Meet the campaign stars – Kim Kreutle

Can you tell us a bit about your current role and what it involves?

I work in the Corporate Tax team at Armstrong Watson in Newcastle. My role involves a mix of compliance work, preparing tax computations and a wide range of advisory work. This includes R&D claims, shareholder transactions like successions, exits and MBOs, capital allowances reviews and international tax matters. I also work closely with our Audit and Corporate Finance teams on various transactions, which keeps things interesting and gives me exposure to different areas.

What’s a typical day like for you?

I go to the office most days of the week, as I prefer working in the office. We have a great open plan space and a café downstairs, which is definitely a bonus! No two days are the same. I work with a variety of clients and regularly catch up with my Corporate Tax colleagues across offices in Carlisle, Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow. After work, I am always on the lookout for networking events and opportunities to meet new people in the industry.

What inspired you to pursue the ACA qualification?

I was looking for a career change after working in Travel & Event Management. Accounting and finance were always one of the modules I enjoyed most at university, so I finally decided to make the move. The ICAEW and pursuing the ACA qualification stood out to me as a well recognised and gold standard qualification. It opens up a wide range of opportunities and the exams cover a broad range of essential topics, giving you the chance to explore many different areas of the profession. I personally saw the ACA as an ideal foundation to build my long term and successful career.

How has studying to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant impacted your career?

It has opened so many doors for me. Getting involved in the local student society, then the ICAEW Student Council and now the ICAEW Council has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. Building a strong network has been invaluable, not just for career opportunities, but also for support during exams and learning from others on the same path. Also, when I moved from Devon to Newcastle, I did not know anyone and people did not know how I worked. Studying towards the ACA gave me credibility and it made me a strong candidate when securing new roles.

Which aspect of the refreshed ACA qualification do you find most impactful?

In my opinion, the new structure makes the qualification more future proof for the incoming students. I wish I could have completed the updated exams myself! The two case study exams at the Professional Level seem much more aligned with real life scenarios. I also love the idea of specialised learning where students can now focus more on areas they work in, like audit or corporate finance and gain specific software training that will help accelerate their careers.

What advice would you give someone just starting their ACA qualification?

Build a support network early, as you are not alone in this. Talking to fellow students or mentors can make a huge difference. Getting involved in the student society helped me grow connections that supported me throughout the process. I also tried to get through the exams quickly, which I would definitely recommend if your employer allows for flexibility. Keeping the momentum going makes the time fly by!

What skills do you think are essential for future ICAEW Chartered Accountants?

Future ICAEW Chartered Accountants need more than just technical knowledge. Strong communication skills are key, being able to explain complex ideas clearly is essential. I also continuously improve my communication skills by attending networking events, which is a great way to practice. Adaptability is also important, especially with the rise of new technologies and digital tools.

How do you balance studying, work and your personal life?

I set small, but achievable goals. For example, studying for two hours and then going to the gym or playing tennis to clear my head. At work, I made sure my team knew when I had exams coming up so they could help manage my workload. There is nothing worse than a full on day at work followed by a long evening of studying. I also used lunch breaks to squeeze in some revision, which helped free up my evenings.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your professional journey so far?

Passing both my final ACA exams and my CTA exams was an incredible moment. The feeling of knowing I did not have to sit any more exams was just unbelievable!

Another highlight has been becoming Vice Chair and Chair of the ICAEW Student Council. Supporting students had helping them to have the best possible experience during their student journey is something I am really passionate about and it has been incredibly rewarding to contribute towards that.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life so far, and why?

My parents have had the biggest influence on my life. My dad has always been switched on with numbers and very business minded, which definitely inspired my interest in accountancy. I have also been lucky to work with some fantastic colleagues who have helped me grow professionally, build confidence and develop both technical and soft skills. Their support and guidance have played a big part in shaping my career.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I am really into sports. In the summer, you will usually find me playing tennis or windsurfing. In winter, I spend time with my family in Germany and going up to the mountains to go skiing. After finishing my exams, I also got back into cooking and baking more. Making fresh pasta has become one of my specialties!