At the 4 Front: From curiosity to global leadership with Cristina Gutu FCCA

Cristina reflects on her journey from starting her career in Romania, where international opportunities once felt out of reach, to becoming ACCA Vice President and Director with KPMG (L&D Lead).

Cristina shares how curiosity, discipline and a willingness to embrace opportunities before feeling fully ready helped shape her career, and why she believes the most successful careers are built through small, consistent choices rather than perfectly planned paths. She also reflects on how the Big Four accelerated her professional development, the role ACCA played in opening the door to a truly global profession, and why lifelong learning has remained at the heart of everything she does.

Drawing on her experience as both a leader and mentor, Cristina discusses the skills that matter most for today's finance professionals, explaining why technical expertise must be complemented by critical thinking, adaptability, communication and ethical judgement. She also shares why leadership is about listening, helping others find their voice and creating environments where people can grow with confidence.

As the first Senior Officer in ACCA's history from continental Europe, Cristina reflects on the importance of representation, giving back to the profession and ensuring accountancy remains trusted, relevant and attractive to future generations.

Catch up on all episodes of At the 4 Front: ACCA Voices from the Big 4.    Visit our ACCA Big 4 and Mid-Tier Hub for helpful resources, articles and tools to support your career journey.