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ACCA’s Sectors and Communities team brings you conversations with members from across the profession, exploring career journeys, trends, and insights shaping finance today.

16 APR

Finance redefined: Risk management and controls with Jane Walde

Are your finance and business decisions fully protected against the risks quietly building in your organisation? In this episode, we show how finance teams can work smarter with risk and audit functions to stay ahead. We break down what an effective controls framework really looks like, with practical examples of proportionate controls and insights into the common risks that often slip under the radar. From strengthening risk awareness to discovering tools and techniques that make controls more effective, this episode equips accountants in business with actionable strategies they can implement immediately. If you’re looking to move beyond compliance and play a central role in safeguarding your organisation’s success, this conversation is essential listening. Jane is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and is a member of ACCA's Global Forum for Governance, Risk and Performance. She is an Associate of Satarla and specialises in Enterprise Risk Management. Find her on LinkedIn. To access a workshop that covers the requirements of provision 29 of the 2024 UK Corporate Governance Code, contact and enquire about the Effective Risk Governance and Material Controls Workshop. There is also free guidance on how to do a bow-tie risk assessment on the Satarla site.

21 min
1 APR

The Resilient Accountant: Making space for the future even though the present is busy

Donna Bedis interviews Veer Parmar, the 2025 UK Public Sector Advocate of the Year, about his work in the NHS. Veer, a finance business partner at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, has been instrumental in promoting innovation, particularly in AI in healthcare, and developing a finance graduate scheme across nine NHS Trusts. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, collaboration, and integrity in his work. Balancing ambition and empathy is key. People are stretched, change can feel overwhelming, the best approach is to listen, understand concerns and move at a pace that feels safe. Veer discusses the challenges of balancing immediate pressures with long-term transformation and the significance of small steps in driving change – “making space for the future even though the present is busy”. He also highlights the role of financial insight in improving patient and staff outcomes and advocates for using one's experience to support colleagues and the community. Since this podcast was recorded, Veer has become the Chair of the Health Sector Panel and is working on leading AI-based activities for the network. Connect with Veer on LinkedIn

10 min
27 MAR

At the 4Front: Clients and career growth with Freddie Winter

Bridget Foley sits down with Freddie Winter, Senior Finance Consultant at EY, to explore the realities of pursuing the ACCA qualification while working in a Big Four firm. Freddie shares what sparked his interest in finance and accounting, and how that curiosity evolved into a career at EY. He brings the qualification to life with a practical example of applying audit and assurance knowledge directly to client work - highlighting the immediate value of ACCA learning in a consulting environment. Freddie speaks candidly about the challenges of managing work, study, and personal life, including the sacrifices required during busy periods. He emphasises the importance of staying connected to your “why” and protecting non-negotiable wellbeing priorities. Whether you're considering ACCA, applying to a Big Four firm, or currently juggling study and work, this episode offers honest insights and practical advice to help you succeed. Visit our ACCA Big 4 and Mid-Tier Hub for helpful resources, articles and tools to support your career journey.

13 min
24 MAR

Inside BFSI: Redesigning finance and payroll with Varun Monteiro

Varun shares how his ACCA training and experience across the business helped him execute a management buyout, scale and exit his first company, and build a payroll and HR tech business with a clear vision. We explore how AI, real-time payments, and open finance are transforming finance roles, why leaders must manage complexity rather than control, and how the BFSI sector can shift from risk avoidance to risk intelligence to support entrepreneurship and non-linear careers. Subscribe to the series for more insights from across financial services Join the FS Community on LinkedIn Explore the ACCA FS Hub for resources, events, and opportunities to stay ahead Varun Monteiro on LinkedIn Laura Reay on LinkedIn About the Guest Varun Monteiro FCCA is the CEO and founder of Finity, an HR and payroll technology company reshaping how organisations onboard, pay, and reward their people. A qualified ACCA accountant and adviser on the ACCA Financial Services Panel. Over the past decade, he has led global teams as COO and CFO, focusing on automation, process improvement and scaling businesses while improving operational efficiency and reducing costs. A digital innovator and natural relationship builder, Varun specialises in HRTech, post-deal support, business process outsourcing, product and project management, and financial planning and modelling. About the Series - Inside BFSI Inside BFSI: voices from across the financial services sector showcases the stories, challenges, and insights of professionals shaping the future of banking, financial services, and insurance. Each episode highlights real-world experiences and emerging themes across the sector - from technology and innovation to leadership and talent development.

24 min
4 MAR

The Resilient Accountant: The power of digital engagement

James Wright, a senior lecturer at the University of Chichester and runner-up for the 2025 UK Public Sector Advocate of the Year, discusses his digital advocacy for ACCA. His content, which has reached over 20 million views, aims to break down barriers and inspire the next generation. James emphasizes the importance of digital platforms in strengthening communities and shares his strategies for maintaining resilience and staying ahead in the digital world. He advises on time management, continuous learning, and the significance of ethical thinking in the digital age. James also highlights the need for ACCA to communicate more authentically and share diverse stories. Books which have helped James maintain his busy lifestyle and successful outreach are “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki and “The 4-Hour Work Week” by Tim Ferriss. Connect with James

25 min
24 FEB

At the 4Front: Lessons in longevity with Fran Simpson FCCA

In this episode, we’re joined by Fran Simpson, who reflects on a 27-year career built on resilience, relationships and a willingness to say yes. Fran shares how all she ever wanted was to be a “businesswoman” - earning her own money and making her own way in life, and how the variety of experiences throughout her career have shaped the leader she is today. She speaks openly about the power of long-term relationships, the value of networking within one firm, and how strong leadership and investment from others played a pivotal role in her success. Fran challenges the idea of imposter syndrome, reframing it instead as simply facing experiences you haven’t had yet, and embracing the stretch that comes from being pushed beyond what you thought were your capabilities. Drawing inspiration from the book 'Tiny Experiments', she shares how small, intentional changes transformed her productivity and leadership effectiveness. We also discuss the importance of honest feedback, how a culture of high support and high challenge has shaped her development, and why the hardest feedback to hear is often the most valuable for growth. Fran reflects on leading through significant change - from hybrid working and evolving audit regulation to building offshore models, and why communication has never been more critical. She also shares candid thoughts on wellbeing, the blurred lines created by technology, and how younger generations increasingly value the journey and experience over traditional end goals. Visit our ACCA Big 4 and Mid-Tier Hub for helpful resources, articles and tools to support your career journey.

