Simon Gallagher, senior equity partner, head of insurance, Moore Stephens LLP

Choosing a career in finance

While studying for my first business degree I became interested in the way organisations work and what makes them tick. How do businesses create value? What differentiates one organisation from another? What are the drivers that shape a particular firm’s strategy, structure, systems and processes that ultimately combine in a complex interaction to create success? Many of my own successes in my professional and academic career to date have been underpinned by developing a learning path centred on these issues. My experiences have provided me with the ability to ‘add value’ to my insurance industry clients, but I have always recognised that my journey to understand what makes organisations tick and how I can play a part is a continuous one.

Applying knowledge

One of the most important success factors in our profession is the ability to effectively apply knowledge in a huge variety of different situations, which will vary depending on the role, project and the task being undertaken. As accountants, we have to assume many different roles and levels of responsibility; sometimes over a short time span and perhaps concurrently. This might include the role of student, teacher, academic, technician or manager. The knowledge and skills required to play all of these are extensive and require constant replenishment and updating.

Advice to aspiring accountants

The key skills that graduates need for a career in accounting include analysis and independent thinking, an understanding of how businesses work – from an economic and behavioural aspect – and the ability to interact with people. Undergraduates can develop these skills by taking part in team working exercises and business games, speaking to practising accountants to understand what their day-to-day life is really like, reading relevant press and journals to find out what’s happening in the economy and seeking out work placements.