In this ‘Insights In Focus’ episode, we discuss ways to attract and retain talent in the accounting profession. Last year saw the UK accountancy sector’s graduate intake fall for the first time since 2008. Meanwhile, job applications across the sector fell by more than a third, compared with 2021. While the numbers have coincided with significant economic challenges, questions remain about how accountancy is perceived as a profession – and, in particular, whether it is seen to offer a rewarding career over the long term. Host Philippa Lamb discusses the issues with Gillian Woolman, Audit Director at Audit Scotland; Dave Payne, Head of Access and Volunteer Programmes at ICAEW; and Jackie Crane, an ICAEW member who chose to leave accountancy. Links ICAEW attractiveness of the profession hub: https://www.icaew.com/about-icaew/who-we-are/attractiveness-of-the-profession ICAEW: ACA for Employers: https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/aca/aca-employersICAEW President Julia Penny: to attract talent, let’s focus on why we matter: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2022/dec-2022/to-attract-talent-lets-focus-on-why-we-matterHost Philippa Lamb Guests Gillian Woolman, Audit Director, Audit ScotlandDave Payne, Head of Access and Volunteer Programmes, ICAEWJackie Crane, ICAEW member and former practising accountantProducer Natalie Chisholm   Episode first published: 3 March 2023 Podcast recorded: 23 February 2023