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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.

1d ago

At the 4 Front: From curiosity to global leadership with Cristina Gutu FCCA

Cristina reflects on her journey from starting her career in Romania, where international opportunities once felt out of reach, to becoming ACCA Vice President and Director with KPMG (L&D Lead). Cristina shares how curiosity, discipline and a willingness to embrace opportunities before feeling fully ready helped shape her career, and why she believes the most successful careers are built through small, consistent choices rather than perfectly planned paths. She also reflects on how the Big Four accelerated her professional development, the role ACCA played in opening the door to a truly global profession, and why lifelong learning has remained at the heart of everything she does. Drawing on her experience as both a leader and mentor, Cristina discusses the skills that matter most for today's finance professionals, explaining why technical expertise must be complemented by critical thinking, adaptability, communication and ethical judgement. She also shares why leadership is about listening, helping others find their voice and creating environments where people can grow with confidence. As the first Senior Officer in ACCA's history from continental Europe, Cristina reflects on the importance of representation, giving back to the profession and ensuring accountancy remains trusted, relevant and attractive to future generations. Catch up on all episodes of At the 4 Front: ACCA Voices from the Big 4. Visit our ACCA Big 4 and Mid-Tier Hub for helpful resources, articles and tools to support your career journey.
Jul 7

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Amanda Burton FCCA

Amanda reflects on her career journey, from being the first in her family to attend university to building a successful career in finance. She shares how proud she is of where her ACCA qualification has taken her over the past two decades, why her career hasn't always followed a linear path, and how working with an executive coach helped shape her leadership style. Amanda also discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, explaining how ensuring her family is happy and healthy enables her to be at her best both personally and professionally. She shares why taking a hands-on approach and spending time on the 'shop floor' allows her to look beyond the numbers, build stronger relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the business. Join us for a candid conversation full of honest reflections and practical insights on leadership, career development and what it really means to be a modern CFO. Watch the Vodcast Find out more about BDO Find out more about Rachel Find out more about Amanda
Jun 30

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Sophia Levell

In this candid conversation with Rachel Shorter FCCA, Sophia shares her unique journey to finance leadership, the lessons she's learned along the way, and her thoughts on leadership, resilience and building a successful career on your own terms. Watch the Vodcast Find out more about BDO Find out more about Rachel Find out more about Sophia
Jun 30

The Resilient Accountant: Steven Pink FCCA, building resilience in a time of crisis

Hear from Steven Pink FCCA, Director of Finance & Resources (S151) at Havant Borough Council as he talks to Donna Beddis FCCA about a career which has seen him work across the public sector, starting out in local government and returning to the sector after time spent as the senior lead in the National Covid Vaccination Programme. A strong believer in embracing change and the opportunities it creates, Steven has used his positive focus to adapt and change to each role, with a fearless approach and building friendships at each stage. A self-confessed extrovert, Steven’s driven attitude is his super power and one which he is keen to share with others to help them take risks and move on in their careers.
Jun 23

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Rajiv Chandra FCCA

Rajiv shares insights from his career journey, reflecting on the experiences, challenges and opportunities that have shaped his path to senior finance leadership. He discusses the evolving role of finance, the growing importance of data and analytics in driving business value, and the skills finance professionals need to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven environment. Alongside his professional journey, Rajiv also talks about his lifelong love of cricket and how he likes to give back by coaching youth teams. Watch the Vodcast Find out more about BDO Find out more about Sinéad Find out more about Rajiv
Jun 22

Inside BFSI: Navigating opportunities in financial services with Vinay Handa

Vinay reflects on how a planned 12-month sabbatical in Australia turned into six years of professional growth, taking him from corporate accountant to finance leader. He shares what really changes when you step into senior roles, how technology, AI and ESG are reshaping financial services, and why networking and staying curious are essential for building a long-term career in the sector. 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 Vinay Handa on LinkedIn Laura Reay on LinkedIn About the Guest Vinay Handa is a senior finance leader with more than 25 years of experience across the financial services sector. An FCCA member, Vinay has built an international career, including six years working in Australia between 2006 and 2012. Alongside his professional roles, he is an active contributor to the ACCA community, serving on the ACCA UK Financial Services Sector Panel for the South East, hosting ACCA Link Up events in Surrey, and speaking at ACCA Advantage events. 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.
Jun 16

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Sinéad McCormack FCCA

Welcome to ACCA's Journey to CFO, in partnership with BDO, the podcast exploring the real stories behind finance leadership. Hosted by Rachel Shorter, each episode features candid conversations with leading CFOs and finance leaders, uncovering the successes, challenges and lessons that have shaped their careers. In this episode, Rachel is joined by Sinéad McCormack, Chief Financial Officer at Medicines Discovery Catapult. A qualified accountant with more than 23 years of experience across financial services, central banking and higher education, Sinéad shares insights from her journey to CFO, including her leadership roles at Barclays, the Bank of England and the University of Manchester. She discusses the lessons she's learned throughout her career, the value of bringing together experience from both the public and private sectors, and how she is helping to drive Medicines Discovery Catapult's vision of reshaping drug discovery for patient benefit. Watch the Vodcast Find out more about BDO Find out more about Sinéad Find out more about Rachael
Jun 12

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Cécile Parker FCCA

Welcome to ACCA's Journey to CFO, in partnership with BDO, the podcast exploring the real stories behind finance leadership. Hosted by Rachel Shorter, each episode features candid conversations with leading CFOs and Finance leaders, uncovering the successes, challenges and lessons that have shaped their careers. In this episode, Rachel is joined by Cécile Parker, Group CFO at Vital Energi. With more than 25 years of global board-level experience and a two-time Industrial Engineering CFO of the Year award winner, Cécile shares insights from her journey to CFO, including leading strategic transformation, driving financial impact, and helping secure Vital Energi's landmark £175m Nordic bond raise. Watch the Vodcast Find out more about BDO Find out more about Cecile Find out more about Rachael

See All (22)

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

Creator

ACCA
Years Active

2026
Episodes

22
Rating

Clean
Show Website

UK Sectors

UK Sectors

Episodes

At the 4 Front: From curiosity to global leadership with Cristina Gutu FCCA

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Amanda Burton FCCA

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Sophia Levell

The Resilient Accountant: Steven Pink FCCA, building resilience in a time of crisis

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Rajiv Chandra FCCA

Inside BFSI: Navigating opportunities in financial services with Vinay Handa

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Sinéad McCormack FCCA

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Cécile Parker FCCA

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