• The importance of ‘soft’ skills in the sector.
• Being proactive about shaping your progression.

Orkhan is joined in the studio by Dale Pollitt, Director and Co-Owner of Ryans Chartered Accountants; and Annabelle Mudge, Trainee Accountant at Albert Goodman.

Links

ICAEW Student Insights: https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights 

Host

Orkhan Freeman

Guests

• Dale Pollitt, Director and Co-Owner, Ryans Chartered Accountants
• Annabelle Mudge, Trainee Accountant, Albert Goodman

Episode first published: 29 September 2025

Podcast recorded: 11 August 2025

In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal learns the importance of Specialised Learning as part of the updated ACA qualification.

This episode covers:

• How Specialised Learning will help futureproof your career.
• The different types of courses available on the Specialised Learning platform.
• Engaging with your employer around their expectations of Specialised Learning.
• How much, and guidance over when, Specialised Learning must be completed.

Jag is joined in the studio by Andrea Cook, ICAEW Director of Specialised and Lifelong Learning; and Sarah Milsom, Senior Manager at Albert Goodman.

Links

• ICAEW: Specialised Learning - https://www.icaew.com/students/training/specialised-learning
• ICAEW: Let’s get started with your studies - https://www.icaew.com/students/getting-started
• ICAEW Student Insights - https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights 

Host

Jag Dhaliwal

Guests

• Andrea Cook, Director, Specialised and Lifelong Learning, ICAEW
• Sarah Milsom, Senior Manager, Albert Goodman

Episode first published: 17 September 2025

Podcast recorded: 30 June 2025

In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal explores how ACA students can ensure they can make a great impression in the workplace, as well as working towards their longer-term career goals.

This episode covers:

• Setting yourself up for success at the beginning of your training.
• The importance of being proactive throughout your training.
• Identifying your strengths and career goals post-qualification.
• Developing clear and honest communication with your employer.

Jag is joined in the studio by Claire Davis, Head of Performance, Growth and Excellence at Cooper Parry; and Jack Smith, Early Careers Development Manager at RSM UK.

Links

ICAEW: How to shine in your first three months https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights/how-to-shine-in-your-first-3-months

 ICAEW: Six ways to master your six-monthly review https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights/student-insights-2022-archive/six-ways-to-master-your-six-monthly-review

ICAEW Jobs: The skills most in demand by accountancy recruiters https://jobs.icaew.com/article/the-skills-most-in-demand-by-accountancy-recruiters 

Host: Jag Dhaliwal

Guests

• Claire Davis, Head of Performance, Growth and Excellence, Cooper Parry
• Jack Smith, Early Careers Development Manager, RSM UK

Episode first published: 30 July 2025

Podcast recorded: 30 June 2025

In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal discovers what current ACA students need to know as the Next Generation ACA arrives in July 2025.

This episode covers:

• The new components of the Next Generation ACA.
• Dual running and transitioning to Next Generation ACA exams.
• Mapping of existing ACA exams and Next Generation ACA exams.
• Transitional arrangements for the Ethics Learning Programme.
• The resources and support available for all students.

Jag is joined in the studio by ICAEW’s Shaun Robertson and Hazel Powling.

Links

• ICAEW: Imagine more with the Next Generation ACA https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/aca/next-generation-aca
• ICAEW Next Generation ACA: Transitional arrangements https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/aca/next-generation-aca/transitional-arrangements
• ICAEW Student Insights https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights 

Host

Jag Dhaliwal

Guests

• Shaun Robertson, Director, Education and Qualifications, ICAEW
• Hazel Powling, Head of Qualifications Development, ICAEW

Episode first published: 2 June 2025

Podcast recorded: 19 February 2025

In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, guest host Orkhan Freeman discusses how ACA students can set themselves up for success.

This episode covers:

• Making best use of ICAEW resources
• Balancing work and studying with your personal life
• Keeping on top of the online training file
• Making the most of your six-monthly reviews

Orkhan is joined in the studio by Jas Rayat, Student Council Chair for 2024-25, and ICAEW’s Pratik Kanani.

Links

• ICAEW ACA students
  https://www.icaew.com/for-current-aca-students
• ICAEW Student Insights
  https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights 

Host

Orkhan Freeman ACA

Guests

• Jas Rayat ACA, Financial Accountant, EDF Trading; Chair, ICAEW Student Council
• Pratik Kanani ACA, Business Development Manager, ICAEW

Episode first published: 7 May 2025
Podcast recorded: 3 April 2025

In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal learns how students can best prepare themselves for ACA and ICAEW CFAB exams.

This episode covers:

• How to manage your stress levels and boost your confidence
• The importance of preparation and keeping to a routine
• When and how to adjust your approach to exams
• The resources and support available from ICAEW and caba

Jag is joined in the studio by ICAEW’s Shaun Robertson and Hazel Powling.

Links

• ICAEW Student Insights https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights 
• ICAEW: ACA exam resources https://www.icaew.com/for-current-aca-students/exam-resources
• ICAEW: Access arrangements guidance for exams https://www.icaew.com/for-current-aca-students/apply-for-exams/exam-applications/access-arrangements-guidance-for-exams

Host

Jag Dhaliwal

Guests

• Shaun Robertson, Director, Education and Qualifications, ICAEW
• Hazel Powling, Head of Qualifications Development, ICAEW

Episode first published: 19 March 2025
Podcast recorded: 19 February 2025

In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal explores how sustainability is influencing the direction of the accountancy profession.

This episode covers:

·      The key accounting standards shaping sustainability reporting and assurance
·      How demand for non-financial information is changing the work of accountants
·      Applying your knowledge and skills to working with non-financial information
·      Using ICAEW resources to support ongoing learning around sustainability

Jag is joined in the studio by ICAEW’s Kate Beeston and Alex Russell.

Links

ICAEW Student Insights
https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights

Host

Jag Dhaliwal

Guests

·       Kate Beeston, Technical Manager, Corporate Reporting, ICAEW
·       Alex Russell, Head of Audit and Assurance Strategy, ICAEW

Episode first published: 20 January 2025
Podcast recorded: 13 November 2024