High flyers

On 6 May 2005, ACCA prize-winning students from around the world arrived at the Victoria Park Plaza hotel in London to celebrate their outstanding achievements.

The prizewinners for this session came from Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, China, India, Ireland, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Nigeria, Poland, the Ukraine, Singapore, and the UK - representing the truly global reach of ACCA. Their employment also illustrates the variety of different careers open to those who study towards ACCA qualifications. They work in industry, the public sector and in Big Four firms, and some are full-time students. The high achievers are a cross-section of candidates who take ACCA exams every year, and the variety and contrast of each of these individuals and their backgrounds proves that studying towards an ACCA qualification is truly open to all.

Generously sponsoring the event were BPP Professional Education, the Financial Training Company and KPMG. Mike Pennington from BPP was the first to make a presentation to the prizewinners, saying: 'You are studying towards a truly global qualification and BPP is proud to work with ACCA. Being intelligent isn't enough. You must work hard, and make sacrifices, which is what you have done. Yours is a fantastic achievement, which will open many doors throughout your whole careers.' Gamel Taher from FTC spoke next, saying: 'You are very much in demand. Employers want ACCA qualified employees. And being prizewinners, you stand out even further. Well done on your achievements.'

The achievements of the prizewinners are even more outstanding when you take into account that up to 17,000 students worldwide sat each of the papers in December 2004.

ACCA Deputy President and President elect Christopher Forster welcomed the students and their friends and families. 'This ceremony is one of the highlights of the ACCA year - and I'm delighted to be able to be here with you today to celebrate your achievements,' he said. 'It is important to note that we are committed to ensuring that you - and the many thousands of students which you represent today - will be equipped to excel in the 21st century. At the same time we must also continue to hold true to the visions and values of our founders in 1904.

'Their mission was to open up accountancy to people of application and ability, no matter what their background, or their location. Our prizewinners are the perfect embodiment of that ideal - they have demonstrated that they are hardworking, persistent and possess considerable amounts of ability.

'ACCA continues to grow at a rapid pace,' he continued. 'We now have over 105,000 members and over 240,000 students currently working or studying in over 170 countries around the world. We are continuing to work to ensure that those members and students stay at the forefront of the profession. For future generations of students, we have already begun consultations on the new Professional qualification, which will be examined for the first time in December 2007.'

After the ceremony, a buffet lunch was served and the prizewinners met with members of ACCA staff, chatted with sponsors, and networked with fellow students from around the world. After lunch, the prizewinners and their guests attended a reception at ACCA's headquarters in Lincoln's Inn Fields, where they were met by ACCA's Chief Executive Allen Blewitt.

Ghanshyam Purohit - gold medal
The gold medallist for ACCA's December 2004 Professional Scheme examinations, scoring 230 marks in the Core papers, is Ghanshyam Purohit.
Ghanshyam works as associate manager for the Ararat Gold Recovery Company LLC in Armenia. His duties include controlling and monitoring the company's accounts as well as working with auditors and ensuring the company complies with Armenian tax laws. Ghanshyam decided to pursue a career in accountancy because of the possibility of working in many industries.

Ghanshyam says he chose to study ACCA because: 'ACCA enjoys a great deal of respect, which is recognised at a global level. This is implicit from the vast number of students and members it has. Since I wished to have the opportunity to work around the world, ACCA was one way to achieve this. I studied by distance learning and this gives you tremendous flexibility, which is indispensable. The ACCA syllabus is wide-ranging, and requires a lot of analytical thinking and mental application. This makes ACCA both interesting and challenging.'

He is grateful to his parents for their support, and also acknowledges his employer's contribution to his success. 'I give credit to my employer for helping me to manage my time during crucial periods of exam preparation. My company encouraged me and helped me to go forward. My colleagues also supported me and gave me the drive to carry on during hard times.'

Ghanshyam says that the ACCA qualification has gained him respect and increased his confidence. When asked where he sees himself in 10 years' time he says: 'I believe that the greatness is in the work and not in the position - hence I want to do the best by the best means.' He offers this advice to students who are just starting out: 'There is no shortcut to success - to achieve success one must work hard. Nothing pays better than hard work.'

Ben Dickinson - silver medal
The first of the two silver medallists, scoring 219, is Ben Dickinson from the UK. Ben is an audit senior with Barclays Bank plc, where he is responsible for the delivery of audit assignments and reviews, and specialises in third party supplier management, including outsourcing, alliances, joint ventures, and new deals.

Ben chose a career in accountancy because he wanted 'a strong and broad understanding of financial and business management.' He adds: 'As part of an approach to develop a broad set of general business and management skills, I thought it important to make sure that I understood the way that finance and accountancy affects and influences business decisions.'

