Horwath Bastow Charleton Limerick – John Whelan, ACCA member, UCC graduate
After completing my leaving certificate I undertook a BSC (Hons) Accounting in UCC and from there a career as a professional accountant was the next logical step for me. My key strengths had always been numeracy and commercial awareness and, on seeking career advice, accountancy became the clear choice. While studying at UCC, I worked for two summers with a small accountancy practice and this experience was invaluable in securing a trainee position when I completed my degree. One of the reasons I chose ACCA was my summer work experience counted against the three years' work experience needed to qualify, but the key influencer in my decision was the flexibility of the qualification.
As a keen GAA player, I wanted to fit my studies around work, sport and my social life - ACCA allowed me to do this. I was also keen to progress through the exams as quickly as possible and sat 2 exams every 6 months. I had 6 exemptions from the ACCA exams and found the transition from college exams to ACCA exams relatively smooth as the exam format and timings were similar to my college degree. The fact ACCA is an international qualification also heavily influenced my decision as I wanted the flexibility to travel both while studying and once I became an ACCA accountant.
On passing the exams, the ACCA qualification really aided my career progression. I joined Horwath Bastow Charleton Limerick initially in Tax (as I am also AITI qualified) and then moved into Corporate Finance. I am now an Assistant Manager and work directly with the managing and corporate finance partner while supervising a team of qualified senior and trainee accountants. Horwath Bastow Charleton were awarded ACCA Platinum Approved Employer status in recognition of the commitment and support given to staff during their training contract and also as qualified accountants pursuing continuous professional development and career progression. They hold in-house presentations, and partners and managers deliver CPD courses for a range of professional bodies, including ACCA, which really helps staff keep up to date with a very dynamic business environment.
"On passing the exams, the ACCA qualification really aided my career progression"