20 min
9 FEB

Finance redefined: The modern finance landscape

The UK corporate sector is changing fast, and finance teams are expected to do more than ever. Are you keeping up? In this episode of Finance Redefined, Alistair Roman shares his insights on the trends shaping the role of accountants in business. He explores the economic pressures and regulatory changes affecting organisations, the skills and behaviours finance teams need to thrive, and how digital tools are transforming day-to-day work. You’ll hear practical guidance on where accountants in business can add the most strategic value, stay ahead of developments, and strengthen influence across the organisation. Whether you’re looking to grow your impact, lead your team through change, or stay informed on the latest trends, this episode will give you ideas you can put into practice immediately. Listen now and see how you can make your finance team more strategic, effective, and future-ready. Find out more about Alistair on Linkedin

24 min
3 FEB

The Resilient Accountant: Finance as the "language of hope and truth”

The Resilient Accountant podcast series is for finance professionals in the UK public, not-for-profit, and health sectors. Deepa Mistry, a runner-up for the 2025 Public Sector Advocate of the Year Award, discussed her role in challenging the UK government's leaseholder loan scheme post-Grenfell Tower tragedy. Mistry, a leaseholder herself, used her financial expertise to expose the scheme's potential to destabilize balance sheets and risk personal bankruptcy. She led a community of leaseholders and experts to interpret financial models, advocating for fairness and systemic change. Mistry emphasized the importance of integrity, empathy, and community in finance, highlighting her efforts to rebuild post-qualification networks and support career progression within the ACCA community. Deepa believes that “finance is language of hope and truth – it can be used ethically to cut through noise and politics and make invisible risks visible”. Connect with Deepa here: (9) Deepa Mistry FCCA | LinkedIn and support her in her on-going fight against injustice at · Free Deepa - United Kingdom · Change.org

24 min
29 JAN

Inside BFSI: Forging your own path with Becky Glover

Welcome to Inside BFSI: voices from across the financial services sector. The series that showcases the stories of professionals shaping the future of banking, financial services, and insurance. In this episode, we sit down with Becky Glover, CFO at Mazuma, to explore her unconventional journey into the finance profession. From starting out as a 17 year old apprentice to becoming a finance leader, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for women in leadership, Becky shares how curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to create her own opportunities have shaped her career. We dive into the evolving role of technology in finance, the importance of continuous learning, and why the sector must innovate to attract and retain the next generation of talent. Resources and links If you enjoyed this episode: • Subscribe to the series for more insights from across financial services • Join the FS Community on LinkedIn • Explore the ACCA FS Hub for resources, events, and opportunities to stay ahead • Becky Glover on LinkedIn • Laura Reay on LinkedIn About the Guest Becky Glover FCCA serves as Chief Financial Officer at Mazuma and is a multi-award-winning qualified ACCA professional. Her career spans roles across biotech, software, and insurance, giving her broad experience in fast moving, tech driven environments. Over the past decade, she has focused on supporting business growth by harnessing data to inform strategic decisions.

27 min
8 JAN

At the 4Front: Taking your career global with Araib Sultan

In this episode, we’re joined by Araib Sultan, Senior Manager at Deloitte, who shares his international career journey across Pakistan, the UAE, and the UK - and the lessons learned along the way. Araib reflects on qualifying with ACCA in Pakistan at EY, moving to the UAE, and eventually relocating to Edinburgh with Deloitte. He discusses how international opportunities often come from having the confidence to put your hand up, the value of Big Four experience, and the importance of asking for help and building genuine connections. We explore the differences between working cultures across regions, the power of supportive professional environments, and how understanding cultural nuance can improve client relationships. Araib also shares honest reflections on the challenges of moving internationally - including relocating during COVID - and why growth often comes from being outside your comfort zone. Visit our ACCA Big 4 and Mid-Tier Hub for helpful resources, articles and tools to support your career journey.

23 min
24/11/2025

At the 4Front: Leadership in Action with Allee Bonnard

In this episode, Allee Bonnard, UK Managing Partner at Deloitte, shares the story of what brought her to the firm and what’s kept her there throughout her career. She reflects on how the profession is evolving, the realities of audit, and why technology is opening the door to an exciting new era for young professionals. Allee offers candid insight into setting boundaries, stepping into leadership, and navigating the opportunities and challenges of being a woman at senior levels. She talks about the power of diversity, how to bring your perspective to the table even when you feel intimidated, and the traits she believes define future-ready leaders - curiosity, agility, and resilience. We also dig into why fewer women are applying for graduate roles, what Deloitte is doing to shift the picture at senior levels, and the biggest misconceptions about the Big 4. Allee breaks down why audit is a team sport, why work–life balance matters more than ever, and why there’s never been a better moment to join the profession.

25 min

11 Episodes

ACCA’s Sectors and Communities team brings you conversations with members from across the profession, exploring career journeys, trends, and insights shaping finance today.

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UK Sectors