Rewarding achievement

ACCA students from around the world celebrated their achievements at the recent prize-giving ceremony - the biggest ever staged in ACCA's history - at the Sofitel St James hotel in London on 5 November 2004. Students attending the prestigious event travelled from Belgium, Botswana, Greater China, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

This year's prizewinners are prime examples of the career opportunities open to people studying towards ACCA qualifications. They work in industry, in Big Four firms, and the Public Sector. The true measure of what the prizewinners achieved becomes clear in context - up to 17,000 students sat each paper at the June 2004 exam session. And many of the prizewinners tackled their exams in a second language.

For the first time, as well as recognising the outstanding achievements of Professional Scheme students and the highest mark in the MBA, the success of the highest-scoring Advanced Level CAT Scheme students was also recognised. The sponsors who generously supported the event were Barclays, BPP, Centrica, FTC and KPMG.

ACCA vice president Dennis Yeates welcomed the prizewinners, their friends and families: 'This ceremony is one of the outstanding highlights of the year and I am delighted to be able to be here with you today to celebrate your achievements. It is even more special because your successes are being recognised at a very significant time for ACCA - its centenary and this event is one of the milestones. Our centenary celebrations, which have already taken place around the world, have all held true to the vision and values of our founding fathers in 1904. Their mission was to open up accountancy to people of application and ability, regardless of their background or location. Our prizewinners are the perfect embodiment of that ideal. They are hardworking, persistent and clearly have huge amounts of ability, and they also have plenty of stories to share about the qualities and sacrifices required to pass ACCA examinations, let alone excel in them.

Dennis Yeates continued to explain that the theme for ACCA's centenary is responsibility - a theme which runs through ACCA's activities worldwide. 'ACCA takes its responsibility seriously when it comes to providing a knowledgeable and independent international voice to serve the public good and further the development of the accounting profession. We are working with governments, regulators and standard setters around the world to help them put structures in place, which ensure that their countries follow best practice.

'At its core, accountancy is about providing assurance with integrity. Through the work they do and the high standards to which they work, ACCA accountants and auditors support business and help stakeholders to make informed decisions. ACCAs and FCCAs now serve at the highest level in government, as ministers, treasurers and auditors, in multinational companies and as senior partners in global accountancy firms. They are also making a real difference to their local communities by putting the skills they have learned to good use as business advisers, practitioners and in the not-for-profit sector.'

After the presentation of certificates, medals and prizes, the winners, sponsors, and guests enjoyed lunch and the opportunity to network.

Gold medal winner
The gold medallist for ACCA's June 2004 examinations, scoring 221 marks in the Core papers, is Julie Beavis.

Julie works as a senior cashier administrator in the corporate recovery and insolvency department at Mitchell Charlesworth Chartered Accountants in Manchester, UK. She is responsible for supervising the cashier function by authorising payments, reviewing bank reconciliations, and overseeing internal compliance audits. She also manages the bankruptcy team, running the administration of bankrupt estates by realising assets to distribute cash to creditors.

Julie decided to pursue a career in accountancy because she loves numbers, analysing figures and creating models. 'I studied mathematics and management science at university. My degree covered some basic accounting and this was my initial introduction which sparked further interest,' she explains.
'During my degree, I wanted to gain some work experience in accountancy to find out what would be involved on a day-to-day basis. I obtained a placement with a financial accountant who was involved with sole trader and partnership accounts preparation, tax returns and payroll. I really enjoyed the work and so started applying for permanent accountancy roles.'

Julie joined the insolvency department of Mitchell Charlesworth in February 2001 and was offered a full study package. 'I was advised that the ACCA qualification was well-suited to the insolvency department because of its all round business and commercial approach. When looking into it myself I found that it did fit the bill for me in that it included technical accounting, some legal training and also strategy and business.'

Balancing life, work and study was challenging for Julie. 'It is one thing to study, another to work full-time and even harder to combine either with running a home - never mind both! I think that the first time I got the life/work/study balance right was during my final exam sitting in June,' she explains.

'My employer provided the financial support to attend tuition and revision courses and allowed me paid time off. In addition, I was also given extra home study time. If there were any areas that I didn't understand, there was always someone at work that I could ask and who would spend time helping me.' Julie also acknowledges the key support of her partner Stephen. 'Without his continued support I would not have passed - never mind being a prizewinner.' Starting out as a trainee accountant can be quite daunting, acknowledges Julie. 'When you start out at Paper 1.1, becoming a qualified accountant seems so remote. I found that breaking the big target of the ACCA qualification into smaller bite-sized pieces gives you the sense of accomplishment and achievement and it gives you the encouragement to continue. Before long, you are sitting your final exams!'

Having passed the ACCA qualification Julie hopes to gain more opportunities and choices in the future. 'The standards I have achieved in gaining the ACCA qualification demonstrate credibility and professionalism. And now I have a solid foundation on which to build my career.'

