Supporting the global profession
For many people over the last generation, the world has become a more prosperous place. But today, with inequality rising, it is clear that our economies are not focused enough on striving to deliver for everyone.
Professional accountancy has a key role to play in opening up access to opportunities and in so doing play its part in building healthy and prosperous economies where people of all backgrounds are able to flourish.
A professional accountancy qualification can provide individuals with financial acuity to contribute meaningfully to the business world or the public sector.
Making the profession better known as a career choice
There is a need to make the profession better known as a career choice among those who have not grown up among family and friends with professional qualifications or university degrees and those that live in areas that lack opportunities.
The role of accountancy firms and professional bodies
For professional accountancy firms, barriers in the hiring processes, particularly of young people, must be lowered to remove biases that can affect the success of candidates.
Professional accountancy firms and professional bodies have a key role to play in actively engaging and advocating with policymakers across many different spheres, from education to planning ministries, digital to finance and national statistics offices.
Supporting the global profession
"ACCA was founded in 1904 for the very reason of opening up access to professional accountancy. We remain committed to open access today and are determined to play our part in improving social mobility and contributing to building a more equitable future for all."
Helen Brand OBE, CEO, ACCA
Recommendations for the profession
Improving awareness of the profession as a career choice
Removing barriers through introducing flexible learning routes and seeking to remove bias from the recruitment process
Focusing on new skills and lifelong learning – keeping the profession relevant
Improving data on social diversity and using results to drive forward change
Use digital tools to counteract legacy of closed professional networks
Engaging with social policy at a national level – to support and advise policy-makers on how to achieve greater educational and social outcomes