iscoverMid-career learning helps accountants stay relevant, grow professionally and prepare for the evolving demands of the finance industry.
Mid-career upskilling: Staying sharp in a changing profession
04 July 2025
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5 minute read
Race Strauss FCPA | CFO, Virgin Australia Airlines
For accounting and finance professionals, the middle of a career often brings a mix of confidence and complexity. You’ve built a foundation of experience, earned trust and perhaps taken on leadership responsibilities.
But with the profession evolving rapidly – driven by technology, regulation and fast-changing business needs – there’s a growing imperative to keep learning.
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Upskilling mid-career isn’t just about staying current. It’s about staying engaged, expanding your impact and preparing for what’s next.
The case for continuous learning
According to a recent OECD report, mid-career professionals are less likely than early-career ones to undertake training and upskilling that could lead to future roles.
Yet the accounting profession is undergoing a transformation. Automation is streamlining routine tasks, data analytics is reshaping decision-making, and clients are expecting more strategic insight. Professionals who invest in learning are better equipped to adapt, lead and thrive.
Mid-career is an ideal time to reassess your skill set. Whether it’s brushing up on digital tools, exploring new areas like sustainability reporting or strengthening leadership capabilities, targeted learning can help you stay ahead of the curve.
It’s also a chance to rediscover your professional purpose. Many accountants find that upskilling reignites their passion for the work, opening doors to new roles or specialisations they hadn’t previously considered.
Learning that fits your life
One of the biggest barriers to mid-career learning is time. With demanding jobs and personal commitments, professionals need flexible options that fit around their lives. Online courses, micro-credentials and modular programs are increasingly popular, offering bite-sized learning that’s practical and accessible.
Employers play a key role here. When managers support upskilling – through funding, study leave or simply encouragement – it sends a strong message about the value of growth. It also helps build a culture of learning that benefits the whole team.
For managers, nudging team members toward professional development isn’t just good leadership – it’s a strategic investment. Teams with up-to-date skills are more agile, more innovative, and better positioned to deliver value in a competitive market.
Upskilling as a mindset
Learning isn’t just about formal qualifications. It’s also about cultivating a mindset of curiosity and adaptability. Staying open to new ideas, seeking feedback, and engaging with peers can be just as valuable as structured study.
Professional development can take many forms – mentoring, industry events, cross-functional projects or even short-term secondments. The key is to keep moving, keep growing and keep looking for ways to stretch your capabilities.
Looking ahead
The future of accounting will demand more than technical proficiency. Strategic thinking, digital literacy, ethical decision-making and leadership skills are essential. Mid-career professionals who embrace learning will be well-placed to lead this evolution.
Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Explore how becoming a CPA can support your growth and build a limitless future. Register now for our live or on-demand information session that suits you.
Employers: Book an inhouse Become a CPA information session for your team and explore how the CPA Program can support skills development.
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