We are in a period of great uncertainty accompanied by huge opportunities, but as an accountant I recognise that the profession seems particularly unprepared for the profound changes in the workplace that are necessary to thrive.

In fact, the profession itself emerged in a similar period of disruption. The large number of company failures during the Victorian period increased the demand for those who could administrate their affairs. Legislation led to an explosion of enterprising book keepers, attorneys who eventually formed what is now the accountancy profession.