Theatre 3 – Talent

Highlights from what the First Intuition team has seen at Accountex 2025.

Join us whilst we delve into the latest Talent Reports from ACCA and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the key findings and trends identified in these reports, offering valuable present-day insights into talent management and development. Understand the challenges and opportunities faced by professionals in the accountancy sector. Learn the strategies successful organisations use to attract, develop, and retain top talent. Discover how to create a robust talent management system that aligns with your organization's goals and enhances overall performance.

This session will delve into the importance of recognising and supporting a diverse workforce, with a special focus on neurodiversity. Learn about the growing awareness of wellbeing and how to effectively support your team members. Our experts will discuss the benefits and challenges of a multigenerational workplace, highlighting the need to adapt workplace culture to accommodate different generations. Discover strategies for embracing unique minds in the workplace and fostering an inclusive environment that drives innovation, enhances team dynamics, and improves overall productivity.

This session will shine a spotlight on implementing sustainability accounting, tackling challenges, engaging clients, and making a business case for these cutting-edge services. We'll explore the crucial role of upskilling/attracting fresh talent and hear about the journeys of two accounting firms that have embraced carbon accounting. Including how they have developed practical courses and adopted robust, transparent methodologies. We'll discuss how firms can balance the need to attract new talent with the challenge of delivering cutting-edge services and how sustainability is shaping the future of accountancy.

Join us for an insightful session featuring the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Lord Bilimoria, where we delve into the critical aspects of leadership and management (L&M) for the next generation. This session will focus on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Gen Z in the workplace. Discover how robust leadership and management practices can drive organisational growth and ensure a smooth succession process. Whether you're a current leader looking to develop your team or a Gen Z professional aspiring for leadership roles, this session will equip you with the tools/insights needed for success.

Join us for an exclusive session with Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer and a prominent business leader, as he shares his insights on scaling and supporting a business in today's dynamic economy. In this fireside chat, Lord Bilimoria will recount his personal journey, highlighting the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed to adapt and grow his business. Gain valuable tips on motivating your team and encouraging continuous professional development. This session will also feature a Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical advice from his wealth of experience.

As businesses demand more from their accountants, the profession is evolving to deliver strategic insights alongside traditional compliance services. The digital transformation of accounting has created an urgent need for firms to rethink processes, invest in new tools, and reimagine team roles. This session will explore the emergence of the "digital accountant," blending technical expertise with digital fluency, and discuss strategies for fostering a culture of innovation.

This panel discussion with experts in recruitment and technology will explore talent megatrends for 2026/7. Discover how AI is leveling the playing field for applicants and how hiring managers are responding. Panelists will share insights on in-demand skills and leveraging technology, including AI's dual impact on employment: displacement for some roles, productivity enhancement and new opportunities. Learn about long-term career planning challenges and how the accountancy industry is adapting by adjusting employee value propositions and retention strategies for valuable strategies and solutions to talent acquisition.

Discover why including young perspectives isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but the secret sauce to success in a fast-evolving fintech landscape. Hear from young working professionals Chloe, Yazz and Azisa and learn what it takes to attract and retain Gen Z in your organisation, with strategies to build loyalty in a generation that’s redefining career and workplace expectations. Dive into reverse mentoring and its game-changing potential for innovation and growth in the accountancy sector. This session will provide valuable insights on how to leverage the energy and ideas of young talent to future-proof your business.

We will explore the value of apprenticeships and the benefits of recruiting school leavers. Hear from industry leaders who have experience with apprenticeships and now mentor others, employers who have successfully implemented school leaver programs, and a current apprentice. Panelists will share their journeys, highlighting effective strategies for recruitment and development and how they've built robust internal recruitment and training programs. Whether you want to enhance your talent pipeline or develop a training program, this session will provide insights and practical advice for growing talent from within.

Employers are actively seeking skilled Finance Business Partners to help drive their organisations forward, while finance professionals are eager to step into dynamic Finance Business Partner roles to make a meaningful impact. Join experienced recruitment consultants as they share valuable insights into what employers are truly looking for in candidates versus what candidates can offer. Gain practical tips on how to bridge the gap and better align your Finance Business Partner skills with employer expectations to enhance your chances of success.

In a competitive world, future-ready businesses are embracing change by integrating cutting-edge technology and rethinking how they manage talent. This session examines how businesses are embedding digital capabilities into their culture, leveraging technology to enhance recruitment, and creating a dynamic work environment that attracts and retains top talent. Gain actionable insights to thrive in the digital era.