Julia Kinkela

'Strategic Business Leadership stood out as a particular milestone because it showed that being an accountant isn’t always about the numbers – we influence and consult the companies we work for on decision making.'

I attended the NMC in February 2024 and it was amazing! Studying can sometimes feel isolating so it was really good to meet the wider community and get to know people who went through a similar journey as me.

Studying and qualifying has allowed me to earn better salaries, and has gotten my foot in the door for companies I dreamed of working for. I have grown personally because it has taught me the importance of discipline and forward thinking – I apply this to most aspects of my life now.

I have recently leaned into creating social media content to help other ACCA students with their exams which has been really fun! I hope to continue doing this, to contribute to ACCA’s brand. Professionally, I hope to keep progressing and having a positive impact in my workplace.

Strategic Business Leadership stood out as a particular milestone because it showed that being an accountant isn’t always about the numbers – we influence and consult the companies we work for on decision making.

Matthew Lawrie

Starting my career in finance has been both challenging and rewarding, with becoming an ACCA-qualified professional being a key milestone. I am now a Wealth Management Consultant at Mattioli Woods, initially worked as a Property Accountant while completing my ACCA qualification. However, I realised I wanted a more client-facing role, allowing me to combine technical expertise with meaningful client relationships.

I was drawn to accounting because of my passion for analytical work and problem-solving in business finance. ACCA stood out due to its global recognition and flexibility in shaping my career. I first discovered ACCA while studying Accounting and Finance at Newcastle University, and its credibility reinforced my decision to pursue the qualification.

Balancing a full-time job with studying for the Strategic Professional exams was demanding, especially with personal commitments. To manage this, I focused on one exam at a time, ensuring I could dedicate enough effort to each. This structured approach helped me successfully navigate the qualification process.

Attending the New Member Celebrations was a key milestone. Meeting fellow ACCA members and hearing from inspirational speakers about diverse career paths within ACCA was invaluable. These events highlighted the vast opportunities available and the importance of professional networking and community building.

ACCA has provided essential support, giving me professional credibility and a strong community of members to connect with. The CPD resources continue to help me develop skills and stay updated with industry changes. Networking events and expert knowledge have kept me informed about challenges in the profession, ensuring I can effectively support my clients.

Since qualifying, I have gained both technical knowledge and confidence. Achieving ACCA membership reinforced my self-belief and proved that I can accomplish any goal I set. My primary career aspiration is to become a trusted adviser for my clients, guiding them through financial challenges and helping them achieve their objectives. ACCA plays a vital role in this journey by offering continuous learning and valuable connections.

For those considering ACCA, my advice is simple: take your time, maintain your hobbies, and believe in yourself. I found tutoring services invaluable, as they provided structured support and effective exam preparation techniques. Practicing past papers was my best method for success. Completing my final exam, Advanced Taxation, was a defining moment—marking the culmination of years of hard work.

Beyond my career, I am working towards personal milestones, including buying a house and starting renovation projects. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important to me, ensuring I can focus on personal growth alongside my professional development. As I look ahead, my goal remains to achieve both professional and personal aspirations, knowing that my ACCA qualification has provided a strong foundation for success.

Zoe Gibbard

'The ACCA qualification has greatly enhanced my confidence and understanding of accountancy, enabling career progression that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. I feel more self-assured and capable in my field since achieving this qualification.'

I am a 54-year-old single mother of three grown daughters. I grew up in the care system, becoming independent at 16 shaped my resilience. Despite leaving school without A Levels or university experience, I always believed in my potential.

I have always had a passion for math, which inspired me to take a career break and attend college to pursue the AAT qualification. At the time, my tutor cautioned that the ACCA qualification would be challenging and doubted my ability to achieve it. However, I was determined to progress further and embarked on my ACCA journey, tackling one exam at a time. After comparing management accounting with financial accounting, I found that ACCA aligned better with my skills and interests.

My biggest challenge was studying effectively, as I had yet to take A Levels or attend university. Time management was another hurdle. As a full-time worker and single parent to three daughters, I had to prioritise my studies over housework to carve out enough weekend hours. Over time, this balancing act became easier and eventually turned into a manageable routine.

I attended the New Members Celebration at the Underglobe in London in February 2024; it was important for me to attend as I had never had a graduation, and it was an amazing experience to be able to attend with my daughters. This was my chance to graduate!

The ACCA qualification has greatly enhanced my confidence and understanding of accountancy, enabling career progression that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. I feel more self-assured and capable in my field since achieving this qualification.

As a financial controller in the hospitality sector, I work closely with our Financial Director, applying the advanced knowledge I gained through ACCA to tackle complex challenges. My journey to ACCA was challenging, but persistence and thorough preparation were key. From using study text indexes to cover every topic, revising bullet points, and learning from examiners' comments, I ensured a strong understanding of each subject. Despite moments of self-doubt, I passed all my exams on the first attempt by focusing on steady progress, balancing study with family life, and finding study techniques that worked for me, including meditation to calm exam nerves.

For anyone pursuing ACCA, my advice is to take it one step at a time and not be discouraged by setbacks or the scope of the material. Small details can make a big difference in exams, so be thorough. Advanced Tax was a milestone for me, and while the workload seemed overwhelming at first, breaking it into manageable pieces made it achievable. Now that I've attained ACCA, I am exploring further qualifications, such as financial advisory, to continue growing in my career. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym and spending time with my family.