Future-proof your career: insights from our accounting webinar

Abbie Frempong-Boadu alongside text that says "How AAT, ACCA and CIMA can future-proof your career"

 

In a recent webinar hosted by Eagle Education’s Tanya Worsley and chartered accountant Abbie Frempong-Boadu, they shared invaluable insights into how professional accounting qualifications like ACCA, CIMA, and AAT can set you up for long-term career security and success in an evolving world.

Here are the key takeaways from the discussion:

1. Why professional qualifications still matter

The speakers emphasised that a professional qualification is the foundational building block of a resilient career:

  • Global recognition: Qualifications like ACCA are recognised in over 170 countries, opening up international career opportunities and flexibility, especially with the rise of remote work.
  • High employability: Employers value the credibility, technical knowledge, and structured learning path these qualifications provide, leading to long-term salary growth and job security.
  • Foundation for growth: They provide the essential foundation needed to transition into senior roles, move across different sectors, or even start your own business.

2. Beyond the calculator: expanding career opportunities

A common myth is that accounting limits you to narrow, traditional roles. The reality, as highlighted by Abbie Frempong-Boadu’s own journey, is that these qualifications unlock diverse paths:

  • Diverse sectors: Accounting expertise is in demand across banking, corporate finance, consulting, and the rapidly growing fintech and data-focused industries.
  • Strategic roles: The core skills are about understanding business, problem-solving, and providing strategic insights to decision-makers, not just number-crunching.
  • Entrepreneurship: Qualifications equip you with the financial literacy and credibility to run your own practice, consult (as Abbie does), or launch a new venture.

3. Choosing the right qualification

Tanya and Abbie offered a breakdown to help prospective students decide:

QualificationBest forCore focus
AATBeginners and career changers.Practical accounting skills, bookkeeping, payroll. A great springboard for professional levels.
ACCAKeeping career options broad and international.Reporting, audit, tax, and general business management. Accepted globally.
CIMACommercial, strategic, and management-focused roles.Management accounting, business strategy, leadership, and performance analysis.

4. Practical tips for managing your studies

Studying alongside work can feel overwhelming, but the speakers shared effective strategies for success:

  • Consistency is key: Break your learning into small, manageable chunks. “Consistency beats intensity.”
  • Master exam technique: Practice extensively with past papers to understand how to apply your knowledge and refine your exam approach.
  • Build a routine: Dedicate even one hour a day consistently — it adds up significantly over time.
  • Use your support network: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Eagle Education offers robust academic support from qualified tutors.

5. Future-proofing your role against AI

The rise of AI and automation is changing the finance landscape, but not replacing the need for qualified professionals. While routine tasks are automated, the demand increases for finance professionals who can:

  • Interpret data: Translate large amounts of data into actionable commercial and strategic insights.
  • Provide judgment: Ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and act ethically.
  • Lead strategically: Qualifications prepare you for the leadership and strategic decision-making roles that technology cannot replace.

Watch the full webinar to learn more.

Ready to start your career journey?

Eagle Education provides a flexible, affordable, and supportive path to achieving your professional accounting qualification with resources from partners like Kaplan and Osborne.

Take the next step today: sign up for a 7-day free trial and explore the materials to see how our online learning model can fit around your life.