UK Sectors

Janine Rennie FCCA – Resilience built from a determination to beat the odds

ACCA — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 11:01:05 +0000

Despite being told at 25 that a lupus diagnosis would mean only having 5 years to live and never being able to have children, Janine has beaten the odds to build a 30 year career in the third sector and has three grown up children.

Currently working as an elected councillor for Clackmannanshire Council, as well as the CEO of Money Advice Scotland, Janine’s desire to create an impact which makes a real difference in people’s lives is definitely being realised. Learn more about her story in this episode of The Resilient Accountant.

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Maria Ghibu

ACCA — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:48:59 +0000

With more than 20 years’ experience across technology, biotech and financial services, Maria has held senior roles including CFO, COO, CEO and Non-Executive Director. She has led businesses through finance transformation, fundraising, M&A, international growth and periods of rapid change. Alongside her career in finance and leadership, Maria also makes time for her creative pursuits, including Pilates, writing and painting. In this episode, she shares her journey to CFO, the experiences that have shaped her leadership approach, and the interests that keep her curious outside of work. Watch the Vodcast Find out more about BDO Find out more about Rachel Find out more about Maria

Finance redefined: Making digital investment work

ACCA — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:55:35 +0000

What happens when the technology is chosen, the transformation begins, and finance has to make it work in the real world?

In this episode of Finance Redefined, Clare Elliott FCCA, Group CFO at NetSupport, draws on her experience of leading finance transformation to explore the decisions and lessons behind making digital investment work in practice. She discusses how to identify the problems worth solving, decide where technology can genuinely add value, navigate implementation and bring people with you as the way finance works changes.

Clare also tackles a question every finance leader ultimately needs to answer: how do you know whether the investment has actually made finance better?

Whether you are considering new technology, leading change or looking to get more from existing systems, Clare shares practical lessons that can help you approach digital investment with greater confidence and make change work for both your finance team and the wider business.

Listen now for an honest, practical look at making digital transformation work in practice.

Find out more about Clare on Linkedin

The Resilient Accountant: Steph Beeston-Clarke FCCA, finding resilience through helping others

ACCA — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:57:27 +0000

Hear from Steph Beeston-Clarke FCCA as she speaks to Donna Beddis FCCA about her determination to use her qualification and knowledge to provide advice and guidance to help others, how her "charity chatter" series seeks to support smaller charities and CICs, how she and her team ensure each others' wellbeing and how her plans for moving to Lanzarote will still involve providing an excellent service to clients, with an extra "chilled" perspective!

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

ACCA — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:36:55 +0000

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.

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Amanda Burton FCCA

ACCA — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:45:18 +0000

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.

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

ACCA — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:17:14 +0000

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.

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Sophia Levell

ACCA — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Find out more about BDO

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Inside BFSI: Navigating opportunities in financial services with Vinay Handa

ACCA — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:05:12 +0000

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.

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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.

Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Rajiv Chandra FCCA

ACCA — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Sinéad McCormack FCCA

ACCA — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:58:08 +0000

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.

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Journey to CFO in partnership with BDO: Cécile Parker FCCA

ACCA — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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.

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Find out more about BDO

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At the 4 Front: Breaking barriers, taking risks and leading with purpose with Bano Sheikh FCCA

ACCA — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:28:34 +0000

In this episode, Bano candidly speaks about her inspiring journey through the accounting profession and the lessons she has learned along the way. She reflects on discovering ACCA in Lahore, at a time when very few women were studying ACCA or working in the Big Four outside of administrative roles, and how she made the decision to challenge expectations and help open the door for others. Bano shares how mentorship from her father helped navigate risk, self doubt and major career decisions, as well as the importance of curiosity, embracing opportunities and staying aligned to your personal values.  As one of the first few Muslim partners at KPMG and leader of the KPMG Muslim Network, she offers powerful insights into what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice and why having a voice at the table matters. Whether you're starting your ACCA journey, building your career in professional services, or stepping into leadership, this episode offers honest reflections and practical advice on confidence, resilience and owning your success. 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.

The Resilient Accountant: Veena Patel FCCA - resilience born from a desire to seize opportunities

ACCA — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:22:27 +0000

Donna Beddis FCCA speaks to Veena Patel FCCA, Director of Finance at the UK’s leading accident prevention charity RoSPA. Veena shares her journey across sectors to arrive at a place that feels like home, with a clear mission and people working together to bring in around 10 million in grants and membership, training, and consultancy, combining commercial thinking with real purpose.

The Resilient Accountant: Leading through a determination to drive change

ACCA — Fri, 08 May 2026 09:08:56 +0000

Hear Owen Davies FCCA, Head of Finance at Transport for Wales and secondee at Pullman Rail, talk to Donna Beddis FCCA about finding resilience in leading through a determination to drive change. As well as being an advocate for the public sector, Owen is also a crusader for being brave and embracing the commercial sector, hunting out value in commercial opportunities to improve the value proposition for the people of Wales. Hear about his determination to extend the remit of Transport for Wales - a course of action which has given him opportunities to create new ideas and procedures - all whilst earning the trust of the Welsh Government and the wellbeing of his teams to deliver the changes.

Finance redefined: Risk management and controls with Jane Walde

ACCA — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:11:11 +0000

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.

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

ACCA — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:48:41 +0000

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

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

ACCA — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:38:37 +0000

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.

Inside BFSI: Redesigning finance and payroll with Varun Monteiro

ACCA — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:46:24 +0000

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.

The Resilient Accountant: The power of digital engagement

ACCA — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:32:36 +0000

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

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

ACCA — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:50:28 +0000

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.

Finance redefined: The modern finance landscape

ACCA — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:57:25 +0000

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

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

ACCA — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:07:44 +0000

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

Inside BFSI: Forging your own path with Becky Glover

ACCA — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:28:53 +0000

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.

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

ACCA — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:53:11 +0000

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.

At the 4Front: Leadership in Action with Allee Bonnard

ACCA — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:55:56 +0000

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.