How did you get your job as a management accountant and business manager?
Working for the family construction business, Pexhurst Services, as an accounts assistant was never something I planned. But after leaving university, my main focus was simply getting into work and gaining experience.
As I became more involved, my responsibilities naturally grew, and I decided to pursue the ACCA qualification. Over time, that combination of hands-on experience and professional study enabled me to advance to my current position as a management accountant and business manager.
It's all worked out better than I could have imagined, and I take pride in knowing that the business will continue into its third generation of family members (and hopefully many more).
Why did you choose this career path and qualification route?
I've always had an interest in numbers, and ACCA stood out to me as a prestigious qualification that could open many doors, not just in accounting but across the wider business world.
What really appealed to me was the breadth of the qualification, which builds:
- commercial awareness
- strategic thinking
- real-world decision-making skills.
I could see that whether I stayed in accounting or moved into a broader business role, the knowledge and mindset I'd develop would always be valuable.
How important are professional qualifications for this career?
They're extremely important. A professional qualification gives you credibility - it shows that you genuinely understand your field and that you've met a recognised global standard.
Completing a qualification like ACCA also says a lot about you as a person. It requires:
- dedication
- ethical development
- hard work
- perseverance.
Employers and colleagues recognise that, and it builds trust in your ability to operate at a senior level.
Briefly tell us about the structure of the ACCA programme.
The ACCA qualification consists of 13 exams, structured across three levels. You start with three Applied Knowledge exams, move on to six Applied Skills exams, and then finish with four Strategic Professional exams.
There are four exam sittings per year, and I chose to sit one exam per sitting to keep things manageable. The study commitment was intense. I was studying early mornings before work, during lunch breaks, and in the evenings, with weekends dedicated to revision and exam practice.
Passing the exams is only part of the process. To fully qualify, you also need 36 months of relevant work experience and must complete nine performance objectives to demonstrate your competence in a real working environment.
How have you found the work/study balance?
I really enjoy studying and learning. It reminds me that I'm constantly developing and taking on new opportunities. That said, balancing work and study requires structure. I stuck to a very strict and realistic timetable, which helped me stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. I always made sure that breaks and social time were factored in, so it never felt like life was completely on hold.
Work demands don't disappear when you're studying, which is why I found that waking up early was the most effective approach. It allowed me to start the day feeling productive and gave me flexibility in the evenings to pick up anything extra if needed.
What support have you received during this time?
My employer has been very understanding and supportive of my studies. I was given study leave the day before each exam, which made a huge difference in my ability to focus.
However, I genuinely believe that self-discipline and self-support are just as important. You must be kind to yourself, adaptable, and solution-focused.
Try to stay positive and find a solution when work/other commitments interfere with your studies.
What have been the highlights of achieving this qualification?
During my studies, I won two global prizes - one for the highest-placing affiliate worldwide, and another for the joint-highest mark globally in Advanced Performance Management (APM) in the same sitting.
Those moments were incredibly rewarding and really validated the effort that went into completing the qualification.
How does the qualification fit in with your career ambitions?
ACCA has opened up opportunities for progression within the business and has allowed me to work closely with senior members of staff. It's given me both the technical knowledge and the confidence to contribute at a strategic level.
What are the main benefits of being a member of a professional body?
Being a member of a professional body like ACCA offers global recognition, improved earning potential and connects you to a strong professional network.
More importantly, it develops your commercial acumen and professional judgement, which are essential as you progress into more senior roles.
The ACCA qualification really does speak for itself - it signals that you're a trusted financial professional.
What advice would you give to others interested in pursuing a professional qualification in this field?
- Manage your time realistically and consistently. Work, social life and other responsibilities don't stop, so it's important to plan ahead and stick to a routine.
- Take each exam as it comes. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the size of the journey, but focusing on one step at a time makes it far more manageable - and enjoyable.
- Don't stop once you start. Momentum is everything. I wouldn't recommend taking long breaks between exams or levels, as it becomes harder to get back into the study mindset. Once you start, keep going and aim to finish strong.
Find out more
- Discover how to become an accountant.
- Explore the role of a chartered certified accountant.
- Read about professional qualifications and joining the ACCA.