When it came to choosing which qualification would help him achieve this, Ben decided on ACCA because 'there's a flexible approach to study and exams - including the option to focus on topics of interest.' Ben was originally employed by Andersen/Deloitte when he started studying, and was given study leave as well as having his tuition fees at BPP paid in full. When he took up his post with Barclays, they continued to provide the same support. Ben became a father at the same time as he started his new job, and says: 'Studying for my final exams was quite a challenge with a small baby and a new job, but thankfully I got plenty of support at home.'

He offers this advice for students starting out: 'Learn as much as you can from your colleagues - technical knowledge and passing exams is important, but it is what you learn through experience and how you apply that knowledge that will determine how successful you are.'

In 10 years' time Ben says: 'I'd like to be in a management position where I am challenged to inspire my colleagues. I'm not sure whether this will be in practice or industry. Working somewhere warmer than the UK would also be hugely attractive!'

Gabrielle Quinn - silver medal
The second silver medal winner, also scoring 219, is Gabrielle Quinn, who works in the audit department of chartered accountants Wallwork Nelson and Johnson in Preston, in the UK. Her duties include supervising other members of the audit team and reviewing their work, as well as being in charge of audits, reporting to partners and associate partners.

'I've always loved numbers and analysing figures and considered the accountancy profession as very well-respected,' says Gabrielle. 'My degree in accounting and finance reinforced my initial interest in such a career.' She chose to study for the ACCA qualification as it is globally recognised and 'includes a broad mix of business, strategy and finance, in addition to technical accounting,' she says. 'My university tutor recommended that I study for the qualification as he was previously very involved with the ACCA syllabus.' Gabrielle says the breadth of the topics covered, particularly in the final level, is the most challenging aspect of the ACCA qualification.

Gabrielle was supported by her employers who provided financial support for both tuition and revision courses at the Financial Training Company in Manchester, and gave her time off to attend lectures. She believes the quality of the tuition she received contributed to her success and says: 'I achieved the silver medal through their excellence.'

'Studying for the ACCA qualification requires motivation, dedication and patience,' advises Gabrielle. Her advice to exam candidates? 'Attempt all past examination questions under exam conditions and read all the technical articles in student accountant.'

Mohammed Azam - bronze medal
There were also joint winners for the bronze medal, both scoring 218. The first winner is Mohammed Azam, who is an executive auditor with Ernst & Young in Glasgow.

Mohammed chose a career in accountancy because he believes it is the language of business, and he wanted the opportunity to understand different companies and the markets in which they operate. 'I chose ACCA because it is a truly global qualification that equips members with the necessary skills and knowledge base to allow them to carve out a successful career,' he says. 'With a presence in every continent, ACCA gives members an access route to a number of opportunities through the possession of a prestigious qualification that is recognised throughout the world.

'Furthermore, the ACCA qualification is designed to give members the detailed knowledge required to operate successfully across the full spectrum of business and industry, in subjects ranging from business strategy to finance and, obviously, accountancy. The focus really is on equipping you with the knowledge to succeed in business.'

Mohammed received support from both his family and his employers, who provided him with study leave and helped him maximise his chances of passing his exams first time. He feels that the biggest obstacle he had to overcome while studying was time management. 'I felt it was important to ensure that I was able to plan my study so as to gradually increase my workload at a comfortable pace in the lead-up to exams,' he says. 'This naturally gives you the confidence that comes from being well-prepared.'

Jonathan Harrod - bronze medal
The second medal winner is Jonathan Harrod, who works for Ernst & Young in Bristol, where his duties include leading audit fieldwork and preparing statutory accounts for clients.

Jonathan says he was keen to pursue a career in accountancy that would enable him to achieve a professional qualification and lead to a variety of different opportunities. He chose ACCA because: 'ACCA is the preferred qualification for staff such as myself at Ernst & Young. I chose to follow the qualification as it is internationally recognised and provides relevant training which helps me perform my job to a high standard.'

Ernst & Young also gave Jonathan time off to attend taught courses and revision courses at BPP Bristol. He says his tutors provided him with support and encouragement throughout the exam period. 'The ACCA qualification has given me a fundamental understanding of audit and accountancy legislation. It provides a platform from which to further my career,' comments Jonathan. In 10 years' time, he says he would like to have progressed to a senior position within Ernst & Young.

CAT prizewinners
First place worldwide
Eileen Saw See Ling, who works as an assistant accountant for Ernst & Young in Brunei, attained the highest aggregate marks in the December 2004 Advanced Level CAT exams - scoring 414.

Eileen's role includes preparing full sets of accounts for clients ranging from small local businesses to large firms. She chose to study towards the CAT qualification because 'it is not only globally recognised, but it is also ranked highly alongside similar qualifications.'

