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head - Centre for Competitiveness, University of Luton, UK

'I was attracted to ACCA because it was a much more rounded qualification with less audit emphasis than the chartered qualification,' states Professor Colin Coulson-Thomas. 'ACCA has proved to be a body whose aspirations have reflected the international nature of my responsibilities and activities over the years - it is an international enterprise that promotes high standards of professional conduct.'

Since gaining his PhD (Aston, 1988) Colin's further published output has included over 30 books and numerous other book contributions, research reports, management briefings and articles.

Colin's work has formed the basis of four EU-funded national initiatives (Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain) involving, among other things, a programme of workshops he delivered to founders and general managers of high-tech companies.

In addition Colin has served as an elected member of Council of the Foundation for Science and Technology and the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee, and on public sector boards among many other active contributions to public life.

The advice that Colin would give to those entering the profession now is, 'strive to remain vital and current after qualification. Common sense, keeping your feet on the ground, being realistic, and above all acting with integrity have never been more important, when so many people seem prepared to accommodate to fit in or further their own interests. High standards of personal and professional conduct are vital for an open, competitive and mutually beneficial global trading environment.'

'Responsibility in the context of accounting means honest and fair reporting, doing what is right from the perspective of all the multiple stakeholders. It is also important to get an appropriate balance between today and tomorrow, and particularly not try to make today look better at the expense of tomorrow.'