Perspectives on ACCA training
Consilium Chartered Accountants are proud to offer Graduate trainees multiple pathways to professional accreditation, including qualification with the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA).
Recently, we sat down with 2nd-year ACCA Graduate trainees Anup Thuhan and Connor Thomson to find out how their first year of training with Consilium has been.
Anup and Connor, you are both entering your 2nd-year as Graduate trainees, how has your first year of ACCA training been?
Anup: My first year as a Graduate trainee with Consilium has been a steep learning curve. The first few months involved a lot of training which was great, although slightly over-whelming.
However, looking back I would not have wanted it to go any other way as I realise now that it has helped me feel more confident in the work I am completing in the Accounting and Business Services team.
Connor: My first year has been really enjoyable and I feel like a valued member of the Consilium team already. ACCA training is relatively flexible in terms of when I do my exams which helps, especially since I have a young family! I feel that the balance between work life and study life is perfect for me.
What have the highlights been so far?
Connor: For me, it has been passing my first-level ACCA exam and meeting all the fantastic people in the Consilium team.
Anup: Likewise, passing all my exams so far has been the main highlight. Looking back on the hard work I have put in, and the rewards that come with that is very pleasing.
The social events have also been a great way to have fun with colleagues and get to know everyone.
Aside from practical knowledge, what has been your big learning takeaway from the year?
Anup: That asking questions is a great way to learn, even if it might seem like a silly question.
There have been times when I have not fully understood what someone has explained to me, but I know that asking for further clarification has helped my learning and increased my knowledge.
Connor: Simply the fact short-term sacrifices provide long-term gains.
By putting in the study hours consistently, I’m better able to manage my time around work and family life.
How does your ACCA training experience with Consilium compare to fellow students?
Connor: Consilium puts you in control of your ACCA training and which exams you do and when. I’ve heard from friends that their companies are not as flexible. Having this degree of flexibility and ownership is great for me and one of the benefits of working for Consilium.
Anup: In larger accountancy firms, newly qualified Chartered Accountants tend to leave straight away. Therefore, younger graduates have fewer people to lean on. At Consilium it is the opposite; most people continue their career with the firm meaning there are plenty of people around to learn from.
I’ve been able to ask them useful questions and get helpful tips as they’ve been through the whole journey. That’s a big difference that is unique to Consilium.
Do you have any advice for undergraduates considering starting ACCA training with Consilium?
Anup: Consilium is a fantastic company to work for because it allows you to develop your understanding and knowledge whilst completing a wide variety of work. The environment is one in which anyone can succeed if they enjoy learning.
I would also research the Consilium values and if they relate to you as this will be a good indicator that you’ll enjoy working here.
Connor: Consilium offers a great environment in which to work and study. The people are amazing and there is loads of support available for completing your Chartered Accountancy training. You need to be prepared to put the work in but having a good support network around you is key to getting over the finish line.
Learn more about Consilium’s graduate training programmes and how to become ACCA-qualified.
Find out what a day in the life of a Graduate trainee is like at Consilium.
Read how Graduate training with Consilium has super-charged the careers of our alumni.
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