Eileen says she found time management the hardest challenge while studying: 'Since I'm not a full-time student, assigning an appropriate time for my studies was tough, but it was the most important factor in achieving this qualification while not neglecting my work. Determination is vital,' she says. In the future, Eileen would like to become an audit partner.

Second place worldwide
The prize for the second highest score in the world goes to Mar Poh Yien, who studied at Sunway University College, in Selangor, Malaysia, and who scored 402. She says that she chose to study accountancy because it offers a wide range of career prospects when compared to other fields. She says she chose to study for the CAT qualification because 'ACCA is an international professional accountancy body and its qualifications are recognised worldwide. Its syllabus is constantly updated in line with the requirements of the global business community.'

When it comes to support during her studies she is grateful to her tutors: 'My lecturers are always there to provide pep talks in order to inspire and motivate me and my classmates. My parents have also given me much encouragement and helped my confidence.'

Third place worldwide
Third place worldwide, scoring 367, goes to Leong Siew Yen from Malaysia. She says she chose to study with ACCA because 'it is the most valuable qualification among the others in Malaysia.'

When studying, she says the support she received from her family and friends was invaluable. 'Without them, I do not think I would have had the courage and determination to go on,' she says. In 10 years' time she sees herself in a senior management position within a company.

Individual paper prizewinners
Paper 1.1, Preparing Financial Statements
There are three joint winners for Paper 1.1: Ethan Fong, Wendy Wong Wai Hang and Claire Stivala, who all scored 96%.

Ethan Fong, a country pricer for IBM Singapore, says his main challenge when studying was finding the time to do so. He chose to study with ACCA because he believes it will give him recognition and relevant knowledge to help him with his personal development. Ethan is hoping to complete the ACCA exams within three years and then tackle the MBA - all of which he hopes will lead to a senior management position.

The second winner is Wendy Wong Wai Hang, who works as a tax assistant for JMA Consultants in Singapore. Wendy says that studying is tough, particularly if you have to work by day and study by night. She sees herself in the banking and finance industries in a few years' time and believes the skills she is learning while studying for the ACCA qualification will enable her to keep abreast of developments.

The final winner is Claire Stivala from Malta, who is assistant to the financial controller of Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS in the Malta branch. Claire chose to study ACCA as a result of the new joint examination scheme which has been developed by the Malta Institute of Accountants and ACCA. Claire hopes the qualification will open up future opportunities and enable her to face more challenges in her career.

Paper 1.2, Financial Information for Management
Catherine Yan achieved a perfect score of 100% on this paper, and is a project accountant with Beijing Hines Property Management Company Ltd. She chose ACCA because of its flexible study options and its practicality. She studies using textbooks and the revision series, supplemented by Internet resources.

Catherine says she has had considerable support and understanding from her family, and is grateful for their help.

Paper 1.3, Managing People
Joint winners for Paper 1.3, with scores of 98%, are Malgorzata Bujska and Miroslawa Wieconkowska, both from Warsaw, Poland.

Malgorzata, who graduated from Warsaw School of Economics, is now deputy chief accountant with telecommunications company Energis Polska Sp. She chose ACCA as she was looking for an international professional qualification after Poland joined the European Union in May 2004. She believes the qualification not only meets her professional aspirations, but will enable her to work abroad in the future.

Miroslawa is a financial assistant with Volex Poland, which produces telecommunication cables. She graduated from Gdansk University with a degree in international relations, but then chose to study accountancy because she believes it will open up great opportunities - not only in Poland and the EU - but worldwide.

Paper 2.1, Information Systems
The winner of the prize for Paper 2.1, with a score of 98%, is Alison Mitchelmore, from Bolton in the UK. Alison is a trainee accountant with Bentleys accountancy practice and says she has always enjoyed working with numbers. She chose ACCA because of its global reputation and the opportunity to work in a variety of different technical areas and locations around the world. Alison is grateful for the good study package she receives from her employers, and says that the staff at BPP Manchester (where she studies) have been extremely helpful and supportive.

Paper 2.2, Corporate and Business Law
The winner of the Paper 2.2 prize, scoring 99%, is Angela Akoth Oketch from Nairobi in Kenya, who works as an associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers. She chose ACCA because she feels the constantly updated syllabus ensures it remains leading edge. She says that ACCA opens the door to many opportunities and is grateful for the support given to her by PricewaterhouseCoopers in terms of study leave and paying for revision courses.

Paper 2.3, Business Taxation
Scoring 99%, the winner of the prize for this paper is Elizabeth Hogger, from Ipswich in the UK. Elizabeth is a senior accountant with Ensors accountancy practice, where she is involved in audit and accounts preparation for companies and charities. Elizabeth chose a modern apprenticeship scheme with Ensors rather than going to university. She chose ACCA because it is well-recognised in industry as well as practice, and gives her a wide range of options for the future.

