Future Accountants Unplugged

Toby York - The Future of Teaching Accounting

Toby is the founder of Accounting Cafe (https://accountingcafe.org/⁠ [https://accountingcafe.org/]), a community for people who believe that accounting education can be an engaging and enjoyable experience for teachers and learners. We chatted about the future of accountants, and accounting, some of the challenges and considerations in teaching accounting, and some fascinating topics in between! Ranging from the good old bookkeeping days of ‘box jobs’ (we definitely don’t have the same feelings about those!) to considering some of the questions around teaching accounting. I’d love to say we’ve solved all these challenges, but at the very least, we’ve raised some fascinating questions and ideas. Enjoy! https://www.coloraccounting.com/

Dr Chipo Simbi, PhD, FHEA - Failure!

No matter what goals we set ourselves, we're going to face challenges and setbacks. Chipo [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipo-simbi-phd-fhea-17210647/] and I recorded a chat when we met in Sheffield at the British Accounting and Finance Associations' Education SIG [https://bafa.ac.uk/subgroups/special-interest-groups/accounting-education/events/upcoming-events/accounting-education-sig-annual-conference-and-agm-2026.html] conference in May 2026. I love her story and her energy. Her approach to and perspectives on dealing with failure are inspiring.

Wes Towers - Communication & Value-add as accountants

Wes Towers is a designer, marketer, and founder of Uplift 360, a digital agency built on data-driven decision-making and smart use of AI. A few years ago, a formal valuation report said his business was worth less than the assets it held and flagged AI as a major risk. Instead of retreating, Wes reworked his business model, embraced automation and AI tools, and went on to create his most profitable year to date. He now shares practical, real-world lessons on using technology, communication, and strategic thinking to build a resilient, opportunity-rich career in a changing professional landscape. We chatted about communication, your role and value-add as an accounting outside of the numbers, leadership and of course, a little about AI. Visit: https://uplift360.com.au/ [https://uplift360.com.au/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/]

Tom Clendon - Sabotaging your studies?

Tom helps students pass their ACCA SBR exams, he’s been teaching and helping students pass high-level accounting exams for years. We chatted about how students sometimes sabotage their studies, how to balance life and work, and of course, whether the robots are going to take our jobs! Enjoy! You can find out more about Tom here. Contact him if you need help with your SBR Exam LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomclendonsbr/] Website [https://tomclendon.co.uk/]

Prof Arshi - SECURE: Startup Business Model Evaluation Tool

A lot of accounting students I know dream about being an entrepreneur. In Part 1 of my discussion with Professor Tahseen Anwer Arshi, we spoke about some of his research relating to entrepreneurship. In this episode, we chat about the diagnostic tool he developed to help entrepreneurs evaluate and improve their business models. It’s called SECURE, and we chat about what it can do for you. Prof. Tahseen Anwer Arshi Interim Dean, School of Business, Associate Provost for Research and Sustainability  / Director of AURAK Center for Entrepreneurship (ACE). https://aurak.ac.ae/faculty/prof-tahseen-anwer-arshi#nav-profile_info [https://aurak.ac.ae/faculty/prof-tahseen-anwer-arshi#nav-profile_info] SECURE (Startup diagnostic tool) https://www.securecanvas.net/ [https://www.securecanvas.net/]