Cusack Garvey – Melanie Jolliffe, ACCA student, Trinity College graduate
After graduating from Trinity College Dublin in 2007 with a Bachelor in Business Studies I worked in AIB for a year and half before leaving to travel around Asia and Australia. I always had a keen interest in accountancy in school and college but I wasn’t entirely sure if it was the route I wanted to follow. However, during my time travelling I soon realised that it was the right career choice for me and so on my return to Ireland in 2010 I did some research into the different accountancy qualifications available.
The ACCA qualification stood out to me for a number of reasons. It is an internationally recognised qualification that is highly desirable. It was crucial for me to balance work and studying with maintaining family and personal commitments and the flexibility with ACCA makes this possible. Exams are held twice a year and you have 10 years to complete the exams, this means you can take a break from studying if necessary. There are fantastic study options available from attending dedicated class lectures to studying from home and the online tutorial packages are just like being in the classroom. There is huge variety with the exams which ensures that on completion you have a rounded understanding of the area of accountancy. I wanted to work for a company that would give me exposure to the different areas of accountancy and working at Cusack Garvey has more than met my expectations.
Working for Cusack Garvey has allowed me to gain a lot of hands on experience and responsibility which I enjoy. I relish a challenge and every day at Cusack Garvey provides me with this. My work is very varied which keeps me focused and it’s safe to say that I’m never bored.
Cusack Garvey is an ACCA Approved Employer which means on the job training is recognised by ACCA. They offer invaluable support to all trainees providing flexibility with study leave and time off to attend evening classes. The training package is extremely generous and includes paid tuition fees, paid exam/exemption fees and paid study leave. Studying for the ACCA exams and working simultaneously takes a lot of work and dedication but the support and advice I have received from the team at Cusack Garvey has made this experience worthwhile and extremely rewarding.
I am looking forward to becoming an ACCA member and continuing to further my skills at Cusack Garvey. I would highly recommend ACCA to anyone who feels a career in accountancy is the right path for them. For me there is just no competition.
"It was crucial for me to balance work and study with family and personal commitments and ACCA makes this possible"
