Having been shy at school becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant has given Christa more confidence. An interest in maths and a summer job in audit at Moore Stephens led to Christa studying the ACA qualification after university.
ICAEW route: Non-finance degree
Industry: Audit and assurance
Location: Isle of Man, UK
I knew about accounting because my dad was an accountant. So when I had the chance to work in audit at Moore Stephens during the summer holidays, I took it. I like the numbers side of it because I was always interested in maths at school.
After I finished the International Baccalaureate, I decided to take a Business Studies degree, which conveniently meant one less ACA exam! I was also able to take my courses on the Isle of Man which was helpful.
Somehow I managed to get first place in four ACA exams and it was very special going to the prize ceremonies at Chartered Accountants Hall.
It’s really hard to think of a ‘typical’ working day because something unexpected normally crops up. However, I am responsible for planning and supervising audits as well as ensuring audits are completed to deadline and helping with any issues.
I was also responsible for helping a large group of shipping companies with the conversion to FRS 102. It was a lot of work but we got there in the end!
I like dealing with the more technical issues such as working out how a more complicated transaction/balance should be accounted for and disclosed.
I have been promoted to Supervisor, which I found a bit difficult at first, having to juggle so many jobs.
However, I enjoy the role now and the friendly team at Moore Stephens also makes work a lot more fun! In five years I would hope to have progressed to audit manager.
I was very shy at school. My training and the fact that I have officially qualified as an accountant has given me much more confidence which is essential to manage a team.
During my training, my father fell ill and sadly passed away just before I qualified. It was a horrible time for us and I have no idea how I got through it.
Two years on, I still miss him but try to make the most of life by spending time with friends and family and visiting new places. Since qualifying I have been to New Zealand, Madeira and Austria.
I did fall in love with New Zealand when we went there last Christmas. It would be great to work there (even if just for one year), but I’m not sure how I would feel leaving friends and family behind.
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