Meet the teacher: Anna Hardy-Watmough

The CPAA's Level 5 Professional Certification in Public Practice Accountancy launched last year with the first cohort joining in 2025. This qualification was specifically created to help aspiring and current accountants to perform and prosper in a rapidly evolving field.

Students learn the latest industry issues from experts in their fields, with uptake and attendance at live sessions proving excellent. The inaugural intake of students are progressing well and have already booked onto the August assessment. With applications for next year opening in October, early enquiries suggest continued strong demand.

Among the experts delivering this qualification is Anna Hardy-Watmough, who brings a wealth of practical and academic experience to the Financial Reporting and Analysis component. With her unique blend of Big Four training, industry experience, and over a decade in professional education, Anna provides students with both pre-recorded content on CPAA Learn and engaging live revision sessions.

We caught up with Anna to learn more about her background, teaching approach, and insights into the Level 5 qualification:

Can you tell us about you and your background, moving from accounting to academia?

I trained as an ACA Chartered Accountant at Deloitte after completing a non-relevant degree, and worked there for four years. After a short stint in industry, I joined Kaplan, teaching professional papers across ICAEW/ACCA and CIMA. I then moved to Manchester Met University in 2013, as I was interested in being able to develop courses and have more of a pastoral role. I moved into teaching as when I did my own accounting qualification I really enjoyed being in college, and thought it looked like a role I would enjoy!

What topic do you cover in your role as a lecturer on the CPAA Level 5 qualification?

I cover the Financial Reporting and Analysis part of the syllabus, looking at accounting standards and analysis of entities.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching practicing accountants?

I enjoy relating knowledge to business, and ensuring that practicing accountants understand both the rules and legislation, alongside the rationale for this.

How do you keep your teaching current with the real challenges facing accountants?

I have to keep up to date with CPD as part of professional body requirements, and am involved in the ICAEW Manchester Network, where I speak to those working across practice and industry and attend various sessions. I also read industry publications, and attend conferences and seminars for academics working in Accounting and Finance.

What advice would you give to anyone considering the Level 5 qualification?

I would say go for it, having a formal qualification can help you stand out, and ensure you have the most up to date and relevant technical knowledge. Balancing work and study is always a challenge, so manage your time effectively ensuring you have time for breaks and to do things you enjoy – it can feel like a slog, but is definitely worth it!

What makes the live lectures format effective for professional development?

Live lectures are effective as you can ask questions, usually everyone is wondering the same thing! It also allows you to go over things, and then with recordings you can go back over sessions if there's anything you have missed.

What do you do for your own professional development to stay sharp?

I have CPD requirements as part of my professional body membership, which keeps me current with the latest developments in financial reporting. I regularly attend seminars and conferences, and I also complete additional courses to deepen my expertise in specific areas.  This ongoing development is essential – it also ensures that what I'm teaching remains relevant and valuable to practicing accountants who need to stay ahead in an ever-changing profession.

Find out more about the Level 5 qualification at: https://cpaa.co.uk/Professional-Certification#