ACMA, CGMA, MA (Hons) EcPol, University of Edinburgh. Graduated 2005. Internal auditor, Tesco
‘I got to do a two month placement in Tokyo’
What kind of projects do you get involved in?
I currently work in internal audit where my job is to analyse a process within the business and identify any risks that the company faces. The role is based in the UK, but the audits are all over the world. My first audit will be on our negotiations with suppliers at our office in Izmir, Turkey. My previous role was a two month placement in Tokyo working as a finance analyst.
How did you get into accountancy?
I started on the Tesco finance graduate scheme straight from uni. Working in accountancy appealed because it gives you excellent training in how to analyse problems, which is applicable to any role in business. It also helps you to develop a clear thought process, which gives you an advantage in whichever career path you choose to follow.
What’s great about working at Tesco?
The opportunities - the size and breadth of Tesco means it can offer a great range of roles in many different areas. It has divisions working in many different industries, for example telecoms, banking, internet retail and property development.
The other attraction is the international growth. Tesco is the third largest retailer in the world and the international elements of the business are growing rapidly. This means that there are opportunities all over the world. People from my graduate scheme have been or are working in Korea, China, Japan, the US and India.
Why did you choose CIMA as your financial qualification?
CIMA is the qualification supported by employers in the types of roles I was interested in doing. Working in industry, rather than practice, CIMA is more appropriate and certainly provides a useful grounding in business.
How do you see CIMA contributing to your future career progression?
Whatever you choose to do in your future career CIMA will provide useful tools. The qualification also gives potential employers a certain expectation of your abilities; this makes you more marketable to future employers.