July 2024
PQ magazine talks to Maria Sigacheva (pictured) about her ACCA journey.
“My accounting career spans over 20 years in the private and public sectors in both the UK and Switzerland. I held different roles while studying for the ACCA qualification from a bookkeeper, finance officer, internal auditor and accountant. I now work as indirect tax manager for Glencore.
ACCA membership has played a vital role in my progression to more senior roles.
What skills I gained from the ACCA
“The ACCA programme has a well- structured system of studying. Every level provides you with confidence and supports your career choice.
Moreover, there are many exemptions for the exams if you have already taken those at the university, which was my case.
I have started studying towards the ACCA simultaneously with the MSc in Finance and Accounting at the University of Westminster.
I also worked part-time, so I took two exams maximum per sitting.
My top advice is to assess your workload and not overstress yourself. You can take up to four exams per sitting, but if you have other commitments, choose to balance your work-life balance.
“The ACCA is more than getting an outstanding qualification.
It is about becoming a part of a large accounting community with a purpose, respect for the profession, and ethics.
Opportunities are there for the ambitious to see and embrace.
“Amongst all subjects, learning about advanced taxation was the most useful for me in all, career and personal matters!
“Now qualified, I continue to enhance my professional skills through CPD and I am a loyal reader of both PQ magazine and AB magazine. The ACCA website also contains a large number of events, articles, and courses available every year to get you up-to-date with the latest changes in the accounting world.
My future plans
“My next goal is to become a fellow member and continue contributing to the ACCA as an Ambassador for Early Careers. I have been in this role for about two years and enjoy speaking at the universities as a qualified accountant, promoting the accounting profession and sharing my experience. Since last year, I have joined the mentorship programmes at the universities of East London, Westminster and Lincoln. I find mentoring rewarding and it works both ways. A mentor can practice their communication and leadership skills. Mentees, on the other hand, have access to professionals with years of experience who can guide them towards their goals, encourage them to take steps, and generally discuss their career options and aspirations.
Skills in demand?
“More than ever there is a demand for IT skills, especially a growth of artificial intelligence solutions.
Accountants need to keep up with the latest technology and utilise the tools to streamline or automate some processes. This would increase compliance, reduce or eliminate errors, and balance a work-life scale.”
- Maria Sigacheva is a tax manager at Glencore and quailed ACCA.
