Outdated perceptions about what accountants actually do is helping to shrink the talent pipeline, according to new AAT research.
AAT found that the pool of new career entrants is narrowing as technology reshapes the realities of work, and deep-rooted socio-economic barriers continue to influence access to the profession.
Better career advice and wider access to meaningful work experience could help.
Sarah Beale, AAT CEO (pictured), said: “This research makes it clear that accounting isn’t struggling because of a lack of talent; it’s struggling because too many people still don’t see a place for them. Careers in accounting and finance are still shaped by an outdated, one-size fits all narrative, when we should be talking about the careers they lead to and the impact finance skills have in every business. People change careers, move between sectors and build experience in many ways, and finance skills are valuable wherever they go.”
Read the research here: Filling the Gap campaign report – Chapter 2: The talent pipeline
