Finance specialist uses ACCA qualifications as part of his career plan
Jakub Bochenski – Poland
Poznan-based ACCA student Jakub Bochenski is currently a financial specialist working within a large organisation, dealing with control issues. Jakub has always been interested in finance, and decided early on to follow a career as an economist; he has worked as an accounts assistant, a consultant (gaining experience of European Union funding), and as an assistant to a financial director. An essential part of his career plan was to study with ACCA: 'There is no better way to learn about accountancy' he says. 'I need the in-depth financial knowledge that will allow me to manage a financial department, but I also need to be a member of an internationally recognised body.'
As Jakub progressed his financial career it soon became clear that he had to progress his English skills as well: 'I have learned English since I was a child, so it has always been with me. The world of business is inseparable from English and as my career progressed I realised that I needed formal evidence of my language abilities and that ICFE could provide this.'
Jakub self-studied as preparation for the ICFE examination and has advice for future candidates: 'ICFE tests your knowledge thoroughly and one must be properly prepared in all aspects of financial English – reading, listening, writing and speaking. But the end result is well worth the effort required. When you succeed, your self-confidence receives a great boost and you feel able to handle any professional challenge in an English speaking environment.'
Jakub is also sure that his new qualification will help his career develop in the future: 'The most important aspect of any examination is the knowledge required to pass it, but there are also times when we need to prove our skills to others and one of the best ways to do this is by taking the right courses and by passing important exams. ICFE provides real proof of my abilities in the form of a very valuable certificate.'