Mastering your career after 35

Participating in the panel discussion ‘A Career Beyond 35’ last week, got me thinking. Could the advice the assembled experts gave be summarised in five words?

So, I came up with this: Embrace change, lead with purpose. My fellow panellists Subarna Banerjee, Managing Partner of UHY Hacker Young; and Richard McNeilly, CEO of Dains, would agree; judging by the journeys they shared, with the roomful of aspiring accountants.

Personally, I’ve pivoted from a corporate career in the Big Four to running Sumer, a fast-growing accountancy group, championing SMEs across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Embracing change has allowed me to explore my entrepreneurial side. Safe to say, I haven’t looked back.

Take leaps into the unknown

By the time you hit 35, you’ve likely weathered some professional storms, closed a few spreadsheets at midnight, and learned more from mistakes, than victories. If there is one thing my years in accounting have taught me, it’s that the real mastery of your career begins when you embrace the idea that you’ll never stop learning. That’s especially true now, as our profession faces seismic shifts in technology, policy and uncertain business landscapes.

In other words: adaptability is going to be your best asset.

Take Generative AI as a prime example. Fifteen years ago, when AI first popped up in conversations, it sounded like another buzzword. Fast forward to today, AI isn’t just assisting with data processing; it’s reshaping how we as an industry think about analysis, auditing, and even decision-making. I believe the UK accounting community is discovering that AI technology frees us from the mundane and gives us space to provide strategic, creative insights, so we’re able to respond to shifting client needs.

Be curious about the tools that scare you. In a decade, they might be the very thing that sets you apart.

Don’t go it alone

Be intentional about working with like-minded people. I think this matters a great deal if you’re pursuing an executive career in accounting. I’ve persuaded former colleagues and friends to join me on this journey, to grow Sumer; we’ve built a remarkable team where values are shared and everyone gets on. Great things happen when surrounded by individuals who share your goals, values, and vision.

The same goes for the accountancy firms we invested in, forming the Sumer regional Hubs. Operating on a shared ownership model, we acquire local SME-focused practices with the same passion for serving our clients and the same care for our colleagues. They uphold individual identities and brands, meaning they remain local and feel local even though they’re part of something bigger.

Future leaders will have purpose

In ten years, the strongest leaders in accounting will be masters of their craft, but also purpose-driven, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Imagine a leader who walks into a room armed not just with financial expertise, but with emotional intelligence, technological fluency, and an inclusive mindset.

They’ll harness new technologies to optimise processes, but also foster diverse teams where everyone—regardless of background or identity—feels they belong. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community, I can’t overstate how vital diversity will be. As tech continues to evolve, the human touch—empathy, understanding, inclusion—will become ever more essential. The next generation of leaders will have to balance data with humanity.

You don’t always need a plan, but instead, find a clear sense of purpose that will fuel your passion for the long haul. For me, that purpose is championing SMEs by providing high-quality accounting services, enabling local communities to thrive. This focus keeps me motivated. Most of all, I can’t put a price on seeing my colleagues in our regional Hubs helping local firms grow and succeed.

Our recent United Growth survey of 610 British entrepreneurs, found that four in ten businesses came close to closing shop this year. Undeniably, it’s tough out there. Challenges ranged from high business taxes and government bureaucracy to difficulties hiring staff and accessing finance. This is where trusted, resourceful, and community-focused accountants can truly have an impact. It’s our job to lower that statistic.

So, what’s the secret to mastering your career after 35? It’s about staying agile and open to change, yes, but also staying true to your values. The world is changing, and the accounting profession is changing with it. The real question is: Are you ready to take the lead in this exciting transformation?