22 February 2015
Emirati graduates must develop their commercial awareness skills if they are looking to stand out from the crowd for recruiters, according to ICAEW, the world leader of the accountancy and finance profession.

ICAEW held its first Commercial Awareness Session in Emaar Square last week in collaboration with PwC's Academy. 43 Emirati students from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah attended the session, which is part of ICAEW's on-going initiatives to support Emiratisation in the UAE. One of the key take-aways for delegates was that students tend to lack an understanding of some business principles which are fundamental to the workplace.

Speaking at the workshop Michael Armstrong, FCA, ICAEW Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, said: "Nowadays, graduates hoping to compete in any sector of the job market, from law to accountancy, will need to demonstrate commercial awareness when they make online applications, go to interviews and attend assessment centres.

"It is vital that modern graduates understand the importance of possessing commercial acumen, and we are delighted to be working with PwC's Academy to help them gain these essential skills. This will give bright young Emiratis a competitive advantage in the workplace."

Being commercially aware includes the ability to view situations from a commercial or business perspective, understanding what makes a business successful, considering factors that influence success and understanding the business processes, relationships, risks and costs.

PwC's Academy's Partner, Amanda Line, FCA said: "Businesses today are looking for a highly skilled and motivated workforce. This is why we are taking the lead in developing local talent; helping them feel more confident and prepared to enter their chosen industry sector. We would like to thank ICAEW for introducing this initiative and we look forward to partnering on other programmes to contribute to the development of a national workforce."

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About ICAEW
1.ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports over 142,000 chartered accountants worldwide. We provide qualifications and professional development, share our knowledge, insight and technical expertise, and protect the quality and integrity of the accountancy and finance profession.

As leaders in accountancy, finance and business our members have the knowledge, skills and commitment to maintain the highest professional standards and integrity. Together we contribute to the success of individuals, organisations, communities and economies around the world.

Because of us, people can do business with confidence.
 
2.ICAEW is a founder member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and the Global Accounting Alliance.

Media enquiries:
Jamie Douglass, ICAEW press office, on +44 (0)20 7920 8718 or email James.Douglass@icaew.com.

Mutaz Albadri, Mojo PR, on +971 (0)50 570 6785 or email mutaz@mojo-me.com.

© Press Release 2015