A hard-working chartered accountancy trainee is celebrating exam success after being placed first in the world by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
Jamie McNicholas, 30, from Darlington is employed by Baines Jewitt, where he combines a full-time job with study towards professional accountancy qualifications.
In his latest professional assessment, Jamie achieved ‘joint-first in the world’ in the CIMA’s ‘Strategic Case Study’ exam. The exam allows students to apply their knowledge to a given scenario relevant to the business world.
As well as getting to grips with hypothetical firms, students are tasked with numerous strategic elements including understanding the business; their position as a theoretical senior finance manager; analysing and managing risk; investigating potential business developments and advising on financial decisions.
Talking of Jamie’s achievements Don Adams, director Baines Jewitt, said: “Jamie joined Baines Jewitt at the start of this year and has hit the ground running to become a valuable member of the team. His latest exam success is testament to Jamie’s dedication. It also demonstrates his understanding of leadership and its role in change management; the full context in which a business operates and the importance of advanced planning.”
Prior to joining Baines Jewitt, Jamie worked in industry where he decided to make the switch to work in practice. He had already achieved the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications which he studied for in his spare time about four years ago, with the intention of starting a career in accounting. He then commenced study towards the CIMA qualifications.
Although the latest exam means that Jamie has now completed the CIMA qualification, he has already started studying to become a Chartered Accountant (ACA).
Talking of his success to date, Jamie said: “I am delighted that my hard work has paid off. Being able to put theoretical studies into practice at Baines Jewitt within a real work environment has given meaning to my learning. It has also cemented the idea that I have chosen the right career path, whilst doing something I enjoy.”
