Charis Konstantinopoulou BFP, ACA, CPA is a manager at KPMG Greece & Chair of the Greece Chartered Accountants Student Society (GCASS). She shares her journey to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, and how ICAEW’s global standards empower accountants to act as strategic advisors who don't just react to world changes - but actively help shape them.
In the world of international business and finance, a "solid foundation" is more than just a buzzword; it is the bedrock of trust upon which entire careers and economies are built.
As Charis looks back at her journey to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, she is adamant that the ACA qualification was the "ticket" that allowed her to fulfill her professional goals and navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape.
A journey of growth and resilience
Charis became an ICAEW member in 2022—a milestone she describes as one of the happiest days of her life. “Like many students, I found the initial stages of the ACA challenging. It required rigorous discipline and a shift in mindset,” she explains.
However, the impact on her daily work was immediate. “Each time I returned to the office after a period of study, I felt a tangible shift in my abilities. My time management improved, my critical thinking sharpened, and I found myself better equipped to identify what was truly important to our clients.”
Her ACA studies weren’t just teaching her how to balance books; she was learning how to identify risks, apply international standards, and provide the high-level professional scepticism that the industry demands, she says.
Beyond the numbers: building a community
Alongside her ACA studies, Charis has played an instrumental role in the growth of the Greece Chartered Accountants Student Society (GCASS), serving as Chair since its formation in 2020, leading a dedicated team to build a strong, supportive network for students across Greece.
It’s one of my greatest passions and continues to drive me today,” Charis says. “We recognised early on that while the ACA is a rigorous individual pursuit, no one should have to do it alone.
As Chair, Charis is committed to ensuring that the society remains a vital space where students can meet, share ideas, and build the self-confidence necessary for the profession. “Each year, as more members join our ranks, we strengthen the ties between the next generation of accountants and the global ICAEW community.”
The impact of the ACA today: beyond the technicals
Now, as a Manager at KPMG, Charis says the value of her ACA qualification goes way beyond technical expertise. “It also gave me something equally valuable: professional "gravitas." It is the ability to walk into a boardroom and speak with an authority that is backed by years of rigorous training.
Having earned the ACA designation, I operate with a heightened sense of readiness and assurance. This qualification serves as a hallmark of quality that fosters deep trust with my clients and colleagues, as it stands for the rigorous standards I have worked so hard to achieve.
ICAEW is recognised as a global brand that signifies a commitment to the highest ethical standards, Charis says. “To be an ICAEW member is to represent a standard of excellence that is understood - whether you are in Athens, London, or anywhere else in the world.”
For Charis, the ACA qualification has had an impact on the way she approaches complex problem-solving. “It has taught me to look beyond the numbers to the "why" behind them,” she explains.
Looking forward: leading through transformation
The accounting profession is undergoing a profound transformation – from being "gatekeepers" of financial data to becoming strategic advisors in a world that demands transparency beyond the balance sheet.
For Charis, one of the most significant practical shifts resulting from that transformation is the rise of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. As stakeholders look beyond profit to additional areas including sustainability, ethical impact, and long-term value creation, this requires a new level of professional agility.
Fortunately, the ACA journey prepares ICAEW members for exactly this kind of evolution, Charis says. “The rigorous training we undergo doesn't just teach us current laws—it teaches us how to learn and how to apply ethical frameworks to brand-new problems. Whether it is navigating the complexities of new climate disclosure standards or integrating AI into our audit processes, the "solid foundation" I gained through my qualification ensures that we are prepared for everything the future throws at us.”
As we look toward the future, Charis says it’s essential that the accountancy profession remains as dynamic as the markets it serves. By embracing the constant evolution of global business and leaning on the rigorous skills and ethical framework provided by the ICAEW, ACA-qualified accountants ensure that the highest standards of professional integrity and business excellence are maintained.