Paper 2.4, Financial Management and Control
Chan Wen Jie, from Singapore, who scored 91%, is the winner for this paper. He says he chose to study towards the ACCA qualification because of the versatility and flexibility of the programme. He works during the day and attends evening classes.

Paper 2.5, Financial Reporting
The winner of this prize, scoring 94%, is Jason Lambourne, a trainee accountant with EBS Building Society. Jason started a career in accountancy when he moved to Ireland and took an office job in an accounts department. He found the work interesting and realised he was good at it, so he took the logical step and decided to work towards a professional qualification.

Paper 2.6, Audit and Internal Review
Adam Bland, from Bedfordshire in the UK, scored 89% and receives the prize for this paper. He is a service charge accountant with property management company Erinaceous Group plc. Adam says he chose ACCA because of the broad syllabus. He found studying tough, particularly alongside a full-time job and trying to spend as much time as possible with his young son. He is appreciative of the excellent lectures and tutors at BPP Luton, and is grateful to his company who have been very supportive with study leave.

Paper 3.1, Audit and Assurance Services
Joint winners of the Paper 3.1 prize, with scores of 87%, are Naomi Hunt from Reading, in the UK, and Marina Babitskaya from Minsk in Belarus.

Naomi is an accounts senior with MacIntyre Hudson, an accountancy practice in High Wycombe. She became interested in accountancy when working for the Inland Revenue after leaving Cardiff University with a law degree. She was attracted to ACCA because of its flexibility and the opportunity to specialise at Part 3. She says the fact that the qualification is globally recognised was also very important.

Marina works as a senior in the audit and assurance services department of Deloitte and Touche FE Belarus, based in Minsk. She holds an economics degree from the Belarusian State Economic University, but has known for a long time that she wanted to be an accountant. She says the qualification will provide her with opportunities for career growth and a basis for further professional development.

Paper 3.2, Advanced Taxation
The winner of the advanced tax paper is Samantha Buckley, an accounts analyst with pharmaceutical company Novartis Grimsby Ltd. Samantha, who scored 81% in this paper, chose ACCA because she says it offered the most well-rounded syllabus. She has benefited from study leave and financial support from her employers and says that her training provider, FTC, has offered support through flexible study timetables, and has always been available to answer queries or concerns.

Paper 3.3, Performance Management
The winner of the prize for the highest individual score in this paper, with a mark of 94%, is Boryana Yurukova from Sofia in Bulgaria.

Paper 3.4, Business Information Management
Scoring 82% on this paper, Bonnie Shenton is a financial assistant with EH Booth and Co supermarkets in Preston, in the UK. Bonnie chose to study ACCA because she wanted to pursue a professional career and found the qualification was flexible and was known for a high standard of professionalism. She says it has been a challenge to balance home life with working full-time and studying, but she believes it is worthwhile. Bonnie's 10-year goal is to be the finance director of a small or medium-sized company.

Paper 3.5, Strategic Business Planning and Development
The winner for this paper, with a score of 82%, is Olena Pavlenko from Kiev who is a risk analyst with Raiffaisenbank Ukraine. She is responsible for the analysis of potential corporate clients and the reassessment of risks relating to existing clients. Olena graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science and obtained an MSc degree in Accounting and Finance. She believes it is vital that accountants should develop a broad view of the business in which they work. Olena has ambitions to be the finance director of a large Ukrainian company, or to work in the Government's Ministry of Finance.

Paper 3.6, Advanced Corporate Reporting
Paper 3.6 winner, scoring 89%, is Vassiliki Michael, who works as a senior associate in the audit department of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Cyprus. Vassiliki, who holds a degree in economics from the University of Cyprus, chose ACCA because she says it commands worldwide respect, and is the fastest-growing professional body. PwC Cyprus is a Platinum Approved status accredited employer which means that she has received excellent support through her studies. Qualifying as an ACCA has opened new career paths, and Vassiliki has now been promoted.

Vassiliki does not feel she could ever have pursued a career other than accountancy, and she looks forward to being a financial controller in a medium or large-sized company, or in the public sector.

Paper 3.7, Strategic Financial Management
Joint winners of the Paper 3.7 prize, with scores of 81%, are Dolapo Owokoniran, originally from Nigeria, and Jonathan Harrod, from Bristol in the UK, who is also the Bronze medal winner.

Dolapo lives in London, and fitted her ACCA studies around a part-time job which isn't accountancy related. She studied with FTC, and is grateful for the support she received from tutors there, as well as the support and encouragement she had from family and friends.