ICAS TPE Student prize winners reflect on their CA training
In this celebratory article, our TPE prize winners share reflections on their CA training.
ICAS would like to offer congratulations to all those who have recently passed the TPE examinations and are now embarking upon their CA careers. The past few years have been challenging in many ways and we recognise that learning fully online and sitting exams remotely has been a learning curve in itself.
It is a huge achievement to have passed your TPE examinations and we wish all of our Students the very best in their future endeavours.
Here, two of our Students who excelled in the 2019/2020 exam diets share and reflect upon what they found most challenging about their training, their aspirations for the future and their advice for future Students.
About out our recent prize winners
Roisin Craig received the Archie Hunter Prize, which is awarded to the candidate at The Test of Professional Expertise whose performance was judged to be first in order of merit and sufficiently meritorious (November diet). Roisin also received the ICAS Gold Medal, an annual prize for the candidate whose overall performance was judged as the most meritorious (November and May diet).
Natalie Clements received the Primrose Scott Prize, which is awarded to the candidate at The Test of Professional Expertise whose performance was judged to be first in order of merit and sufficiently meritorious (May diet). Natalie also received the ICAS 160th Anniversary Prize, an annual prize for the candidate whose overall performance was judged to be second in order of merit and sufficiently meritorious (November and May diet).
Roisin Craig, Archie Hunter Prize and ICAS Gold Medal
When did you decide you wanted to become a CA?
It wasn’t ever my plan to be honest; my friends and family found it very strange when they found out I was taking the exams. Having studied English Literature, I then worked for charities, marketing agencies, and magazines. I knew there was a gap in my knowledge around business and finance and becoming a CA seemed a good way to round out my understanding of these areas.
What have you found most challenging about your CA training?
When I started, I’d never heard of a Balance Sheet and didn’t know Financial Statements were a thing, so there was a lot of ground to make up. I was completely out of my comfort zone and it was sometimes tough to stay motivated.
What have you enjoyed most about your CA training?
I’m sure it’s what everyone says but I was lucky enough to start and complete my training with some of the most fantastic people I’ve ever met, so the answer would be the friends I’ve made. And being able to join in finance conversations that people assume I can’t follow.
Have you managed to maintain a good work-life balance and/or keep up with any hobbies and interests while going through your training?
During exams and busy season it was tough to maintain that balance, but I would try and go for a walk or to a gym class most days and spend one day or evening each weekend doing something that wasn’t work. Outside of the busier periods I love reading, cooking, travelling, seeing friends, and all the other things people list in the ‘activities’ section of their CV.
Do you have any advice for others who are studying at ICAS?
Study with your friends – I can’t name the number of people who explained things I was struggling with on a Saturday in the office, who marked my answers, and who ran through mock exams with me. They were such a massive help and it makes it much easier working alongside others who are doing the same thing.
At the end of your career, what would you like to be remembered for?
To have contributed to something worthwhile, like tackling homelessness, redistributing wealth, promoting social justice, or pushing for accountability for the climate crisis. I’d also love to be remembered as someone who was always learning, willing to listen, and happy to spend time teaching others.
Natalie Clements, Primrose Scott Prize and ICAS 160th Anniversary Prize
When did you decide you wanted to become a CA?
It wasn’t until my last year at sixth form that I was introduced to the idea of a career in accounting. After a week of work experience that year at KPMG I learnt a lot more about all the opportunities that could arise through becoming a CA. The work experience week was focussed on audit and soon after I found myself applying for KPMG’s Audit School Leaver programme.
What have you found most challenging about your CA training?
I started my CA journey at the age of 18. Being completely new to accounting I was on a steep learning curve as I set out on my first few audit engagements. Whilst I reflect on this as being a challenge, I learnt a lot in such a short period of time. It was always great to look back in those first few months and consider all the brand new things I’d had no idea about a few months earlier!
What have you enjoyed most about your CA training?
I’ve learnt something new every day and I know that will only continue. The opportunities to learn are endless. What I really love is not just the opportunities but the people I’ve encountered on my journey so far that are so willing to help and support me with my learning.
Have you managed to maintain a good work-life balance and/or keep up with any hobbies and interests while going through your training?
I was lucky to go through my training alongside some of my closest friends, so even throughout the periods of long hours spent revising I was surrounded by great people and we always encouraged each other to take a break, relax and do all the things we’d normally enjoy (in my case - shopping!).
Do you have any advice for others who are studying at ICAS?
Don’t be afraid to ask the silly questions.
At the end of your career, what would you like to be remembered for?
I’d hope to be remembered as someone who was invested in other people’s careers and development. I’ve been extremely grateful and remember the people who have helped me develop so far in my career, I’d love to be the same for others in the future.
To access the full list of our recent TPE prize winners, visit https://www.icas.com/students/test-of-professional-expertise-tpe/tpe-exam-prizes
