From Accounting to FinTech: Yuheng's Journey into Digital Transformation

Posted on: 22 July 2026 by Yuheng Wang in Where are they now?

After graduating from the University of Liverpool Management School with a degree in Accounting and Finance, Yuheng Wang reflects on how his time at Liverpool helped shape his journey into FinTech, the experiences that have defined him so far and the advice he would share with students hoping to enter the industry.

What inspired you to study Accounting and Finance at the University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) and what made Liverpool the right choice for you? 

I came to the University of Liverpool through the Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) 2+2 pathway, spending my first two years at XJTLU before continuing my studies in Liverpool. This route was ideal for me because I came from the Chinese Gaokao system and wanted a smoother transition into an international education environment. 

XJTLU provided that bridge, while the University of Liverpool offered the rich history, academic reputation and global outlook of a Russell Group university. For me, it was the perfect place to build a strong accounting foundation while developing a broader understanding of finance. 

Looking back on your time at ULMS, what experiences, opportunities or lessons had the biggest impact on your university journey? 

The biggest impact came from the lecturers I met at ULMS. Many had professional experience before entering higher education, which helped bring accounting and finance to life through real business practice and industry insight. 

Adam Deller, who taught Corporate Reporting and Analysis and Financial Reporting, left a particularly strong impression on me. His practical approach and clear explanations helped students understand complex concepts and apply them in real-world contexts. Helen Scott, who taught auditing, was also enormously influential. She was always approachable and supportive, offering thoughtful advice on both academic work and career development, and consistently made students feel listened to and encouraged. 

Were there any modules, projects or extracurricular activities that particularly stood out or influenced your future career? 

Several modules stood out because they helped me connect classroom knowledge with real business practice. Corporate reporting, auditing, tax compliance and business strategy all shaped the way I think about organisations, performance and decision-making. 

One project that stands out was a group project related to the Airbus SAS Scorecard, where we explored how organisational performance could be assessed and presented. What made the project especially meaningful was its connection to a real company and real business challenges. It was inspiring to see how creative ideas developed by students could be relevant to professional decision-making and performance management. 

How did your Accounting and Finance degree prepare you for life after university, both professionally and personally? 

Professionally, my degree gave me a strong accounting foundation that prepared me for internships and graduate opportunities across banking and finance, where accounting knowledge remains highly valued. 

Personally, studying in Liverpool during the COVID-19 pandemic helped me become more independent, resilient and confident working across cultures. It strengthened my communication skills and prepared me to adapt to new environments throughout my postgraduate studies and early career. 

After graduating from Liverpool in 2023, how did your career develop and what led you towards technology and digital transformation? 

After graduating in 2023, I initially pursued postgraduate study in healthcare management at UCL before discovering a growing interest in digital transformation and AI. This led me to study Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where I developed a deeper understanding of how technology can improve business processes and financial services. That experience ultimately guided me towards a begin career in FinTech and digital transformation. 

You have recently secured a position on the FinTech Graduate Scheme at SPD Bank’s Head Office in Shanghai – congratulations! What are you most looking forward to? 

I am looking forward to joining one of the Technology, Data or Product departments and gaining a deeper understanding of how digital transformation is delivered within a financial institution. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across business areas and gain hands-on experience with banking systems, data management and technology platforms.

Which skills or experiences from your time at university have been most valuable in helping you transition from an Accounting and Finance background into FinTech and digital business? 

One valuable experience was being exposed to AI and digital tools while studying overseas. When ChatGPT and other AI tools started to develop rapidly, I was in the UK and had the opportunity to learn about them early, which helped me realise how rapidly technology was transforming professional work in finance and business. 

ULMS also provided valuable networking opportunities. Working alongside students from finance and financial computing backgrounds broadened my perspective, while attending guest lectures introduced me to different career paths within the financial industry. 

My Accounting and Finance background has also proved invaluable, helping me develop analytical thinking and an understanding of how data can be used to support business decisions. These skills continue to be relevant in digital transformation roles today. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of building an international career and what advice would you give to students considering a similar path? 

The most rewarding aspect has been developing an international perspective while gaining practical experience. Studying and working with people from different cultural backgrounds has broadened my outlook and helped me become more adaptable and confident in diverse environments. 

My advice is to explore opportunities early and stay curious about how industries are evolving. Speaking with alumni and professionals helped me better understand different career paths, while my international experience gave me a valuable perspective that I have hope to build on in my career. 

What advice would you give to current students and recent graduates who are interested in careers in finance, accounting or digital transformation? 

My advice is to build strong foundations in finance while also developing skills in data, AI and technology.  

“Make the most of university resources by attending careers events, speaking to lecturers and connecting with alumni.” 

Employers are increasingly looking for graduates who can communicate effectively, solve problems and demonstrate how they have applied their skills through projects, internships and extracurricular activities. Preparing strong behavioural interview examples can also make a significant difference when applying for graduate schemes. 

Looking ahead, what are your future career ambitions and where do you see your career taking you over the next few years? 

Over the next few years, I hope to develop my career in FinTech and digital transformation, helping bridge the gap between business and technology teams. In the longer term, I want to become a professional who combines expertise in finance, AI and technology to create practical solutions that deliver real commercial value.