You'd think the height of the nasty old credit crunch would be the worst possible time to be thinking about a career in anything to do with the financial world.
And for many types of job, you could be right - investment banking, we're looking at you especially here. But back in 2008 The Independent reported that the credit crunch meant there had never been a better time for wannabe accountants.
Yes, we know it's tough to find a silver lining for the dark cloud which has hung over the the finance industry, but it does appear the turmoil was expected to lead to an increase in demand for talented accountants.
Tony Osude, then head of learning and development at ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), told The Independent: "At times of greater financial risk, good accountants are needed to help manage the risk.
"It's a time when you would certainly expect to see more accountants in areas such as organisational restructuring and insolvency and it's a time when consumers of financial products - sophisticated consumers - are finding they need more advice than ever about these products."
And it's not just during the tough times that accountants might see their knowledge and skills in demand - in the article Deloitte's head of graduate recruitment Sarah Shillingford pointed out that the status of accountancy qualifications - and the fact you've put in the hard work and had the dedication to gain them - leads to good job security in the long-term.
But, that was then - what about now? What's the current climate in the profession? Is it still a good time to be starting a career in accountancy? How do you qualify and what if you don't have a degree? What's the difference between a Big Four employer and a smaller firm? Answering these questions and more will be a panel of accounting experts - join them on Wednesday 7 September in a live Q&A between 1pm and 4pm.
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Our panel:
Jeremy Leigh is a qualified accountant and a business development manager at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a global accountancy body that offers a range of accountancy qualifications.
Mark Shackleton is professor of finance and head of the Department of Accounting and Finance at Lancaster University Management School (LUMS). He has worked in accounting and finance for 15 years at LUMS and Said Business School at the University of Oxford.
Nadim Choudhury is head of career services and employability at London School of Business and Finance (LSBF). He has more than nine years experience working with global business schools.
Alan Moore has run his own accountancy practice - Alpha Business Services - for the past 10 years. Alan initially started his career as a trainee accountant and has held senior accounting positions at a variety of companies.
Laura Nanson is an ACA graduate trainee working in the corporate team at Moore and Smalley chartered accountants and business advisers. Laura joined Moore and Smalley in 2009 - she will be taking her final exam in November to qualify as a chartered accountant.
Melvyn Carter is the senior partner at CBW, a firm of chartered accountants and business advisers. As well as being a chartered accountant, Melvyn is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and a licensed insolvency practitioner.
Tom Walker joined Wellers, a firm of chartered accountants and business advisers, in 2008 after he finished his A-levels. He is halfway into the ACA qualification and he works in accounts preparation, audit and tax services.
Deepaman Prabhakar is a qualified accountant working for Taxclaim Accountants, an accounting, tax and business advisory services company. Deepaman has experience across a wide range of industries, covering small to medium size companies.
Darren Nicholls is key account manager at the the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), a qualification and membership body for accounting and finance staff.
Julia Attridge is assistant director of education and membership at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). Julia has responsibility for qualifications, professional development, employer relationships and volunteer networks.
Imogen O'Mahony, PwC undergraduate programmes manager, is joining us between 1 - 2.30pm. Trainee accountant Jennifer Cheeseman is also joining us - she joined PwC's Sheffield office in April 2010 and works in the assurance practice while also studying for the ACA qualification.
Matthew Blake joined Ernst & Young as a graduate trainee in 2008. He has now qualified as a chartered accountant and works in transactions tax, based in Reading.
