From theory to practice: Greenstep brings real-world expertise to university education

Marjut Joentausta-Marjava

L&D Consultant

Table of contents

University of Turku and Greenstep Academy have jointly developed the Data Analytics in Accounting course for four years now
The course gives students a window into working life and familiarizes them with tools they’ll likely use in the future, including as AI becomes part of the profession
Greenstep Academy produces and manages the course content, bringing in real-life case examples and Q&A sessions with industry experts
Regular contact and joint meetings ensure smooth collaboration on evaluation and tracking student progress
The long-term partnership shows in students’ growing interest in the course, and the university recommends collaborating with Greenstep to other institutions as well

As data analytics continues to transform the accounting profession, universities need to ensure that students are equipped with the skills and tools used in today’s workplace. This is the foundation of the four-year collaboration between Greenstep Academy and the University of Turku on the Data Analytics in Accounting course.

“The Data Analytics in Accounting course meets the need for practical knowledge and hands-on skills, giving students the opportunity to explore tools they are likely to use in their future careers. For example, they learn how Power BI works in practice. The course also gives them an understanding of the current job market and the tools and technologies used in accounting and management today. With the support of Greenstep, we can stay up to date on the knowledge and skills students will need in the future – especially now that AI has become part of the picture”, says Annika Hasselblad, the course owner.

Combining academic knowledge with industry expertise

Greenstep Academy produces the course content and manages it throughout the course. According to Hasselblad, the university staff brings extensive theoretical knowledge, while Greenstep adds significant value by bringing practical expertise and industry perspectives into the learning experience.

“Collaboration with Greenstep has worked really well. Greenstep Academy has played a major role in designing the course and bringing real-world cases and expert insights into the learning experience. Throughout the course, students also have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions and ask questions directly to experts with hands-on industry experience. We have regular meetings and maintain close communication throughout the course, particularly regarding grading and the students’ progress and performance”, Hasselblad adds.

Keeping education connected to working life

Greenstep employees’ expertise and understanding of different clients’ needs and expectations have provided a solid foundation for high-quality collaboration. This is particularly valuable in a field where there is relatively little learning material available and the subject matter is constantly evolving.

For university students, exposure to real-world professional life is valuable, as reflected in the course’s growing popularity among students.

“The expertise of Greenstep Academy’s professionals comes through in both the way the course is structured and in the practical cases they bring to the classroom. We can also see how interested students are in the course and how highly they value this kind of knowledge for their future careers. I would recommend collaboration with Greenstep to universities and

other organizations that are looking to bring more practical expertise into their education and want a collaboration that is straightforward and well structured,” Hasselblad concludes.

Greenstep Academy helped Save the Children Finland boost leadership skills

When organizational changes reshaped Save the Children Finland (Pelastakaa Lapset ry), they started looking for the right partner to strengthen their leadership training. Fast forward a few years, and after a successful start, HR Specialist Johanna Peltomaa is confident the partnership with Greenstep will continue well into the future.

CableCrew is growing and evolving – Leadership Training to support change

When CableCrew rolled out their new ERP system, they knew it wasn’t just about new technology - it was about people. To make the transition smooth, they teamed up with Greenstep for tailor-made leadership training. The goal? To give CableCrew’s managers the tools and confidence to lead one of the company’s biggest change projects yet. With the new ERP, project finances and real-time updates became accessible not just to management, but also to project leads and even clients. This kind of transparency called for new ways of working. It challenged everyone at CableCrew to rethink old habits, reshape responsibilities, and adjust their leadership practices.

Walki unified their management models for its international organization with Greenstep Academy

Walki, a manufacturer of sustainable packaging and insulation materials, has managed to grow its business dramatically over the past few years. The company, which now has a turnover of more than €700 million and employs 1,700 people, has doubled both its turnover and the number of its employees in five years. The years of growth have included seven acquisitions and the integration of different (company) cultures into a functioning, organisation-wide culture has required strong change management skills, both internally and through effective partnerships.