IT was day for figures when professionals from the world of accountancy, students and lecturers gathered at Worcester Business School to share ideas and expertise.

The Meet the Accountancy Professionals networking and showcase event was organised as part of the University of Worcester future weeks. It aimed to boost the numbers and skills of the professional network of Worcester’s budding accountants and showcase the university's new BA (Hons) accounting degree.

Representatives of Haines Watts Group Services, Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants, Grant Thornton UK LLP, Moorfields Corporate Recovery, Thorne Widgery Chartered Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales shared experiences and opened up new horizons and opportunities to current students.

Mark Richardson, head of Worcester Business School, said: “It is terrific to gather together future accountants, academic and experienced professionals from key organisations in the region, who are setting the trends and the best practices in this exciting profession. This event is a fantastic example of the successful work we do in expanding our business links and providing new work opportunities for our students and graduates.”

Trish Sayers, Director of Haines Watts Group Services Worcester, who presented at the event, said: “Haines Watts is a national firm of accountants and our Worcester office is working with the University to increase the awareness and understanding of the accountancy profession as a first choice of career for graduates. We were delighted to present and give students the opportunity to hear first-hand about working in the profession. Worcester has a thriving business community and graduates should look locally for career opportunities, as many employers are keen to employ local people."

The accountancy degree at Worcester has been awarded exemption accreditation by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Institute of Financial Accountants.

Students who complete the degree programme can now gain exemption from a significant proportion of the professional exam papers with these institutes, awarding them credit for prior learning. Some of the exemptions are also available to students whose degrees are on the Business, Accounting & Finance pathways.