One of the highlights of my month was speaking at the ACCA Ireland AGM, which is always a joy. It’s a wonderful chance to catch up with old pals and meet new colleagues, and generally enjoy what we in Ireland call ‘great craic’.
It was extra special this time around because I had the chance to speak in broad terms about the new ACCA strategy, which came into effect on 1 April. We launched our previous strategy just as the world was struck by the pandemic. Looking back, I think it’s safe to say it served us well – but so much has changed since then. As well as worldwide lockdowns, we’ve faced geopolitical, economic, climate and technology disruption. So, the time is right to introduce a new strategy to take ACCA and its community forward.
As well as being shaped by a significant programme of research and analysis, the strategy has been built on the strong foundation of our purpose. We’re a force for public good and we lead the global accountancy profession by creating opportunity, with our values of inclusion, integrity and innovation. These reinforce everything we have stood for since 1904: who we are, how we act and why we exist in today’s world. They bring to life what’s so special about ACCA and its community, and the unique way we create opportunity and deliver value.
Adapt and transform
At the heart of the ACCA strategy, and designed to progress our purpose, is our bold ambition: to lead the accountancy profession for a changed world. Our strategic analysis tells us that it will be crucial for the profession to adapt and transform as we look ahead, and at ACCA we have the confidence – and the credentials – to lead the way forward. I also think it’s important to point out here how we talk about a ‘changed’ world.
There’s no going back to the way things were before
Of course, the world is ever-changing. But it’s our view that following the events of recent years, the world has changed forever. And for the profession, and the world, there’s no going back to the way things were before.
We have identified a set of new strategic outcomes to help drive our ambition forward:
Redefine the accountant. This reflects what ACCA has always stood for: thinking ahead, pushing boundaries and shaping the future for the profession. We’re going to identify how the role of the accountant needs to change and create the leading products that keep ACCA members at the forefront of a dynamic, thriving profession.
Drive career success. This is all about ensuring that ACCA members and future members are equipped with the flexible skills and connections to succeed in a changed world, positioning them firmly as the first choice for employers across all sectors.
Strengthen impact. We are uniquely placed within the profession to partner and drive action for a better tomorrow. We’ll work together to grow, nurture and inspire the ACCA community to deliver change for public good.
Build sustainable value. This focuses on the strategic capabilities that ACCA will prioritise as an organisation, including the stakeholder experience with ACCA, how ACCA offers learning, skills and careers, and ensuring ACCA’s business model is flexible and resilient to deliver sustainably and with impact.
Vibrant future
The strategy sets out how we will secure a vibrant future for ACCA by fulfilling our purpose, remaining true to our values and realising our bold ambition. I believe it has the potential to reinforce our leadership, drive positive change and inspire every one of us in the ACCA community to act as a force for public good while claiming new spaces for the profession.
Our strategic focus is all about being bold and seizing opportunity for the future
For the first year of the ACCA strategy, our strategic focus is all about being bold and seizing opportunity for the future. We’ll keep unlocking significant opportunity globally, and we’ll make the preparations needed for a successful and sustainable future. One of the highlights of this year’s plan for me is our focus on building member pride, and celebrating how our community makes such a positive difference in the world.
It’s going to be an exciting few months and years, and I know that ACCA and every member is ready to play their part in shaping the future of the profession so that together, we will build a better tomorrow.
