Destination ACCA: How this member achieved success with EPSM

Summary

Isabelle interviews Steve, an ACCA member and senior finance professional, discussing his journey to qualification with a focus on ethics and professional skills. Steve shares how the EPSM module prepared him for exams and his career, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and continuous learning. He advises ACCA students to stay committed, be patient, and embrace the learning process for long-term career success.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Steve, an ACCA member, discusses his journey to qualification, emphasizing the importance of the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM).
• 🌟 EPSM is designed to develop ethical and professional skills that employers expect, and it also aids in exam success.
• 🔄 Steve's role has evolved from foundational finance roles to strategic leadership positions, reflecting the value of continuous learning.
• 🌐 ACCA's global recognition was a key factor for Steve, offering flexibility and opening career opportunities worldwide.
• 📈 The ACCA qualification has provided Steve with better career prospects and the ability to take on more responsibilities at work.
• 🤝 ACCA membership offers a vast network of professionals, which Steve has leveraged to make valuable connections.
• 📚 Steve recommends completing the EPSM before taking Strategic Professional exams for better foundational knowledge and exam preparation.
• 💼 EPSM's ethical and professional skills have been crucial in Steve's career, particularly in cross-functional project work and leadership.
• 🔑 Integrity and confidentiality are highlighted as essential ethical behaviors in Steve's professional life, especially in handling confidential projects.
• 💡 Steve advises ACCA students to stay committed, be patient, and love the learning process, emphasizing that skills developed through ACCA are vital for long-term career success.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)?

The EPSM helps students develop an understanding of the ethical and professional skills that employers increasingly expect from their teams, and it also supports exam success.

How does the ACCA qualification benefit Steve in his professional journey?

The ACCA qualification has provided Steve with better career prospects, opened doors for taking on more responsibilities at work, and facilitated career progression to new roles of higher responsibilities.

What advice does Steve give regarding the timing of completing the EPSM in relation to the Strategic Professional exams?

Steve advises completing the EPSM before starting the Strategic Professional exams, as it provides foundational knowledge that can help with exam success.

How has the ACCA network contributed to Steve's professional life?

The ACCA network has provided Steve with a vast array of professional connections and different perspectives on various topics, which has been a significant benefit in his career.

What are some of the key skills that Steve has applied from the EPSM in his daily work?

Steve has applied skills such as ethical judgment, effective communication, leadership, and overall professional behavior in his daily work, particularly in cross-functional project work and dealing with change management.

Can you provide an example of how Steve has used the skills from the EPSM in a real-world scenario?

Steve has used leadership and communication skills from the EPSM to guide teams through transitions and changes, ensuring minimal disruption to projects.

What does being an ethical professional mean to Steve?

For Steve, being an ethical professional means embodying a commitment to doing what is right, even when it's challenging, and maintaining integrity even when no one is looking.

What are the three pillars of success that Steve suggests for students or affiliates working towards ACCA membership?

Steve suggests the three pillars of success are: staying committed, being patient, and learning to love the learning process.

How does Steve view the importance of the ACCA qualification in terms of global recognition?

Steve values the ACCA qualification for its global recognition, noting that it doesn't change from one region to another, which is a significant advantage for career opportunities and mobility.

What is Steve's perspective on the importance of ethical behavior in the accounting profession?

Steve believes that ethical behavior is essential for shaping the quality of work and the environment in which accountants operate, and it contributes to the broader impact on people around them.