Hands-on accounting program gives students competitive edge

20 Nov 2008

Twelve students studying Commerce at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Sydney have been successful in securing a position in the 2008/2009 Institute of Chartered Accountants Work Experience Achiever Program.

The Institute's Achiever Program provides first year students' employment within Australia's leading accounting organizations during the University's summer vacation giving them invaluable on-the-job experience.

This year 380 students from universities around NSW applied for the 40 Achiever positions being offered with successful applicants being informed of their place in the program at an award ceremony in Sydney last week.

The Institute's New South Wales General Manager, Ms Lisette Cochineas said the Australian financial sector was demanding 'work-ready' graduates who can show some evidence of hands-on work experience following a lack of practical skills in job applications.

She said: "It's important that students have a good understanding around the bigger picture of the business to prepare them for the work environment. Internships and work experience placements are a good way to gain exposure to working life, before jumping in at the deep end."

James Guthrie, Chair of the Discipline of Accounting at the Faculty of Economics and Business said: "A program like this is particularly important in these challenging economic times. It's an opportunity for students to directly apply all the knowledge they've gained in their first year of study in a very practical way and it's an immediate leg-up in the world of accounting." The winners of the 2008 Institute of Chartered Accountants Achiever Program and the organisations they'll be working with are: - David Foong (Accru) , David Su (Browne & Co), Edward Deng (BDO Kendalls), Loius Yang (Brentnalls), Kristen Brogan (Daley & Co), Shannon Cox (Deloitte), Sandra Yousheyah (HLB Mann Judd), Jessica Liu (HLB Mann Judd), Richard Swain (Prosperity Advisers), Jenny Leung (PwC), Luke Slowgrove (WalterTurnbull) and Jane Chen (WalterTurnbull).

David Foong who will commence his five-day a week placement next week is not concerned about giving up his summer break for a computer in an office. "It's great that I'll be able to apply some of the concepts I've learned straight away and get to work straight away. The sooner I can get started the better!"

* For more information about the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Achiever Program visit: www.charteredaccountants.com.au.

Further Information

Alison Avery
02 9114 1135 or 0411 281 184