Accounting Opportunities Abound

UCOL Accountancy students have been told there is a serious shortage of qualified accountants in the Manawatu.

A group from the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants visited UCOL on Friday 12 September to talk to UCOL and Awatapu College students about the opportunities available within the accounting profession.

Local chartered accountant Jason Driscole told the students: “There is a massive shortage [of qualified accountants] worldwide and in Palmerston North. So it’s good to know that if you get into study there is a demand for you out there.”

The visiting chartered accountants talked with students about job opportunities available locally and overseas, and the importance of gaining recognised qwualifications.

Because of the effect of the shortage on so many countries, and thanks to the high regard international employers have for New Zealand training, Mr Driscole said accounting qualifications are extremely portable. “It’s important to get tertiary qualifications because it gives you that seal of approval and gives you a leg up to where you want to be.”

A Department of Labour report puts the ‘serious skills shortage’ down to changing financial regulations here and overseas. The reports says new compliance standards in the wake of international scandals such as Enron and WorldCom are creating extra work for New Zealand firms dealing with American and Australian companies, and more work for qualified accountants.

Listening to the speakers were students from the New Zealand Diploma in Business and the National Certificate in Business Administration, and Year 12 accounting students.
From Awatapu College.

First year National Certificate in Business student Nicole Farrier said the chance to talk with experienced accountants was really valuable. “It’s a good opportunity to see what life is like outside of study, and to see what opportunities are available.”

Head of the School of Business and Computing, Catherine Snell-Siddle said that as part of the New Zealand Diploma in Business, students who major in accounting may qualify for the NZICA Accounting Technician qualification. This provides an excellent pathway into the profession.

“UCOL’s accounting students can be confident there is a highl demand for their skills, and upon graduating they will be equipped with well respected qualifications,” she said.

ENDS

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