Supporting workplaces to navigate post-Covid challenges needs to be a focus for Scotland’s skills bodies

Progress in developing routes into the accountancy profession but recruitment and retention a challenge

ACCA which trains and supports around 10,000 students and members working in accountancy and finance across Scotland, has highlighted the unprecedented scale and pace of employment flux in its response to the Scottish Government’s review of skills. 

In a wide-ranging response discussing the progress of the country’s skills landscape for accountancy and finance, the professional body highlighted that Scotland had made strong progress in developing multiple pathways into the profession, for example through the development of new apprenticeship routes.

However, post-Covid, with firms struggling to retain and recruit staff, ACCA suggests that Scotland’s education and skills bodies need to play a clearer role supporting employees and employers to navigate through new workplace challenges, including improving work experience for those in education, supporting the mental health and resilience of teams, and improving the management of hybrid working, including online learning. 

The industry body also highlighted the need to improve how professions and skills bodies work together to illustrate and illuminate career opportunities to learners, as well as teachers and parents; pointing out the need to better explain roles such as those in data analysis, where there is high employer demand. 

Commenting on ACCA’s submission to the review, ACCA’s Head of Scotland, Susan Love said: ‘It’s not surprising that the perma-crisis of the last three years has left a mark on Scotland’s workplaces. While professionals at all stages in their career have proved their resilience throughout the uncertainty and upheaval, we know that many employers and employees are struggling to make sense of where and what next.’

She continued: ‘With a shortage of skilled staff for many roles, we need Scotland’s workplaces to be firing on all cylinders to get us on the path to economic recovery. While there’s much to be proud of across our education and skills landscape, a stronger focus on increasing the number of innovative and productive workplaces will be key to meeting the ambitions for our economy.’

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Notes

  • The independent review of skills delivery landscape in Scotland is being led by James Withers, with the call for evidence to the review closing on 23 December.
  • For a copy of ACCA’s submission please contact ACCA news. 

About ACCA
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants.

We’re a thriving global community of 241,000 members and 542,000 future members based in 178 countries and regions, who work across a wide range of sectors and industries. We uphold the highest professional and ethical values.

We offer everyone everywhere the opportunity to experience a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. Our qualifications and learning opportunities develop strategic business leaders, forward-thinking professionals with the financial, business and digital expertise essential for the creation of sustainable organisations and flourishing societies.

Since 1904, being a force for public good has been embedded in our purpose. In December 2020, we made commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals which we are measuring and will report on in our annual integrated report.

We believe that accountancy is a cornerstone profession of society and is vital helping economies, organisations and individuals to grow and prosper. It does this by creating robust trusted financial and business management, combating corruption, ensuring organisations are managed ethically, driving sustainability, and providing rewarding career opportunities.

And through our cutting-edge research, we lead the profession by answering today’s questions and preparing for the future. We’re a not-for-profit organisation. Find out more at accaglobal.com

 

"we know that many employers and employees are struggling to make sense of where and what next"

Susan Love - ACCA Scotland