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One recurring theme was the critical role of practical experience in developing well-rounded accounting professionals. Lauren Healy from Buzzacott, a top 25 accounting firm, highlighted some of the challenges she faces when recruiting new talent. While candidates often possess the technical skills, many struggle with communication, critical thinking, acceptance of failure or mistakes, and their overall confidence.

Healy emphasised that Buzzacott work hard to set realistic expectations for trainees and provide constant support as they navigate the transition from academic life to professional practice. “We want our trainees to break up with academic validation,” she noted, explaining that success in schools and university doesn’t necessarily correlate with success in the workplace. Their exam results will not define the accountant they seek to become.

Several educators shared programmes designed to give students hands-on experience:

• “Mind the Gaap” – Richard Cartwright from the University of Southampton has developed a series of events connecting students with local employers and alumni. This initiative provides valuable networking opportunities and gives students credit for extra-curricular activities.
• Charity Accounting Clinic – Pam Dodd from Liverpool John Moores University has implemented a program where final year students perform independent examinations of local charity accounts. This project not only gives students practical experience but also makes a tangible impact on society, having saved charities more than £20,000 in fees so far.

These initiatives also boost student confidence. As Pam Dodd noted, “Students have said that it gives them so much more to talk about when they are in an interview.”

• Tax and Accounting Clinic – Richard Jones and Shan Wang from Middlesex University have established a clinic offering free advice to local businesses and individuals on tax and accounting issues. This initiative exposes students to real client work and helps them see the broader context of their studies.

While these programs offer tremendous benefits, they’re not without challenges. Common hurdles include managing practical issues such as insurance and legal protection. The programmes that involve students interacting with clients require careful consideration of student availability, client needs, supervising students, ensuring students know when an issue is beyond their abilities and making sure they feel comfortable asking for help.

Richard Jones highlighted the challenge of scaling. “We have 80 students . . . if you have a client that comes in, you can involve one or two students. But the big challenge is, how do we extend the experience?”

Educators have found creative ways to address these issues. Partnering with professional bodies and local firms for training and support has been crucial. Setting clear expectations for students and providing constant communication channels helps manage workload pressures. Many have found success by starting small and gradually building up their programmes.

These initiatives align with broader trends in accounting education and practice. There’s a growing need to develop “soft skills” like communication and confidence, preparing students for a rapidly evolving technology landscape, and focusing on the social impact of accounting work.

Moreover, these collaborations benefit multiple stakeholders. Students gain invaluable experience, businesses and charities receive free or low-cost services, and universities strengthen their community ties. It's a win-win-win situation that enhances the overall ecosystem of accounting education and practice.

As these programmes continue to evolve, educators are exploring ways to expand their reach and impact. Ideas include creating virtual environments to involve more students, developing shareable resources for other educators, and seeking funding opportunities to support programme growth.

Educators are also exploring ways to maintain momentum during academic breaks. Shan Wang explained that the summer break is tricky to manage. “How do we bring the students back during the summer, so that we can keep the momentum, keep the projects going?”.

By continuing to innovate and collaborate, educators and industry professionals can ensure that the next generation of accountants is well-prepared for the complexities of the modern business world.

In conclusion, these initiatives represent a significant advancement in accounting education. They demonstrate that with creativity and collaboration, it’s possible to create meaningful bridges between academic learning and real-world practice. As the accounting profession continues to evolve, such innovative approaches will be help us to shape well-rounded, confident, and capable professionals ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.