Star ACCA performer: Alina Safiulina, F8 INT
Alina Safiulina from Kazakhstan scored the Middle East's highest marks for ACCA’s F8 INT paper in the December 2012 exam session. We probe her for winning tips and find out what made her choose accountancy and ACCA.
What was your study plan?
I studied for my ACCA exams with PwC’s Academy in Dubai. The material we used was Kaplan and the course notes were written by PwC’s Academy. The tutor was brilliant and provided us with exam focus from the very beginning and lots of really relevant questions that helped hugely. The focus in terms of questions also helped me to utilize my study time effectively on the important areas for that sitting. At revision time I used examiners articles recommended by my lecturer, focused only on questions set by my lecturer and used my pocket notes.
What made you choose the ACCA Qualification?
I wanted an international qualification that would help me to progress in my career. The ACCA Qualification is both international and a well respected qualification. The variety of subjects examined in addition to the practical experience required helps us to become well rounded and ethical business professionals.
What was the most challenging aspect of the ACCA Qualification?
The number of papers examined is quite a challenge; however, my strategy is to take two papers each sitting so that I can balance work, study, family and friends. PwC’s Academy helped me to select the best combination of papers which was incredibly useful. They advised me that in December 2012 it was better to take F7 and F8 at the same time because you cannot audit without having the accounting standards knowledge and this was incredibly useful when I took F8 as I was studying connected areas.
What advice would you give to a trainee accountant?
You need to learn the art of balancing your life between study, work, family and friends.
It’s incredibly important to select a reputable tuition provider like PwC’s Academy, which has great tutors with extensive knowledge and experience of the exam and the examiner. PwC’s Academy tutors are amazing, they use all sorts of creative and participative teaching techniques that really help us when we've been at work all day and are attending class 7pm-10pm. Revision courses are fun as well because of the techniques used in class making the day go by so quickly.
What contribution has the qualification made to your working life?
I work in internal audit so the variety of subjects studied helps me in my job every day. I can contribute to the team really well because of the knowledge I gain through my studies and I am not yet qualified.
How important is it to you that the ACCA Qualification is recognized globally?
The international recognition is really important. I can basically work anywhere in the world with this qualification. From a study point of view, I am studying here in Dubai without having to go overseas, which is another really beneficial aspect of the global recognition of ACCA.
Where are you working on at the moment?
I work in internal audit for PwC in Dubai. I work with a number of different clients and in teams of varying size. The work I am involved in varies from client to client, but ultimately involves me learning a lot about business because the scope of internal audit is much wider than that of the traditional external audit.
How did you plan getting your practical experience?
With the type of job I have the practical experience is not an issue. By the time I complete all my exams I will hopefully be able to become an ACCA member straight away.
What are your top tips for passing an exam?
Listen to your tutor. Tutors have amazing insight into the mind of the examiners.
My tips would come directly from our tutors:
· Learn the material in tuition so you are ready to practice your knowledge from day one of revision
· Lots of question practice, particularly in areas directed by your tutor. In subjects like F8 don’t be tempted to read the question then go straight to the answer, it’s better to try writing an answer yourself then compare with the model answer
· Reading technical articles the examiner writes
· Planning how to use your 15 minutes readying time in advance of the exam
· Be strict with your time, 1.8 minutes a mark and no more
· Read the requirements first
· Know how many marks are given for the verbs so you know how many points to write about and understand the verbs so you write appropriately
· Breaking the requirements down so you answer all parts of the question
· Read the question very carefully
· Specifically for F8 it’s really important to use the correct audit terminology, things like inspect, observe etc
What personal skills have you developed as a result of studying ACCA?
Time management and prioritizing are probably the most important personal skills I have developed. These skills are transferrable to work as well, especially during busy season!
Find more details about ACCA Academy Dubai at pwc.com