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 with Ceri Maund, Engagement Manager, ACCA Cymru Wales.

Tell me about your business?

We are ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) we're the world's most forward-thinking professional accountancy body. We believe that accountancy is vital for economies to grow and prosper, which is why in Wales and all over the world we work to build the profession and make society fairer and more transparent.

We have more than 208,000 fully qualified members and 503,000 students worldwide with over 6,000 members and students based here in Wales. They're among the world’s best-qualified and most highly sought-after accountants – and they work in every sector you can imagine.

Our designation is known and trusted and we're all about connecting with and supporting businesses large and small, governments, educational establishments and opinion formers. We're on top of emerging trends, legislation and legal requirements and helping to shape them. Through this work we’re able to create the innovative, strategic-thinking accountants our fast-changing world needs.

Why did you choose to sponsor the Finance Awards Wales 2019?

We think it is imperative to recognise the finance talent and ability we have here in Wales. The creation of awards specific to finance professionals has been a long time coming which I think was illustrated by the hugely successful inaugural awards last year.

As a professional body that supports and nurtures the careers of its students and members in Wales we are thrilled to sponsor the awards and celebrate the success and achievements of all finance professionals across Wales.

What impact do you feel the Awards have made in the Finance sector in Wales?

I think the awards have had a huge impact on raising the awareness of the financial talent and organisations that we have in Wales. Not only giving individuals, teams and organisations the opportunity to be recognised but also improving the visibility of Wales as a great destination for companies to be located and do business.

How do you feel the Welsh economy will fare over the next 12 months?

During these unsettled political times the stability of the economy in Wales is paramount and our qualified finance professionals are the backbone of business supporting organisations and develop growth through their expertise. The growth of businesses combined with the talent pool we have as a country cements our reputation as the perfect destination for organisations to locate and build their businesses increasing employment, career progression and training opportunities for the next generation of finance professionals.

What plans do you have for your business in 2019?

Our plans in Wales are to continue to provide opportunity to those with the ability to become finance professionals and to support business growth through the development of our students and members. Recent changes in our syllabus mean that our students and members are future ready. Through our CPD and research provision we ensure that our members at the forefront of global developments in finance and leading the way in Wales.