Overview
This six-month virtual mentoring programme offers ACA students a unique opportunity to be mentored by an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. It is open to any UK-based ACA students who are in a training agreement, and do not have access to a mentoring scheme at their firm. We require applicants to have successfully completed their probationary period at their firm.
You will have the freedom to choose a mentor with the assistance of an online platform. By signing up, setting goals, and selecting the specific skills you want guidance on, you will be matched to a suitable mentor. All communication and sessions can be conveniently managed within the platform.
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Key details
Duration: 6 months
Location: Online mentoring
Start date: Your first session
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Criteria
This programme is currently open to ACA Students based in the UK, who have no access to a mentoring scheme within their firm already. We require applicants to have successfully completed their probationary period at their firm.
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Role of a mentee
You will be responsible for actively driving the mentoring relationship and taking ownership of your personal growth. This involves setting an agenda, defining your goals, and attending all sessions well-prepared and ready to engage in meaningful discussions about your challenges and action plans.
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Duration and sessions
The mentor will be available for 6 months, this will commence from the initial session. We recommend scheduling one session per month, but you will need to be considerate of the mentor's availability. All sessions must be mutually agreed by both you and the mentor.
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Programme spaces
Places are limited, so please ensure you complete the application form with as much detail as possible. ICAEW aims to respond within 2 weeks.
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Informing your employer
It is your choice whether you want to share your application or your participation in the programme with your manager or employer.
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What if I don't get a place?
We have a range of great articles including top tips and advice on exams and studying on our Student Insights page. We encourage you to explore other mentorship options. Your firm may operate a formal mentorship scheme – ask your manager or HR team about mentorship opportunities available.
Mentors
Below are some profiles of our current mentors.
I qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant with a small, independent firm, working across audit, accounts, and tax. Subsequently, I have worked in practice for 18 years, latterly as a Senior Manager and Head of the Corporate (audit) team. Having moved out of practice in 2021. I am now Head of Finance for a healthcare charity. I am also a trustee of a local charity in Hampshire and chair the Finance Subgroup.
I completed my ACA at an international FTSE 30 company, working in five varied roles over nearly seven years, with the first three being on a graduation scheme rotating annually. I have picked up a lot of work experience, both internationally and domestically that would be great to pass on to aspiring students.
I am a fully qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant, currently managing a portfolio of clients, each varying in size from smaller owner managed family businesses through to global organisations with c£750m annual revenue. Based out of the Preston office with over 11 years' experience in the audit industry, I have also undertaken the role of audit quality champion for this office for the last 3 years. I'm very excited and honoured to be able to offer my honest advice and share my knowledge to help develop the next generation of chartered accountants.
I am a qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant, a fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FCPA) and Business and Finance Professional (BFP). I have been working in the audit and compliance functions and in various financial institutions, for more than 18 years. I have years of experience as a mentor so my personal experience can definitely be shared.
I have a 20-year career spanning professional and financial services, real estate, hospitality and leisure. I have steered finance functions in UK and US listed organisations and in large-cap PE-owned businesses, delivering financial performance, business partnering, M&A, investor relations, and audit solutions. During my time in practice, I completed the ACA and Corporate Finance qualifications with ICAEW.
I am a fully qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant with over 6 years of experience working within audit and accounting. I have worked in 3 different jurisdictions: Mauritius, Malta and Luxembourg. I have a huge passion for mentoring as I feel it gives back to society.
Having a mentor is setting me up for a good career
Sam, who is training for his ACA at a small consultancy firm, explains how the programme has developed his strengths and confidence.
Is this programme for you?
If uncertain you need a mentor, or need support with the application get in contact and we can discuss the programme more with you.