Meet the campaign stars – Sam Gent, ACA

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

I currently manage a team of accountants who provide end-to-end finance support. This ranges from providing daily bookkeeping services, to filing VAT returns, preparing and filing year end accounts and being client’s advisor throughout the year for any support they need. I personally specialise in overseas business with a UK presence which is great as I get to travel around and meets lots of new people.

What’s a typical day like for you?

My morning usually starts by answering client queries from Australia and New Zealand before ensuring the day is thoroughly planned and checking in with the team to check everyone is set up and ready to go. At lunch, I usually visit my parents who own a sandwich shop and grab a coffee before heading into an afternoon of reviewing year end accounts and VAT returns for our clients. I also look after pitching for new work, so meeting prospective clients and pulling together fee quotes for companies around the world.

What inspired you to pursue the ACA qualification?

The ICAEW has a reputation for being the hardest set of exams to pass, which naturally meant I wanted to challenge myself and prove I can do it. It’s an internationally well-respected qualification which also works excellent with my current position.

How has becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant impacted your career?

The exams are tough and require dedication, to the point which goes well beyond simply revising from a textbook. Studying instilled in me the need for thorough planning and focussing on specific tasks. This has led me to understand the importance of taking the time to plan rather than diving into a task without having thought about the bigger picture.

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

The push towards learning more about sustainability and more exposure to case study type scenarios in the exams. Sustainability isn’t just a buzz word, it’s here and it’s real and it’s important everyone knows the detail to drive important business decisions.

Too many times since finishing my studies have I encountered a scenario where I’ve thought ‘This is exactly like an exam question’ – And that shows how great the ICAEW are at factoring in “real life” into the exams. Case studies are a great way to do this, and I think it’s exciting that a focus in those final exams lean more towards case studies.

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

Be prepared for the journey, it’s time consuming and tough but you’ll feel so proud and accomplished on the other side.

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

Commercial and business acumen and expert level technical accounting.

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

Timetable! And one that you stick too. Make sure you factor in time for fun. Eat healthy and exercise.

Vegetables and a run after work will help you focus so much better on tackling an exam question in the evening.

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

Being able to expand my network overseas. It was a turning point where I really felt like I’d nailed down what I do and to have the confidence to share my knowledge in countries I’d never have been able to visit previously is incredible.

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

My parents, cliché I know. My parents have defied the odds throughout their life and it’s from them that I get my determination to set a goal and make sure I achieve it.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I read, I run, I go to the gym, and I am also starting my own skin care brand so enjoying learning the wonderfulness of social media and how to create a TikTok video!