As part of a our new interview series, Emma Peterson, Director of Recruit121 and Finance Awards Wales, talks to a whole host of professionals in and around Wales’ thriving Finance Sector. This week Emma caught up Emma Friedl, Regional Executive, ICAEW Wales.

Tell me a bit about your organisation.

ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports over 178,500 chartered accountants and students worldwide. Over 3,000 of these chartered accountants are based in Wales – talented, ethical professionals who use their expertise to ensure we have a successful and sustainable future.

What are your future plans for the organisation in Wales?

Our aims are to develop student training opportunities for the ACA qualification and increase access to quality training and support for all of our members across the whole of Wales, so that they have the knowledge to help build, shape and influence our local economy. Our members are present on various government advisory boards and will continue to share their knowledge and insight with the government, regulators and business leaders in Wales as we believe accountancy is a force for positive economic change.

What was it about the Finance Awards Wales that made you want to get involved?

Following your very successful inaugural awards event in 2018, ICAEW (Wales) made the decision to be directly supportive and sponsor the 2019 awards event that recognise talented individuals and teams across all financial and accounting bodies. It’s also an opportunity for ICAEW to raise our profile beyond our local membership to a wider business audience in Wales.

Why are the awards important to Wales?

This is an opportunity to celebrate the strong financial and accounting sector in Wales with fellow professionals from the local business community.

How important is it for Welsh businesses to nurture future talent?

We have some fantastic companies in Wales. For the sustainability and competitiveness of the Welsh economy, it is essential that businesses give priority to investment in training which creates a local pool of talent that helps shape the future of, and maintain, business in Wales.

What would your advice be to someone looking to enter the industry?

ICAEW’s ACA qualification is a globally recognised qualification. It is a leader amongst the accountancy profession. For any young person entering the accountancy industry and considering the ACA, I would genuinely answer “Go for it. It will challenge you but your efforts are rewarded – it’s a global passport for job opportunities”.