Meet Fiona Dearing, Senior Lecturer in Management Accounting here at Salford Business School.
With more than 14 years of experience in accounting, Fiona is passionate about supporting students as they navigate the professional world and explore the future of the accounting landscape.
Her current research focuses on how universities can bridge the gap between emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), professional practice and student employability.
In this blog, Fiona reflects on her career journey, key milestones, and how she became the academic she is today.
How did you get into academia?
My route into academia started in industry. I qualified as a Management Accountant with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and while gaining professional experience, I quickly realised that teaching had always been my long‑term goal.
Over the past 14 years, I’ve built my academic career across both further and higher education, starting at The Manchester College and then progressing to Manchester Metropolitan University, where I spent 12 years in a range of accounting and finance, teaching and leadership roles.
Throughout that time, my focus has been on management accounting, strategy, and employability, and helping students genuinely understand how the profession works in practice.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
After a short break away from academia, I realised how much I missed being immersed in learning, knowledge exchange, and keeping up with developments in the profession, particularly as a CIMA subject matter expert.
Salford really stood out to me because of its values. The strong focus on students, inclusivity, and real‑world relevance aligns closely with how I approach teaching. I also love the sense of belonging; there’s a real community feel here that makes a big difference.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
The best thing for me is that genuine sense of being part of the wider Salford Business School, not just one department. There’s a strong culture of collaboration, with colleagues who are supportive, approachable, and open to sharing ideas. It makes such a difference when you’re passionate about innovating in teaching and enhancing the student experience.
Also, I would say exchanging knowledge with the new generation of students who are preparing for the workplace. At the moment, I’m writing about Gen Z’s perception of accounting work, their energy and professionalism is admirable.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to date?
My career highlights include exploring how Gen Z students prepare for their careers, the evolving role of the management accountant, and more recently the impact of AI on management accounting and performance management.
This work was recognised by national teaching and employability awards and being invited as a speaker at events including the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Also, I have supported students to identify, articulate and evidence their strengths, professional capabilities and career readiness through various career and employability modules on our programme. For example, on the Development and Reflective Practice Module, the students created a podcast in our media suite, it was an amazing experience to be part of.
What’s your current research focused on?
My current research focuses on the impact of AI on management accounting and performance management, and how we can better prepare students with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital profession.
I’m particularly interested in how universities can bridge the gap between emerging technology, professional practice, and student employability.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
While at Manchester Metropolitan University, I published work on a career development intervention designed to support student employability, which continues to influence my teaching practice today.
And finally, the all-important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
In Salford, I love The Old Fire Station, and in Manchester, you can’t beat Federal Coffee.