Aahana Singh, BDO trainee Ranks First in Ireland, 7th Worldwide in ACCA Exams '24

We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Aahana Singh and share her journey. In this interview Aahana shares her experiences, insights, and the role BDO's Graduate Programme played in her success.

Congratulations, Aahana , on your incredible accomplishment of ranking 1st in Ireland and 7th worldwide in the ACCA exams! We are excited to hear about your journey and the experiences that led to this outstanding achievement.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in accounting?

A: My background is that I have done my Bachelor's in Economics and Finance in the UK, and then went on to do my Master's in Finance from Trinity College Dublin . BDO is my first professional job. From an early stage in my academic journey, I discovered a strong affinity for finance and numbers. While economics provided me with a broad understanding of market forces and economic principles, I found myself particularly drawn to the precision and analytical rigour required in accounting. And when I saw the opportunity to work in accounting and explore my passion, there was no turning back.

Q: Was there a defining moment or experience in your life that made you decide to pursue the ACCA qualification?

A: It is a funny story, actually. I initially went to the UK for my graduation because I wanted to explore career options beyond Chartered Accountancy in India. I was keen on broadening my horizons and finding a path less travelled. Ironically, life has a way of coming full circle. After pursuing my master’s, I had the chance to work with BDO, which came with the opportunity to pursue the ACCA qualification. I couldn't resist the chance to upskill myself, and a little challenge always keeps me motivated. So, there I was, back on the accounting path, but this time with an international twist. Embracing the ACCA journey turned out to be the perfect blend of challenge and opportunity, and it’s been a rewarding decision ever since.

Q: How did you balance your study time, especially when preparing for multiple exams simultaneously, with work and personal life?

A: I won't lie, it wasn't easy. Juggling work commitments, study time, and personal life can be demanding. However, staying dedicated and managing my time effectively made it possible. Despite the constant demands of work and personal life, I remained focused on my goal. I created a structured schedule, ensuring I allocated time for attending lectures and studying in small, manageable steps. This approach allowed me to make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed. Prioritising tasks and setting realistic goals helped me stay on track and motivated.

Q: What advice would you give other students on creating and sticking to a study schedule?

A: My advice to others facing similar challenges is to stay dedicated and disciplined. Create a clear plan, break down your study goals into smaller tasks, and stick to your schedule. Remember, small consistent efforts can lead to significant achievements. Balancing multiple responsibilities is tough, but with determination and a well-organised plan, you can achieve your goals and succeed in your studies while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

Q: How did BDO support you on your study journey? Can you describe the mentoring, resources, and work environment at BDO that facilitated your learning and balance between professional responsibilities and exam preparation?

A: Throughout my journey with BDO, the support I received was instrumental in balancing work and study. One of the most impactful aspects was the management’s encouragement to prioritise study alongside work. The consistent reminder to "study above work" was not just a policy but a reflection of the understanding and empathy of everyone at BDO, who have all navigated this challenging path themselves.

The support extended beyond just words. The HR team efficiently managed administrative tasks like booking exams, which alleviated a significant amount of stress. Additionally, my partner and managers were incredibly accommodating, ensuring that my class schedule was respected and supported. This level of understanding made the entire process smoother and more manageable.

The mentoring I received is clearly reflected in my results. While the work can be demanding, the collaborative environment and the flexibility provided by my team allowed me to navigate through my workload effectively while balancing my studies. The study leave offered as part of my contract proved invaluable, giving me the dedicated time needed for thorough exam preparation.

In summary, BDO’s supportive environment and the practical resources provided were crucial in helping me succeed both academically and professionally. This positive reinforcement and structured support have been key in achieving my goals and excelling in my career.

Q: How did you maintain your motivation and momentum throughout the process? Were there any particular strategies or sources of inspiration that kept you going?

A: One effective strategy I found invaluable was having a study buddy. When motivation waned, having someone to discuss concepts and review the syllabus with could turn a challenging study session into a productive and engaging conversation. It’s amazing how much progress you can make simply by talking through the material with someone else, and you often end up learning even more from your study partner. Additionally, I discovered that truly embracing and enjoying the learning process, rather than focusing solely on the end goal, made a significant difference. When you immerse yourself in the material and find joy in the learning journey, doubts and discouragement become less prominent. Applying what I learned in real-world scenarios at work also played a crucial role. By integrating my studies with practical experience, I not only reinforced my knowledge but also saw firsthand the impact of what I was learning, which further fuelled my motivation.

