The Future of Accounting 2026
A careers event on Wed, 19 August 2026 for secondary school students in years 12-13. Proudly hosted by Waikato Management School in partnership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Discover how a career as a Chartered Accountant can unlock global career opportunities and make epic things happen!
Join us at The University of Waikato on Wednesday, 19 August 2026 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
This careers event is open to all secondary school students in years 12-13, as well as business studies teachers, careers advisors, and parents/whānau.
Top reasons to attend:
- Find out how accountants are helping to detect financial crimes, advise entrepreneurs, and shape smarter decisions in business and government.
- Hear from industry pros about how accountants are using artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies.
- Get the inside scoop on our three-year Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Professional Accounting.
- Learn why today's employers are looking for a broader range of skills and personal attributes in the next generation of accountants.
- Stick around from 6pm to enjoy free nibbles and refreshments while you mix and mingle.
This event is proudly hosted by Waikato Management School in partnership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).
Time & location
When: Wed, 19 August 2026
Time: 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Location: PWC Lecture Theatre (MSB.1.04)
Level 1, Waikato Management School
The University of Waikato, Hamilton
Free parking on campus from 4pm.
See map and parking directions below.
Event schedule (Subject to change)
Please check-in on arrival at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts (GAPA) and find a seat inside the Concert Chamber.
- Jennifer Kerr - Pro Vice-Chancellor, Waikato Management School
- Prof. Chris Ackroyd - Deputy Head of School and Professor of Accounting, Waikato Management School
- Angela Werder – Careers Engagement Manager - Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
-
Neal McDiarmid – Regional Manager, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- Sarah Robson - Team Lead, Management Student Centre (MSC), Waikato Management School
- Get an inside look at our Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting, including entry requirements, the papers you'll take each year, and choosing a 2nd major or minor subjects.
Hear what it's like to study accounting at the University of Waikato.
- Ashley Bruce - Recent graduate of the Bachelor of Business in Professional Accounting
- Ben McGregor - Final-year accounting student
Hear from a panel of industry professionals as they share what it takes to build a successful career in accounting. Discover why accountants are more focused on strategy and problem-solving than numbers, and how AI and technology are reshaping the profession.
- Robyn Marsh – Chief Financial Officer, DairyNZ
- Jennifer May – Forensic Accountant, New Zealand Police
- Jared Eyes – Regional Manager Business & Agri Banking, ANZ
- Matthew White - Managing Partner, PwC Waikato
- Natasha Harvey - Chief Financial Officer, DEC International
- Alex Whitehead – Associate Director, Deloitte
- Hayley Wright – Director, PKF
- Angie Stewart – Technical specialist, Inland Revenue
Please stay around after the event to enjoy free nibbles and refreshments.
This is also a great opportunity to meet some of our guest speakers and ask them questions.
Event concludes.
Register by 7 August
Highlights video
Watch the highlights video from our 2025 Future of Accounting event!
Then find out how you can study to become a Chartered Accountant at the University of Waikato, with our three-year Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Accounting.
Parking on campus
Study Accounting at Waikato
Find out how you can study to become a Chartered Accountant at the University of Waikato, with our three-year Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Accounting.