ACCA and the European Accounting Association collaborate to strengthen profession

ACCA and the European Accounting Association (EAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between academic leaders across Europe and professional body counterparts with a focus on advancing research, providing opportunities for upskilling and inspiring the next generation of students to pursue careers in accountancy.

This partnership aims to strengthen the link between university research and real-world work in accounting and finance. The goal is to make sure academic programmes match what the industry needs, while training the next generation of accounting and finance professionals, teachers, and leaders. By working together, both organisations want to create strong connections between classroom learning, new research and what the profession requires today.

Caitriona Allis, Head of Europe, ACCA, said: 'Europe is facing a critical shortage of qualified accountants, and universities are on the front line of the solution. This partnership with EAA is about working with educators to develop the tools, insights, and global perspectives to prepare students for the future of finance. By working together, we can make accounting education more dynamic, more connected to industry, and more attractive to the next generation.'

Araceli Mora, EAA President, said: 'The European Accounting Association is delighted to enter into this strategic partnership with one of the world's leading professional accountancy bodies. The shared ambition of EAA and ACCA is to strengthen the connection between high-quality academic research, education, and the evolving needs of the profession.

'By working together, we can help universities adapt their programmes to emerging challenges, support faculty in developing new skills, and inspire the next generation of accounting and finance professionals. This collaboration underscores the EAA's commitment to ensuring that academic insight continues to inform accounting practice, policy and education.'

The objectives of the partnership between ACCA and EAA are to:

• Provide the members of EAA access to ACCA's professional learning resources, research, and thought leadership
• Collaborate on joint research projects that generate insights for academia, policy, and practice
• Organise joint webinars, conferences, and events to exchange best practices in research, teaching, and curriculum design
• Encourage students to pursue careers in accounting while supporting their employability through research-led education
• Develop joint strategies to highlight the profession's importance and relevance in today's economy.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing research, strengthening the pipeline of future finance professionals, and ensuring that academic institutions are equipped to meet the needs of a rapidly changing profession.