Silver medal winner
The silver medallist, scoring 219 marks is Sofie De Wolf. Sofie works as a fund accounting supervisor for Allied Irish Bank/Bank of New York Fund Management (Ireland) Limited in Dublin, Ireland. Originally from Belgium, Sofie moved to Dublin three years ago to pursue a career in financial services and accountancy. Her job involves reviewing and supervising the preparation of interim and annual financial statements for Irish domiciled and offshore investment funds. She has to ensure that the statements are fully compliant with regulatory requirements and listing rules. In addition, Sofie works closely with auditors to ensure timely completion of the annual audit for these funds.

Before moving to Ireland, she had previously worked as an economic researcher in a financial institution. 'I saw that there were many job opportunities in accountancy and thought that it would be an interesting and challenging profession to join.

'I chose to study ACCA because it offers the most flexible path towards an accounting qualification, both in methods of studying and subjects on offer. Moreover, because the ACCA qualification is recognised and highly-regarded worldwide, I am convinced that the skills and knowledge I have obtained will be transferable to any other industry or country that I plan to work in.'

Sofie is appreciative of the support she received from her employer, colleagues and friends. 'AIB/BNY gave me study leave and I had good support from colleagues who were also studying towards professional exams. In addition, my partner offered me a great deal of encouragement. All of this helped me to maintain a healthy balance between work, study and free time.'

For students still to take their exams, Sofie offers some words of encouragement. 'The qualification is hard work and requires a lot of commitment, not to mention excellent time management skills. But the rewards are significant. I would recommend reading relevant articles in student accountant because it will give you a definite advantage in the exams.'

Passing her ACCA exams has made Sofie feel more confident in her job and has contributed to her promotion to supervisor. 'I also feel that the qualification will provide me with many opportunities for the future. I am planning to work and travel in Australia and feel confident that the ACCA qualification will be an asset when I look for a new position.'

Bronze medal winner
The bronze medallist, scoring 217 marks, is Stephanie Kwan Wai Yin. Stephanie works as an accountant in the audit department of KPMG Hong Kong, assisting her seniors and managers to provide audit services for clients. Typically, the audit department reviews financial statements, client systems and appraises effectiveness. Clients include property, communications and entertainment companies.

For Stephanie, the choice of a career in accountancy was straightforward. 'China's move towards a market economy has meant that there is an increasing demand for finance professionals. I wanted to capitalise on this, make a decent living for my family and, at the same time, contribute to the economic and financial development of Hong Kong and China.'

Choosing the ACCA qualification was also straightforward, explains Stephanie: 'The ACCA qualification is highly-regarded and valued by employers worldwide. Becoming an ACCA member will open up opportunities for me to work almost anywhere I choose. In addition, membership of ACCA brings with it the benefits associated with being part of the largest and fastest-growing professional accountancy body. ACCA provides a unique opportunity to network with like-minded professionals all over the world.'

Studying for the qualification was challenging. 'The main obstacle for me was time management and finding the balance between work, studies and family,' says Stephanie. 'I achieved good results with the support and encouragement of my employer, tuition provider and my family. For me, the ACCA examinations have pushed me to achieving my greatest potential. Passing the ACCA exams has improved my confidence, given me more credibility with clients and made me a more marketable commodity.'

In the next ten years, Stephanie sees herself as either a partner of a leading public practice firm or a financial controller in a multinational company. 'The ACCA qualification will allow me to move across boundaries to develop my career in finance.'

Second place worldwide
Joint winners, both scoring 287, are Amos Kasigi from Birmingham, UK and Mercy Thema from Harare, Zimbabwe. Amos, who currently works as a machine operator in a factory, hopes to be a successful businessman or professional accountant in the future. He had to fit study around his tough job but benefited from support from friends and lecturers at Sandwell College.

Mercy is a senior lecturer in town planning and related subjects with the Ministry of Higher Education in Zimbabwe. She wanted to enhance her career prospects and found that ACCA gave her an opportunity to study without having an accounting background. Looking to the future, Mercy hopes to hold a professional qualification and be a partner in a consultancy firm.

Third place worldwide
Asif Imran from Lahore, Pakistan achieved the third highest mark worldwide with a score of 267. Asif was unable to attend the ceremony but hopes to attend the next prize-giving event.

Individual paper prizewinners
Paper 1.1, Preparing Financial Statements
The joint prizewinners are Zhang Liang and Colin Johnson - both achieving 97%. Colin Johnson is a forensic analyst with BDO Stoy Hayward in London, UK. He chose ACCA because of the breadth and flexibility the qualification offers. Zhang Liang is from the People's Republic of China and is currently studying full-time at Singapore Accountancy Academy.

