A FINANCIAL and accountancy recruitment consultancy is bringing Saints legend Matt le Tissier off the bench to share his experiences with new entrants to the industry.

Sheridan Maine are launching a new training and development programme for finalist and newly qualified accountants across the South Coast, Thames Valley and Bristol.

The series of events, dubbed the Career Academy, has been launched following recent research by Harvard, Carnegie Foundation and Stanford Research Centre that found that 85 per cent of a professional’s career success comes from their people skills.

People skills, often referred to as soft skills, cover a wide selection of attributes including presentation, interview, leadership, teamwork, decision-making and time management skills.

Working in conjunction with the Southern Society’s Young Chartered Accountants Group (YCAG) and the Southern Chartered Accountants Student Society (SCASS), Sheridan Maine are inviting finalist and newly qualified accountants to spend an evening with them alongside speakers Matt Le Tissier, Steve Jones and Mike Carter.

Le Tissier, will be sharing his journey from Premier League player to successful football pundit, panellist and columnist.

Steve Jones, motivational and leadership coach will then provide some interesting insight into the psychology behind motivation before Mike Carter, body language expert, reveals some useful tips alongside gestures to avoid in a variety of scenarios.

Sheridan Maine managing director David Heron, an accountant for nine years, developed this initiative to support young accountants at the start of their careers.

He said there was a lack of support for newly qualified accountants Career Academy programme was designed to provide some practical insights into how to be a better presenter, communicator and all-rounder to complement the professional accountancy qualification that accountants have worked hard for years to achieve.

The Career Academy event takes place at the Holiday Inn Eastleigh on July 12. To register for the event email aglass@sheridanmaine.com to register for this event.