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Tara’s ACA journey: from industry to practice and finding purpose in tax
After seven years in industry, Tara Payne moved into practice to specialise in tax and study the ACA‑CTA joint programme. Her story traces a non‑linear journey shaped by curiosity, purpose and a desire to make a real‑world impact through tax and professional learning.
Elena’s apprenticeship route: learning the ACA in real time
For Elena, the Level 7 apprenticeship route felt like the most natural way into accountancy. It’s not the easiest option, but it matched how she learns best: practically, and with real-world context.
Six ways to master your six-monthly review
Six-monthly reviews are a key part of your ACA training, so it’s important to get the most out of them. We asked Helen Bloodworth, Head of Training Employer Authorisation and Review for her top tips.
10 ways to be a star team player
Are you match fit? In this article, we look at 10 ways to improve your teamwork skills.
Student Insights podcast
In the latest episode, host Jag Dhaliwal explores what it’s like to work as a chartered accountant in charities and the public sector.
Essentials
Mastering the ACA and your exams
- How to master your practical work experience
- 6 ways to master your professional development
- The lowdown on… the Ethics Learning Programme
- Six ways to master your six-monthly review
- Five ways to master your online training file
- How to master your Audit Qualification
- How to master your Level 7 end-point assessment
- How to approach exam retakes
- The lowdown on… the exam disruption appeal
Exam guides: the inside track on...
- Accounting Fundamentals
- Assurance and Risk Fundamentals
- Assurance, Risk and Reporting
- Business and Digital Strategy
- Business Insight and Performance
- Business Law
- Corporate Financial Strategy
- Corporate Reporting Data and Assurance
- Fundamental Case Study
- Sustainability and Ethics
- Tax Compliance and Planning
- Tax Fundamentals
Watch more
My ACA Journey: meet Ashwini Poopalasingham
We meet Ashwini for coffee to discuss the challenges and rewards of the ACA qualification, strategies for maintaining a work-life balance, and future career goals.
My membership journey: the New Members’ Ceremony
- Video
Having completed his ACA training in 2021, Chris attends the New Members’ Ceremony at Chartered Accountants’ Hall and shares his experience of becoming an ICAEW member.
View from the top: Jack Moore
- Video
Jack Moore of Nottingham-based Page Kirk Chartered Accountants explains what it’s like to make partner at age 29 and also be named one of Accountancy Age’s 35 Under 35.
What’s it like to… be a Level 7 apprentice
- Video
Sunny Yang is two years into his apprenticeship and also chair of the London Students Society. He shares his experience so far and why he’s passionate about social mobility.
Student spotlight
inspiration and interviews
My ACA journey series
Ashwini Poopalasingham has started studying for the ACA and we are following her throughout her journey. Read her journey to date and keep an eye out for more to come.
inspiration and interviews
Fresh perspectives
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Older Student Insights content
On this page we showcase the latest articles published by the Student Insights team. You can read our older content by visiting the archives.