Paper 1.2, Financial Information for Management
UK-based prizewinner Christopher Goldsworthy achieved an impressive 100%. He is a financial controls supervisor with Essex Shared Services Agency, where he liaises with six client organisations in the public sector and deals with a range of needs.

Paper 1.3, Managing People
Roger Sweetman from Dublin, Ireland is the Paper 1.3 winner with a score of 97%. Roger is a trainee accountant with Riverside Financial Consultancy and holds a degree in experimental physics. Roger says the ACCA qualification will give him flexibility in his career and in ten years' time hopes to be well on the way to being his own boss.

Paper 2.1, Information Systems
The winner of the prize for Paper 2.1, scoring 97%, is Paul Headey who lives in the New Territories in Hong Kong.

Paper 2.2, Corporate and Business Law
The winner of the Paper 2.2 prize, with a fantastic score of 99% is Andri Tan who is vice president in the risk analysis unit at HSBC Singapore.

Paper 2.3, Business Taxation
The joint prizewinners for Paper 2.3, with scores of 96% are Marketa Dunn and Donna Cullum. Marketa is a management accountant with C W Fellowes, business and tax advisers in Hampshire in the UK. She gained her qualifications in the Czech Republic before coming to the UK. She chose ACCA because she believes it is the most flexible qualification on which to build a career in the profession. Donna Cullum works in practice in Ipswich, UK.

Paper 2.4, Financial Management and Control
Scoring 92%, the Paper 2.4 winner is Adam Bland of Dunstable, UK who works as a service charge accountant with residential property management company Hercules Property Services plc. He chose ACCA because of the wide-ranging syllabus which enables students to work in all areas of accounting.

Paper 2.5, Financial Reporting
The winner of the Paper 2.5 prize with a score of 95% is Aparna Mahindroo who works for KPMG in Gaborone, Botswana. She is involved with audit and tax, and assists in providing business services to clients. Aparna, who won the prize for Paper 2.4 at the December 2003 session cannot imagine being anything other than an accountant. She says that the studies she has already completed with ACCA have given her more confidence and made her even more appreciated in her role.

Paper 2.6, Audit and Internal Review
The joint prizewinners for Paper 2.6, scoring 92%, are Sarah Grisdale and Dawn Burke. Sarah works in the tax department of R F Miller and Co accountancy practice in Ulverston, Cumbria, UK. Dawn works for Bodycare Toiletries in Preston, UK.

Paper 3.1, Audit and Assurance Services
Fiona Brough of Glasgow, UK is the Paper 3.1 prizewinner with a score of 85%. She is an internal auditor at Thus plc - a data, telecommunications and Internet services provider. Fiona was attracted by the international reach of the ACCA qualification and flexible study methods.

Paper 3.2, Advanced Taxation
Matthew Croucher from Reading, UK is the winner of the Paper 3.2 prize with a score of 87%. Matthew is an audit senior with Titcheners Chartered Accountants in Reading, where he is responsible for a portfolio of clients. Matthew says he was attracted to the ACCA qualification because of its diversity and because it gives a detailed insight into a number of areas in accounting.

Paper 3.3, Performance Management
The three winners scoring 80% in Paper 3.3 are Teh Heng Wee from Malaysia, Jane McBain from Scotland and Wai Chong Chim from London, UK. Wai Chong Chim is a part-time trainee accountant with Stockcube Research Limited in London. She has always wanted to be an accountant, which is something of a family tradition. Her advice to others who are studying is to be patient and never give up.

Jane McBain works as a tax assistant with NBS accountants in Stonehaven, Scotland. Her role involves preparing tax returns and accounts for clients and providing tax advice. She chose ACCA because its flexibility enabled her to study while working.

Teh Heng Wee is an accounts executive with construction and property development company Bina Goodyear Berhad in Malaysia. He chose ACCA because of its distinguished reputation and also because its students are in demand worldwide.

Paper 3.4, Business Information Management
The winner of the prize for Paper 3.4 with a score of 84% is Lorna Hubery from the West Midlands, UK. Lorna is commissions manager at utility company N-Power. She chose ACCA because she feels the qualification will provide her with the best overall knowledge of accountancy and will open up more career opportunities.

Paper 3.5, Strategic Business Planning and Development
Silver medallist Sofie De Wolf is also the Paper 3.5 prizewinner, scoring 84%.

Paper 3.6, Advanced Corporate Reporting
The Paper 3.6 prizewinner, with 95%, is Patrick Huang Yi from the People's Republic of China.

Paper 3.7, Strategic Financial Management
Peter Bezeredy is the Paper 3.7 prizewinner with a score of 79%. He is a treasury and investor relations manager with Invitel Telecommunications. Peter, who lives in Budapest, began his career with Ernst and Young and found that being an ACCA finalist enabled him to move to his senior position with Invitel.