Case studies : Audit Executive at Ernst & Young LLP: Helen Gunnell

Helen Gunnell, Audit Executive at Ernst & Young LLP (Nottingham), knew that the ACCA Qualification would open doors and give her the knowledge she needed to pursue a career in accountancy.

My strengths are in numerical-based subjects therefore, when I left university, I worked in a bank and then a regional building society… after a few years I wanted a challenge in my career. I decided that ACCA Qualification was the right path for me.

After completing a BA Honours degree in Economics, I was encouraged to undertake the ACCA Qualification by my employers, Ernst & Young. I was excited to be offered a position with ACCA and also to study for this prestigious, globally recognised qualification. I have found that being qualified with ACCA has opened a wide number of possibilities.

There are so many opportunities available to accountants and the gloabl element of the ACCA Qualification has allowed me to plan for the future. It is good to know that working overseas is an option… it also opens up the possibility of short term secondments to other countries which is a very exciting prospect.

Ernst & Young have provided support and encouragement which I needed to gain the ACCA Qualification, and I will never look back. There are so many interesting roles within the profession and you have the opportunity to meet a wide range of people.

The ACCA qualification has helped me to progress my career and continue to develop my technical expertise, as well as offering me a choice of sectors and company sizes. The hard work you put in will be a benefit in the long term.