Exam success
| by Victoria Ashton 25 Oct 2004 Diploma in Financial Management Relevant to All papers |
|
First place worldwide
Dirk Anderson-Burley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Score: 310
Dirk has recently moved to the US to begin studying for a law degree. He hopes that the grounding he has received from the DipFM will stand him in good stead for the business law element of his degree.
'The DipFM offers more than just technical knowledge and access to business practices. It also sets out solutions in fields such as manufacturing, accounting, and the use of financial instruments. This kind of
problem-solving is good for me as someone who is about to embark on a law degree. I am pleased that ACCA offers this course because it gives you information about risk management/strategy and corporate governance with widespread accounting, administration and organisational knowledge.'
Second place worldwide
Christopher Dunro, London, UK. Score: 308
Christopher is PPP commercial manager at London Underground Ltd (LUL). He is involved in managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) contracts for the upgrade and maintenance of rolling stock, track, signals, civil infrastructure and stations.
'I enjoyed studying for the DipFM because the curriculum was relevant to my job and helped me to develop my knowledge. My role has a significant interface with our finance directorate and I have benefited from the knowledge gained through completing the DipFM, especially with respect to accounting definitions and acumen. It has also given me a broader understanding of the financing and hedging arrangements of our private sector contractor.'
Third place worldwide
Steve Watkins, St Albans, UK. Score: 298
Steve is head of corporate services for the HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate. He is responsible for all internal support functions, including business planning, finance, HR, IT, communications and office services.
'The benefits of the qualification became obvious at an early stage, because I was able to apply my new-found confidence both at work and outside where I am involved in various voluntary committees.'
Individual paper and project top scores
Module A - examination
Michael Robinson, Bristol, UK. Score: 92.
Michael is an officer in the Royal Navy working in the Submarine Support Integrated Project Team at Abbey Wood in Bristol.
Module A - project
Richard Mason, Worthing, UK. Score: 88.
Richard is a captain in the Royal Navy, and is responsible for undertaking trials of weapon and marine equipment prior to acceptance into Royal Navy service.
'The diploma is very relevant and helpful to my job, where I am responsible for managing the annual budget of £9m and running a performance management system including a balanced scorecard. Now halfway through the course, I look forward to the risk management module to see what lessons can be applied to my public sector organisation.'
Module B - examination
Richard Stow, Reading, UK. Score: 96.
Richard runs a marketing consultancy company specialising in the IT sector.
Module B - project
Christopher Whitehead, Sheffield, UK.
Score: 82.
Christopher is regional director for Balfour Beatty Capital Projects Limited and is responsible for managing the office in Sale, Manchester. The office is chiefly concerned with bidding for private finance initiative (PFI) healthcare and schools concessions, with capital values in the £100 to 500m range.
'I took the Diploma in Financial Management to update my knowledge of finance and accounting and, in particular, of risk management, which is a major element of our work. I enjoyed the two DipFM projects;
I am currently trialling the balanced scorecard concept - which featured in the 2003 DA2 project - in the office. It is particularly relevant to a company such as ours, where long-term investments in capability and customer relationships are critical.'