Career journeys in accountancy with JLL
Our Property & Asset Management UK team has ACCA Approved Employer status for Trainee & Professional Development. Find out from team members how this has benefitted their careers
Christian Hansen
What initially attracted you to pursue the ACCA qualification?
Accountancy was a career I wanted to pursue since leaving sixth form. I went to University to study a degree in accounting and finance, so the next logical step was to achieve chartered status from a professional accounting body. The ACCA qualification covers a wide variety of accounting areas which I liked as it meant long term I could go into any industry. JLL at the time (and still is) a platinum member with the ACCA which also was attractive when making my decision between ACCA and CIMA.
How did JLL support you during your ACCA journey?
I applied for study sponsorship through JLLs study support scheme. As a result JLL funded my tuition through learning provider Kaplan. This granted me with weekly lectures, mock exams, study material and additional study leave on top of my annual holiday allowance. All of which was really beneficial and helped me when trying to take 4 exams per year.
What challenges did you face while studying for the ACCA exams, and how did you overcome them?
Bar the complexity of some of the exams I think the main challenge I found was trying to keep an even balance of work, study and social life. I found of having a very strict study, work and exercise routine during the week followed by allowing sufficient study and rest time at the weekends.
Can you share some specific examples of how your ACCA certification has contributed to your professional growth at JLL?
I think the main thing would be work ethic and drive. Achieving any professional accounting qualification whilst working a full-time job is no easy task and requires a huge amount of hard work, long hours and commitment. This I believe sets you up for a good attitude in your professional career.
How do you think being an ACCA member sets you apart from others in the industry?
Through completion of the ACCA qualification, you develop many fundamental areas which help set you apart from others within the industry. Whether that’s strategic thinking, technical skills or general professional values, these are all key in making ACCA students well rounded and sought after by businesses.
What advice do you have for other PAM UK colleagues who are considering pursuing the ACCA qualification?
Absolutely do it. It’s a hard road but completing my ACCA was one of the proudest moments of my life. Without repeating the above but without ACCA I certainly wouldn’t be in the job role I am today!
Ben Wright
What initially attracted you to pursue the ACCA qualification?
I began my accountancy journey back in College with my Business Studies A-level, following this I obtained my degree in Accounting and Finance. It was during this journey that I came to understand the branches that exist within professional accountancy which include; ACCA, ACA and CIMA. Whilst each have their merits, ACCA is best known as a globally recognised qualification, focusing on the past (historic events). It was these two elements that enticed me; the in-depth and breath of financial knowledge and the international recognition the ACCA qualification holds above others.
How did JLL support you during your ACCA journey?
After completing my probation I discussed my aspirations to complete the ACCA qualification with my line managers, they were keen to support and guided me through the LSA application process. The LSA itself covered all of my learning materials, in whichever study method I felt appropriate, it also covered my exemption exam fees from my degree, as well as exam fees for first sittings. Additionally, I was assigned a mentor (qualified ACCA member internal at JLL) who has supported me in both my career and study progression over the years at JLL. For this I am very thankful to JLL.
What challenges did you face while studying for the ACCA exams, and how did you overcome them?
Studying the ACCA exams, or any professional qualification is no easy feat. It is tough, time-consuming and requires discipline to self-motivate revision when required. For me, it meant some very anti-social weeks near exam periods, some birthday parties missed, and many hours sunk into past papers. I had passed every exam (only with plenty of prep) first time, until I met AFM, one of ACCA’s final 4 papers. I failed this exam twice. But I picked myself up, dusted off, completed the SBR exam and came back twice as hard. I got a 65 on my third attempt, 15 marks above the bar, the 13th of my 13 ACCA exams.
As I told a cohort of avid learners in JLL in a ‘intro to LSAs’ session earlier this year, everyone should WORK HARD & DREAM BIG. Chartering with a globally recognised accountancy professional body was never going to be easy, but that didn’t stop me and it shouldn’t stop you!
Can you share some specific examples of how your ACCA certification has contributed to your professional growth at JLL?
My ACCA qualification has been a topic of interest to many individuals in the business, particularly when applying for internal promotions. I have been fortunate enough to have 2 promotions in 4 years and I have no doubt that my studies have been a part of these decisions.
Studying ACCA not only develops your understanding of key areas for any finance sector such as audit, tax or financial reporting, but also demonstrates a work ethics and drive for career progression beyond the means of a 9-5. The Ethics and PER assessments as part of the ACCA qualification also have improved my CV, soft skills, and overall employability.
How do you think being an ACCA member sets you apart from others in the industry?
Being a member of a professional accountancy body carries weight, ACCA is a globally recognised title and individuals who are aware of the qualification will also be aware of the depth and breadth the qualification involves. Additionally, the qualification holds its members to a high standard, with the requirement of CPD (continued professional development) every year in order to maintain knowledge and expertise in the body. It is a clear indication to financial professionals the student or member is dedicated, motivated and holds a strong level of financial knowledge.
What advice do you have for other PAM UK colleagues who are considering pursuing the ACCA qualification?
Please reach out, ask about, ask your closest professional members, ask the JLL L&D team, ask myself. There are many, many students within JLL at the moment who would be happy to share their journey. The ACCA will significantly benefit your career and employability options, what’s the worst that can happen from giving it a shot? Remember the motto - WORK HARD & DREAM BIG.
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