ACCA has launched a 12-month programme for recently qualified members from Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe that is designed to boost their career development.
Applicants to this year’s Leaders of Tomorrow programme were asked about their career goals and aspirations, their current roles and how they think the programme will make a difference to them.
Those who have been selected for the initiative have now joined a network of peers and business leaders across Europe, and can also identify themselves as an ACCA ‘Leader of Tomorrow’. ACCA covers the training costs, and participants will receive up to 12 CPD units on completing the programme.
‘This journey has been a game-changer’
From January to December, programme participants will be attending a series of bi-monthly interactive webinars. The fully facilitated sessions include:
- two self-awareness and preference profile and workshops, delivered by organisational development company PreciseHR
- understanding and forecasting the economy
- harnessing AI’s power in the profession – decoding data
- a step-by-step guide to developing strategic thinking skills, offered by FBP Academy
- leading with impact
- psychological safety training with Flightdeck Solutions
- a celebration event
Cadre training
Caitriona Allis, ACCA head of Europe, says: ‘This is a great opportunity for members to get ahead in their careers, by adding to their skillsets and preparing themselves for future challenges. We have a really wide range of participants, so there is lots of different expertise to share.’
Six of the over 100 participants in this year’s programme are from Ireland, with others from Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine and 54 from the UK. Participants are drawn from a diverse range of industries and functions, including financial services, health, public sector, corporate finance, professional services, internal audit, and accounting firms.
‘Highlights include connecting with an inspiring network of future leaders across Europe’
Stephen Dee, head of financial operations at Irish telecom services provider eir, who took part in the inaugural programme in 2025, says: ‘I was thrilled to have been part of ACCA Europe’s Leaders of Tomorrow programme. This journey has been a game-changer, offering incredible insights into the future of finance and leadership.
‘One of the greatest highlights has been connecting with an inspiring network of future leaders across Europe. The collaboration, exchange of ideas and celebrating our collective achievements, has strengthened my network and fuelled my passion for finance and innovation.’
Over the next few months, AB will be talking to some of the participants about their career to date, what the Leaders of Tomorrow programme means for them, and how they see their career progressing. Look out for our regular ‘The view from…’ interviews to find out more.
