My Finance Career from Nigeria to the UK

Thinking of building a career in finance, audit, or accounting in the UK? This episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with **Kehinde "Kenny" Ayoola**, an ACCA-qualified accountant and Senior in Audits & Accounts, to discuss what it really takes to build a successful finance career abroad. Kenny shares her journey from studying Computer Science to working in Deloitte Nigeria, transitioning into the UK, earning her ACCA qualification, and building a successful career across leading audit firms. We also discuss: ✅ Transitioning into the UK finance industry ✅ Big 4 experience — is it really necessary? ✅ ACCA vs ICAN and professional certifications ✅ How to get sponsorship opportunities in finance ✅ Communication skills that helped her succeed ✅ Why your work alone won't speak for itself ✅ LinkedIn, networking and professional visibility ✅ Advice for Africans building careers abroad **00:00** Introduction **01:18** Who is Kehinde Ayoola? **03:45** Why did she leave Computer Science for Accounting? **07:52** ACCA vs ICAN: Which is Better? **12:06** Is ACCA Worth It in the UK? **16:28** Can You Get a Finance Job Without ACCA? **20:14** What's It Like Working at Deloitte? **24:41** Do You Need Big Four Experience? **28:35** How Can You Get UK Sponsorship in Finance? **33:50** Biggest Career Mistakes Africans Make Abroad **38:22** Why Your Work Won't Speak for Itself **43:47** The Communication Skills Every Professional Needs **48:36** How to Stand Out at Work **52:10** Career Advice for Finance Professionals **55:18** Closing Remarks Whether you're a student, graduate, accountant, auditor, finance professional, or planning to relocate to the UK, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. **Connect with Kenny** https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayoola/ * * * Subscribe for more conversations helping Africans build careers and opportunities abroad. **Winning Across Borders Podcast** YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewabpod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-across-borders-podcast/ * * *