You’d be justified in thinking that education advisory is not your average career path for an ACCA member. Yet it is a development-focused and highly strategic field, making it a neat fit for anyone with an accounting and finance background.
One ACCA member taking the path less trodden is Calvin Wong Huey Neng FCCA, a senior education adviser for South-East Asia and Pacific at Cambridge University Press & Assessment. He is enthusiastically playing a part in enhancing the quality and effectiveness of education systems in the region, which, at a time of intensifying skills shortages, can only be a welcome endeavour.
‘It is incredibly fulfilling, as I can make a positive societal impact’
‘Working in education is incredibly fulfilling as it allows me to contribute to the development of future generations and make a positive societal impact, while from a career perspective, the sector offers numerous opportunities for growth and professional development,’ he says.
‘The challenges and opportunities are diverse, ranging from managing complex stakeholder requests to developing strategic partnerships. Additionally, the sector provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment, as I know my work helps shape the future of education and supports the development of resilient and inclusive education systems.’
Career scope
Institutions like Cambridge University Press & Assessment provide services that support needs analysis and policy recommendations, assessment design and development, English language learning, the production of learning materials, curriculum design and development, and teacher and school leader professional development.
Within the field, advisers provide expert guidance to educational institutions, governments and other stakeholders, helping them to identify opportunities for improvement and to develop strategic plans.
‘The role requires strategic insight and hands-on project management’
The headline relationship-building and opportunity-identification tasks involve strategic planning and business development. It requires close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to clearly understand needs and to develop technical and service requirements.
Another significant role is proposal development, which is about identifying the right resources to deliver value and competitiveness, while overseeing the progression of the proposals to ensure alignment with customer expectations. Advisers also manage strategic activities across a region, which can involve assisting colleagues with activities and representing the team in both internal and external initiatives.
‘Being an ACCA member has been incredibly beneficial, providing a solid foundation in finance and accounting, which is crucial for strategic planning and stakeholder management in the education sector,’ says Huey Neng. ‘This multifaceted role requires a blend of strategic insight, relationship management and hands-on project management.’
Getting in and getting on
Employers typically seek professionals with a mix of technical expertise and soft skills, such as strategic planning, relationship management and cross-cultural communication. ‘Excellent networking and diplomatic skills are indispensable,’ says Huey Neng. ‘Building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders requires strong interpersonal and influencing abilities.’
A solid professional qualification and experience in educational management, business development and compliance are highly valued. Other advantages are an understanding of finance, margins and P&L to support making informed business decisions.
‘An analytical mindset and problem-solving skills are critical’
Understanding financial principles and being able to manage budgets effectively are key elements, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that projects are financially viable. Additionally, the ability to interpret and analyse data helps in making evidence-based decisions, which is essential for driving successful educational outcomes.
‘An analytical mindset and problem-solving skills are critical, as they enable me to navigate complex challenges and develop effective solutions,’ says Huey Neng
Working in education can open up several career avenues. Professionals can move into roles such as educational consultants or senior managers in educational institutions.
‘The skills gained in finance, such as strategic planning, budgeting and stakeholder management, are highly transferable and valuable in the education sector,’ says Huey Neng. ‘Additionally, finance professionals can contribute to developing sustainable financial models for educational programmes, ensuring effective resource allocation to maximise impact. This field also offers opportunities to work with international organisations, NGOs and government bodies, further broadening career prospects.’
