Business School alumnus comes top in UK professional exam

Originally from Brighton, Mark was offered a job locally in his final year of university and hopes to qualify as an accountant in September 2014.

Highlights of his time at University include graduation and, in particular, the memories from his year abroad in Reutlingen Germany. He gained a love of learning, specifically accountancy and a quest for knowledge; relishing the chance to take an interest in the big issues and spending time thinking about them.

The qualification for which he is currently training towards is the ACA. Its requirements are not just the exams, but also include continuing professional development elements, technical work experience and requirements to have structured training in ethics. He has taken ten out of the 15 exams with two more to be taken in June.

Mark commented: “My results came through by email at 17:00 on a Friday and I was extremely nervous for the whole day as I thought that the exams had been quite difficult. When the actual results came out I was shocked and had to check them several times! I have always worked hard and have so far done well in exams, but never expected this kind of recognition. I left work feeling very proud.”

Judith Flood, deputy managing partner at Thomas Westcott said: "We select only the highest calibre graduates and trainees for our annual trainee programme.

"Last September, we selected 19 trainees. These young and soon to be qualified accountants benefit from practical experience with us as they study for and complete their professional exams. The vast majority enjoy a long and fulfilling career with Thomas Westcott."

Mark concluded “Without the help and support of my employers, I don’t think I would have been able to achieve as much as I have.”

Mark will receive his prize at an award ceremony on 16 May 2013 in London.