Accounting has a problem and needs your help. Coupled with a serious shortage of accounting professionals both in New Zealand and Australia, significantly fewer young people are considering a career in the sector.

There is a widespread misconception among school leavers that accounting lacks innovation and variability. Nothing of course is further from the truth, and members are encouraged to spread the word that it can open just about any door to any industry and offer a fulfilling and impactful career.

So, how do we encourage young people into considering the profession? At a recent NSW charity event supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation, CA ANZ asked some members for ideas to get the conversation started.

What CAs would tell their younger selves

“Enjoy the ride, don’t take yourself too seriously! Accounting will offer an exciting career to work with charities and help people, and time to spend with family.”

Tinashe Kamangira FCA, 2024 CA ANZ president and director, Deloitte Australia

“An accounting career will enable you to work all over the world, but also provide you with work-life balance.” 

Peter Woodley FCA, partner, audit and assurance, Grant Thornton Australia

“Set a goal and challenge yourself, but your pathway might take you somewhere different than you initially intended. So long as you keep moving forward, you’ll end up exactly where you want to be.”

Jocelyn Goodfellow CA, director, Hancocks Accountants

“Accounting isn’t just tax. It has so many different opportunities and areas to explore; there’s just so much you can do within the accounting profession.”

Crystal Wright FCA, principal, Worrells

“Becoming a chartered accountant opens more doors than you could possibly imagine. It enables you to do work that is meaningful, impactful and aligned with your goals.”

Tarryn Foster CA, climate change and sustainability manager, KPMG

What advice would you give to future accountants?

Tinashe Kamangira FCA advises: “Always learn from others, never try to be better than someone else, and keep learning.”

Peter Woodley FCA advises: “Always make sure you maintain your integrity in everything you do. Never make decisions purely based on what you’ve been told to do, always look into the values you maintain as a CA and act with integrity. In time, clients will seek out your services as a result.”

Jocelyn Goodfellow CA advises: “Look into the accounting and finance professions because every business needs an accountant or an adviser to help it on its journey, so you get the opportunity to help people, as well as making a great career for yourself.”

Crystal Wright FCA advises: “Back yourself, take every opportunity, don’t be afraid to say yes. Have a crack at things because you never know where you’ll end up.”

Tarryn Foster CA advises: “Just do it. It’s not going to be easy, but I promise it will be worth it.”

Year13: Engaging the next generation of accountants

CA ANZ has teamed up with Year13, a digital youth engagement platform that helps school leavers map their career goals. Year13 x CA ANZ Academy Business Class exposes eager learners to how accountants use strategic thinking and helps cultivate business acumen by giving access to cutting-edge technology. The accounting profession can have a positive impact on anything from environmental sustainability, to social justice, and supporting people in achieving their business goals. The skills you learn as an accountant have the means to take you anywhere.

Takeaways

CA ANZ has designed resources to help young people have a better understanding of accounting careers. To read about what the future may bring, check out the below: