Our People – James Wright

James Wright is a Senior Lecturer and the Programme Leader for Accountancy and Finance.

Tell us about your role at the university.

I am the Programme Leader for Accountancy and Finance within the Institute of Psychology, Business and Human Sciences. As a qualified accountant (ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), I provide academic guidance, professional mentorship, and career support to students pursuing careers in accounting and finance. Drawing on my own experience of obtaining a professional qualification, I aim to inspire and equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the field.

When did you join and what brought you here?

I joined the University of Chichester in August 2024, ahead of the 2024/25 academic year. I was drawn to the opportunity to help shape and lead the development of the Accounting and Finance programme. This has already led to meaningful outcomes, including the University receiving the PQ Magazine 2025 Award for Accountancy Public Sector College of the Year.

What’s an average day at work like for you?

A typical day includes delivering face-to-face lectures and seminars on campus, as well as collaborating closely with academic and administrative colleagues to enhance the student learning experience. I value informal interactions across departments whether that’s joining a lunchtime gym session with colleagues or walking across campus for in-person meetings. I find that face-to-face engagement fosters stronger collaboration and a greater sense of community.

What do you love most about working at the University of Chichester?

What I value most is the strong sense of community and the genuine impact we can have on our students’ experiences. Since joining, I have been welcomed by a supportive and enthusiastic team. My line manager, Rob, has provided consistent encouragement, which has enabled me to thrive professionally. This supportive environment has led to enriching opportunities such as taking students on an industry visit to the ACCA headquarters in London and speaking events to represent the university globally.

What is your greatest achievement in your job or research?

While it is difficult to highlight just one achievement, a particular highlight since joining the University has been helping to establish the Business Society, which went on to win the PQ Magazine 2025 Award for Student Body of the Year. Attending the awards ceremony in central London alongside the student committee was a proud moment. Organising activities such as the visit to ACCA headquarters has significantly enhanced the student experience and fostered professional engagement beyond the classroom.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I have had the privilege of representing the University of Chichester both nationally and internationally as a speaker at a range of academic and professional conferences. These engagements not only raise the University’s profile but have also created tangible opportunities for our students, including placements and industry visits.

Listen to James talking about how to get into accounting on the Unconventional Podcast.