The view from Lisseth Burgos ACCA

I’m very people-oriented and also actively involved in culture and values-led initiatives. I put a strong focus on helping people feel seen, supported and confident as they navigate change. I find it hugely rewarding to work alongside people who are deeply knowledgeable and genuinely generous with their expertise.

My route into financial services wasn’t a straight line; I initially trained as a lawyer before transitioning into accountancy. It’s a journey that has shaped how I think; I value rigour and precision, but I’m equally curious about context, people and the bigger picture behind the numbers.

I’m currently working on a finance transformation programme, helping ensure our people, processes and platforms are ready for the transition to new systems. My focus is on business readiness, stakeholder engagement and the design and rigorous testing of future-state finance processes. I work closely with experts across finance, technology, programme delivery and assurance to translate complexity into practical, sustainable outcomes.

In the role, I’m encouraged to step outside my comfort zone, try new approaches, and solve complex, often bespoke challenges that stretch both my thinking and creativity. Being part of a transformation programme also offers an eagle-eye view of the finance function, helping me understand how the different pieces connect and work together.

A current challenge is preparing the business for go-live as part of the system transformation, which is both demanding and exciting. A strong focus on business readiness, clear communication and collaboration across teams is helping ensure people feel supported and confident. As go-live approaches, it is rewarding to see months of preparation align, reflecting care, collaboration and commitment behind the change.

As one of Ireland’s pillar financial institutions, Bank of Ireland needs no introduction. With operations across Ireland, the UK, the US and international markets, supporting millions of personal, business and corporate customers, the bank plays a central role in supporting households, enterprises and the wider economy.

My involvement with ACCA has shaped not just my career but my sense of professional purpose. I’ve been fortunate to take part in initiatives such as the ACCA Schools Programme, which aims to broaden how secondary school students perceive the accountancy profession and its career paths. I also recently contributed to global discussions on career pathways, helping inform research shaping the future of the profession.

Being selected as an ACCA Leader of Tomorrow feels both affirming and humbling. The programme is highly competitive and recognises recently qualified members who have demonstrated impact early in their careers, so I’m grateful for the recognition of my contribution to a more positive, people-centred culture within financial services. I’m excited to deepen my learning across core areas of the programme, including strategic thinking, economic insight, and the responsible use of data and AI.

After a long day, I enjoy the feeling of being tired. It is, after all, a privilege to be tired from doing things you once dreamed about. To recharge, I slow things down. I enjoy practising mindfulness, reflecting on what matters to me, and staying present. Alongside my to-do list, I keep a list of things I’ve achieved, which helps me stay grounded, cultivate gratitude and appreciate how far I’ve come.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is not to chase the next rung on the ladder while missing the richness of the journey itself. Fulfilment isn’t something to postpone until a title or milestone is reached; it comes from being present, authentic and genuinely curious about the world around you.