Theatre 2 – ACCA Thinkers

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the accounting profession faces an increasingly complex set of challenges, from emerging technologies and data-driven decision-making to growing demands for sustainability and regulatory compliance. This event will focus on the critical importance of continuously updating and expanding skill sets to meet these challenges head-on.
Join us for an insightful session that explores how the integration of data, technology, and sustainability considerations is reshaping the role of accountants.

The journey to becoming ACCA-qualified has never been more diverse, with multiple pathways now available, including apprenticeships, university degrees, college diplomas, and the AAT route. This session will demystify these options, providing valuable insights for both aspiring accountants and employers looking to attract and develop talent.

Whether you're a student planning your future or an employer seeking to upskill your team, this session is your guide to leveraging ACCA's flexible routes to success

Join Martin Brennan, CEO and Founder of Onside Accounting as he is put to the test by his team. In this session, Martin will be “reacting under pressure” as his team ask tough questions about the strategies, decisions, and lessons that fuelled his rapid growth in under 3 years. It’s a unique chance to dive deep into the formula for sustained growth and ongoing success.

Finance professionals are often made responsible for leading technology procurements or delivering change within their business.

This session covers the essential project management skills to help you choose the right technology, select the best provider, secure stakeholder buy-in, and ensure on-budget project delivery - while avoiding common pitfalls. There will also be a live demo of a modern, interactive project management course.

This session explores why climate preparedness is essential, covering regulatory changes and the financial consequences of climate-related disasters. It will also address the risks of false or misleading sustainability reporting, including greenwashing and regulatory penalties. Attendees will learn key steps and skills to integrate sustainability into financial reporting, assess climate risks, and ensure transparent, accurate disclosures that support long-term business resilience.

A session focusing on economic trends, forecasting, and their implications for accountants in areas including financial planning, risk management, and strategic decision-making.

Join us for refreshments and chance to meet the UK team at ACCA to ask your questions as well as get to know ACCA colleagues.

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, accountants must stay ahead of cyber threats and evolving technologies to protect sensitive data and maintain trust. This session dives into the latest cybersecurity risks, emerging tech trends, and practical steps every accountant needs to take to secure their digital operations.

In this candid session, practice owners share their personal journeys in managing stress, avoiding burnout, and creating a sustainable work-life balance. Through first hand insights and actionable strategies, we’ll explore how to recognise the signs of mental health struggles and foster a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health - because a thriving practice starts with a thriving practice owner

Join two AML experts from ACCA as they uncover the most common compliance failures and, more importantly, how to avoid them. This insightful session will equip you with the knowledge to strengthen your firm’s AML processes, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and protect your business from costly missteps.

We live in politically and economically volatile times. While there are gains to be had through the development of more effective and efficient collection methods of tax, one of the simplest and most cost-effective options will be to raise ‘tax morale’ - the propensity of taxpayers to voluntarily engage with the tax system.
Join ACCA and HMRC as we unpick how taxpayers perceive the existing systems, and who is best trusted to help improve those perceptions, and who will be fundamental in building enhanced trust and engagement

In the biggest global talent survey across the accountancy profession, our latest annual Global Talent Trends Survey 2025 provides a unique and vital view of how people feel about their life at work.

This session dives into the UK responses, from a broad range of sectors, enabling us to get a deeper understanding of attitudes among the UK accountancy and finance workforce about issues such as job mobility, AI, and the cost of living crisis.