Last week I attended a panel discussion titled “Careers Beyond 35” and it got me thinking. Can you summarize the advice given by the assembled experts in five words?
So I came up with this. “Embrace change and lead with purpose.” My fellow panelist Subarna Banerjee is a managing partner at UHY Hacker Young. Dains CEO Richard McNeilly would agree. Judging by the journey they shared with a roomful of aspiring accountants.
Personally, I pivoted from a career in a Big Four firm to run Sumer, a fast-growing accountancy group supporting small and medium-sized businesses across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Embracing change has allowed me to explore my entrepreneurial side. Let me tell you, I haven’t looked back.
Leap into the unknown
By the time you’re 35, you’ll have weathered a few professional storms, closed some spreadsheets in the middle of the night, and learned more from your mistakes than your wins. If my years of accounting work have taught me anything, it’s that true mastery of your career begins with embracing the idea of never stopping learning. That’s especially true now as our profession faces major changes in technology, policy, and an uncertain business environment.
In other words, your ability to adapt will be your greatest asset.
Let’s take generative AI as a typical example. Fifteen years ago, when AI first entered the conversation, it sounded like just another buzzword. Fast forward to today, AI is not only helping with data processing; As an industry, we are changing the way we think about analytics, auditing, and even decision-making. I think the UK accountancy community is realizing that AI technology can take us out of our day-to-day lives and give us the space to provide strategic and creative insights so we can respond to changing customer needs.
Be interested in tools that scare you. In 10 years, they may be what sets you apart.
don’t go alone
Be intentional about collaborating with like-minded people. I think this is very important if you are pursuing a career as an accounting executive. I convinced former colleagues and friends to join me on this journey to grow Sumer. We have built a great team with shared values and everyone gets along. Great things happen when you surround yourself with people who share your goals, values, and vision.
The same applies to the accounting firm in which we have invested, forming a Sumerian regional hub. We operate on a shared ownership model and have mastered our practice with a focus on local small businesses, with the same passion for serving our clients and the same consideration for our colleagues. They support personal identity and branding. So it’s local and feels local even though it’s part of something bigger.
Future leaders will have a purpose
In 10 years, the most powerful leaders in accounting will not only be masters of their craft, they will also be purpose-driven, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Imagine a leader walking into a room with not just financial expertise, but emotional intelligence, technical fluency, and an inclusive mindset.
Not only do we leverage new technology to optimize processes, but we also cultivate diverse teams where everyone feels included, regardless of background or identity. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I cannot stress enough how important diversity is to us. As technology continues to evolve, human touches such as empathy, understanding, and inclusion will become increasingly important. The next generation of leaders will need to balance data with humanity.
You don’t always need a plan, but instead find a clear sense of purpose that fuels your passion for the long term. For me, my purpose is to support small businesses and enable our communities to thrive by providing high quality accounting services. This focus keeps me motivated. Best of all, nothing can replace seeing colleagues at regional hubs helping local businesses grow and succeed.
A recent United Growth survey of 610 UK entrepreneurs found that four in 10 companies are close to going out of business this year. It’s definitely tough outside. Challenges ranged from high business taxes and government bureaucracy to difficulty hiring staff and accessing finance. This is where a trusted, resourceful, community-based accountant can have a real impact. It’s our job to bring that statistic down.
So what’s the secret to mastering your career after 35? It’s about staying agile and embracing change, but also staying true to your values. The world is changing, and the accounting profession is changing with it. The real question is: Are you ready to lead this exciting transformation?