In summary, having a supportive study partner, embracing the learning process, and applying knowledge practically were key strategies that kept me motivated and engaged throughout my studies.

Q: Achieving 1st place in Ireland and 7th worldwide is an extraordinary accomplishment. How did you feel when you received this news, and what do you think contributed most to your exceptional performance? What does this achievement mean to you personally and professionally?

A: Experiencing the moment when I learned I had achieved a top score was nothing short of extraordinary. I must admit, after finishing the exam, I was quite concerned about my performance and wasn't entirely satisfied with how it went. So, when I discovered I had placed exceptionally well, it was an overwhelming and gratifying surprise. This achievement stands as one of the highlights of my life, affirming all the hard work and dedication I invested throughout the journey.

Professionally, the practical experience I gained from my work in audit played a pivotal role in this success. The hands-on experience allowed me to tackle complex scenarios in the exam with confidence. It became evident that the real-world application of my skills significantly contributed to my performance.

In essence, the synergy between my professional experience and my academic achievements has been invaluable. This integration not only helped me excel in the exam but will also enhance my professional career moving forward. The experience underscored the importance of applying what I learn in practical settings, reinforcing the value of both academic and professional growth.

Q: How has being a part of BDO's graduate programme contributed to your success, and what specific elements of the programme do you think are most advantageous for a student’s journey?

A: The graduate program at BDO has been instrumental in my journey towards obtaining the ACCA qualification. Firstly, it provided me with the invaluable opportunity to pursue ACCA, which has significantly advanced my career prospects. Additionally, the support provided throughout the program has been exceptional. The availability of study leaves and the comprehensive training offered have been incredibly beneficial, ensuring that I had the necessary resources and time to excel in my studies. Equally important is the understanding and support from senior staff members. Their awareness of the challenges involved, and their empathetic approach have been crucial in navigating the demands of both work and study. This supportive environment has greatly contributed to my ability to balance my responsibilities and succeed in this rigorous program.

Q: What are your short-term and long-term career goals following this achievement, and how do you see this achievement influencing your career path?

A: I truly believe this achievement will stand out as a significant milestone in my career. In the short term, my immediate focus is on completing my ACCA qualification within the coming months. Successfully managing my current commitments and finishing this qualification are top priorities for me right now.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about exploring new opportunities within the firm once I’ve completed my ACCA. I’m eager to leverage my new skills and qualifications to advance and take on more challenging roles within the organisation.

As for long-term goals, I haven’t mapped out every detail just yet. But if I had to guess, I’d say they’re bound to be as ambitious as they are exciting . I’m hopeful for exponential growth and eager to see where this journey takes me!

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting their ACCA journey, and what final message would you like to share with future graduates who are considering joining a supportive graduate programme like BDO’s?

A: The ACCA journey has been a transformative experience for my personal growth. It has significantly enhanced my analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as my ability to manage time effectively. Balancing rigorous study with professional responsibilities has also strengthened my resilience and discipline.

For those embarking on their ACCA journey, my advice is to approach the process with dedication and patience . Set clear goals and boundaries during your study period to stay focused and organised. Make the most of all available resources and support; don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it . Trust me, leveraging support from mentors, colleagues, and study groups can make a significant difference. There will undoubtedly be moments when you feel tempted to give up due to external distractions or challenges. However, if you persevere through these intense years, you’ll find that the rewards are well worth the effort. The sky truly is the limit, and your future self will be incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work you put in now.

Keep your eye on the long-term goal and remember that every challenge you overcome brings you one step closer to achieving your dreams.

Q: And lastly, how did you celebrate (or plan to celebrate) your achievement of being 1st in Ireland and 7th worldwide in the ACCA exams?

A: Celebrating such an achievement was definitely a moment to remember ! I kicked off the celebration with a mix of sheer joy and disbelief, and let’s just say, there were definitely a few spontaneous dance moves involved. Have been grateful to everyone at BDO for all their warm wishes and acknowledgement around the office.

I’m looking forward to a bit of a break and maybe even a trip to unwind. After all, hitting the top spot deserves a bit of adventure and relaxation . It’s been a whirlwind journey, and I’m ready to enjoy this achievement while gearing up for the next wave of studying coming up haha!

Aahana Singh's achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent. As Ireland’s top ACCA performer and 7th worldwide, her journey from a passionate student to this remarkable milestone showcases what is possible through perseverance and determination. We at BDO are proud to have provided the supportive environment, tools, and resources that helped Aahana on her journey.

Play the podcast below to hear Aahana's advice on the go.