The Importance of Coaching for Accountancy Qualifications - Accounting Voices Podcast

Episode 63

The Importance of Coaching for Accountancy Qualifications

Published on: 15th August, 2019

Helen Pretty

Helen Pretty is a CIMA qualified Accountant specialising in Management Accounts within the manufacturing industry. Since her qualification, she has worked as a mentor on the CIMA mentoring programme, supporting and coaching qualifying accountants with their studies and career development.

In 2018, Helen setup her own coaching Business – Pretty Successful Careers – to support and coach qualifying accountants to successfully pass their exams, move up the finance career ladder and get that accounting job of their dreams. Shownotes:

  • More and more people are starting accounting qualifications but not finishing them
  • Accounting bodies are encouraging students to take more accounting qualifications more often
  • The role of a mentor or coach in helping accountants pass their qualification exams
  • The journey from wanting to be an accountant to become qualified, particularly if you are working and studying at the same time
  • The choices accountants have with the different accounting associations and governing bodies
  • Although double entry bookkeeping is less relevant for accountants in an age of automation, the theory of accounting qualifications remains the same
  • What makes a good accountant great and takes them to the next level
  • The difference between going into industry and going into an accounting firm to qualify as an accountant
  • The support packages available for would-be accountants are varied and there is much room for improvement
  • What’s different for women qualifying and being successful in an accounting career
  • What stops managers leaders in industry and accounting firms from helping and mentoring young entrants to succeed in their work and studies
  • How young accounting professionals can take the first steps in reaching out for help and mentoring
  • How you can best support students and qualifiers who are going through their accounting exams
  • The role of confidence in successfully passing difficult accounting exams and what specifically builds it
  • The importance of continued professional development (CPD) for newly qualified accountants
  • Things you can give your qualified accountants if you want them to stay and not to move on
  • Why the finance team is of vital importance in a business, and why the wider perception of the function doesn’t always help
  • How the data driven nature of accountants is sometimes at odds with the need to develop relationships
  • Getting your letters – how qualified accountants can benefit from ongoing career mentoring

Helen Pretty on the BD Academy Accounting Influencers podcast with Rob Brown

As well as a positive and enthusiastic attitude, Helen loves to focus on plans and strategy to make the most of her life, career and personal experiences. She takes every opportunity to travel the world (sometimes with her lovely but slightly crazy cavalier king Charles spaniel) and she always takes her camera with her to capture every moment. Contact Helen directly:

Helen on LinkedIn

Liked your Accounting Influencers Interview with Rob Brown" target="_blank">Helen on email

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About the Podcast

Accounting Voices Podcast
Accounting Voices helps people in the accounting world stay relevant visible and vocal. Host Rob Brown interprets trends reshaping the profession and gives listeners insight to build authority influence and a stronger voice in firms and markets.
Accounting Voices, hosted by Rob Brown, helps decision makers and leaders in accounting and finance stay relevant, visible and vocal in a profession being reshaped by technology, private equity, regulation and shifting client expectations. Each episode interprets the trends disrupting accounting and finance such as AI, automation, M&A, talent and the move to advisory and translates them into practical insight that strengthens authority and influence.
Accounting Voices is also a platform for the wider ecosystem of networks, associations, educators, consultants, software vendors and technology experts who serve accountants and finance professionals worldwide. It extends into regular Accounting Voices networking sessions that connect this audience and amplify ideas that move the profession forward. With its international reach and long shelf life the show delivers credibility and commercial value for listeners and sponsors alike. Search for "Accounting Voices" on YouTube for all episodes and connect with Rob Brown on LinkedIn to find out more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

About your host

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Rob Brown

ob Brown is the creator and host of the Accounting Voices Network, a media platform that includes the flagship solo podcast Accounting Voices and the panel shows Accounting M&A and Accounting Tech. He chairs conferences, panels and virtual events worldwide and is recognised as a leading advocate for the accounting profession.

He is an accomplished speaker and authority on trust, reputation, employer brand, talent, succession, executive presence and the forces shaping the future of accounting. Rob is the author of the bestselling book Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and his TEDx talk The Personal Brand of You has been viewed more than 400,000 times.

A former co-founder of the Accounting Influencers Roundtable, Rob now focuses on amplifying the voices of leaders, firms, networks, vendors and influencers across the global accounting ecosystem.

Outside of work he is a stroke survivor, lives with epilepsy, holds a black belt in kickboxing and is based in Nottingham, UK. He plays chess and backgammon, loves orange chocolate and is allergic to grapefruit.