My Success Story

Living in the city the University of Wolverhampton was my natural choice when it came to choosing a university. I was inspired to study accounting and finance by my dad’s accountant when I saw how he helped people and my work experience at the Barclays Bank gave me a passion to explore the finance environment in more detail.

The accounting and finance degree covers lots of topics, from tax, finance, audit, digital, management and financial accounting to name a few. This gave me the chance to look at the different areas of accounting and enabled me to choose which areas interested me the most.

I joined the University’s Institute of Directors (IoD) mentoring scheme and this was really helpful as I gained connections. I was put in touch with seven individuals who ranged from being Associate Chartered Accountants (ACA) to recruitment specialists in the accounting sector and this helped me solidify my ambition to study the ICAEW exams, and become an ACA working in audit. The bonus is that my accounting and finance degree will make me eligible to claim five exemptions, which reduces the number of exams I will have to do!

Studying through the pandemic has not always been easy. When we were in lockdown, I needed to stay motivated. I decided to organise my time efficiently using a schedule, and I think this really helped me achieve excellent grades. I am now in my final year and I am predicted to achieve a First Class degree. In addition, the online resources were plentiful; there were pre-recorded videos and mock exams. Whenever I asked the lecturers for help with anything, they were quick in responding.

In November last year I applied to RSM who are number six in the top ten accounting firms in the world. The selection process was rigorous.

• First, I had to do the form filling and pass the application process.
• Then I had to complete online situational assessments. To prepare for this I practiced loads of numerical reasoning tests, which helped me improve my answers.
• Then I had to do online video assessments. Tim Jones, my mentor from the IoD mentoring scheme, helped me practice for this by conducting mock interviews.
• Then there was a virtual assessment on Teams which was a final interview conducted by two people.
• Then I received an offer as an Audit Assistant Graduate ACA and I start in August 2022!

I really have enjoyed my time here and I have made new friends. I am excited about my new career and I look forward to helping organisations in the future. Thank you to everyone that has helped me along the way.

Zakia Khan                         

Final Year Student

BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance