Hertz – Grainne Hughes, ACCA student, DCU graduate
I enjoyed Accountancy for the Leaving Cert and it was an easy decision for me to apply to DCU in 2001 to their BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance. Upon graduation in 2004 I was fortunate to get offered a Trainee Accountant position at an international life assurance provider, SEB Life (Ireland). Within a few weeks I had registered with ACCA thanks to the encouragement of my ACCA qualified manager.
I chose the ACCA qualification as I was very attracted to the control I could take over my study options. I have the freedom to choose how often I sit exams and how I wish to approach my study – at home or at dedicated classes. The flexibility ensures I can achieve my initial career goals and also incorporate the vital work/life balance.(
I joined Hertz in 2010 as a Financial Accountant at the Hertz European Service Centre (HESC). Initially I was apprehensive about moving industries, switching from the regulated, reporting focused financial services sector to the dynamic shared services sector.
However, my career transition was greatly enabled by my ACCA qualification. I found the well rounded skillset I developed throughout my studies from strong technical accountancy ability, to business management and performance effectiveness, ensured I had the flexibility to adapt quickly to the new role.
Hertz is an ACCA Approved Employer and offers excellent support to both ACCA trainees and fully fledged members, in the development of their accountancy career. Working in HESC has given me exposure to a diverse number of functions not only in finance but also in customer facing functions and ensures I am continuously improving my abilities and skills. This can significantly assist anyone trying to achieve their work experience requirements for membership.
I would highly recommend the ACCA qualification to anyone wanting a career as a professional qualified accountant. I believe you need to be flexible, adaptive and well rounded in order to succeed and progress your career and I believe you will develop these attributes en route to becoming an ACCA member.
"I chose the ACCA qualification as I was very attracted to the control I could take over my study options"
