The Future of Accounting 2026
A free careers evening for Year 12–13 students on 19 August 2026.
Curious about where a business degree could take you?
This free event for Year 12-13 students and parents/whānau will show you how studying accounting can unlock a versatile and rewarding career in business, healthcare, technology, construction, entertainment, and beyond - both in New Zealand and overseas!
Join us at The University of Waikato on Wednesday, 19 August from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
Top reasons to attend:
- Discover the diverse and surprising career paths open to accounting graduates - from helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses, to consulting for leading companies, to investigating financial crimes with the NZ Police.
- Hear first-hand from accounting professionals about the work they do for different organisations, and how AI is reshaping the future of business.
- Learn about Waikato's three-year Bachelor of Business in Accounting, how to qualify as a Chartered Accountant, and hear from a current student and a recent graduate.
- Enjoy free nibbles and refreshments from 6pm, and the chance to talk to industry experts at our expo stands.
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
Please check-in from 4.00pm.
Location: PWC Foyer & Lecture Theatre (MSB.1.04)
Level 1, Management School (MSB)
The University of Waikato, Hamilton
Free parking on campus from 4pm.
See map and parking directions below.
Event schedule:
Please check-in on arrival in the Level 1 foyer, before you enter the PwC Lecture Theatre (MSB.1.04), Waikato Management School, Hillcrest Road, The University of Waikato, Hamilton.
- Jennifer Kerr - Pro Vice-Chancellor, Waikato Management School
- Prof. Chris Akroyd - Professor of Accounting and Associate Dean Academic, Waikato Management School
- Angela Werder – Careers Engagement Manager - Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- Tracy Rickit – Account Manager, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- Miao Fan - Student Engagement Advisor, Management Student Centre (MSC), Waikato Management School
- Get an inside look at our Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting / Professional 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.
- Benjamin McGregor - Final-year accounting student
- Ashley Bruce - Recent accounting graduate, now a Consultant at Deloitte
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.
- Jennifer May – Forensic Accountant, New Zealand Police
- Matthew White - Managing Partner, PwC Waikato
- Robyn Marsh – Chief Financial Officer, DairyNZ
- Jared Eyes – Regional Manager Business & Agri Banking, ANZ
- 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.
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.