I’m a Senior Cloud Accountant at Grunberg & Co, a top 100 accountancy firm.
My day-to-day duties include handling month and year-end accounting procedures and producing monthly and quarterly management accounts for a diverse portfolio of clients. I also provide performance evaluation and advisory services.
Before joining Grunberg, I worked as a finance manager in industry for a catering company.
Working in practice rather than industry has given me wide exposure to many sectors, helped me build my knowledge and gain further experience.
I love working for a medium-sized practice.
At a medium-sized company, you get to take a more hands-on approach. I’ve been offered roles at larger enterprises, but I’ve turned them down. At a big corporate, I wouldn’t get an overall holistic view of the company. But at Grunberg, I have my own portfolio of clients to look after. The learning curve, as an accountant, is massive. By taking ownership of an account, I get to know my client’s business inside-out and build rapport.
I chose to study with CIMA to focus on management accounting and advisory.
That’s where I saw my career going. The opportunity to study the CGMA Qualification with CIMA was one of the reasons I joined Grunberg. The other accounting qualifications focus on traditional and financial accounting, so it was the obvious choice. My degree is in finance and accounting, so I got exemptions from some exams.
The traditional role of an accountant in practice has changed.
Now, we’re taking on more of an advisory role, leading our clients through their management accounts in detail and guiding them through the financial position of their business and discussing their future.
Clients are requesting management accounts that are produced quickly after the month or quarter end and give them a precise picture of how their business is performing, rather than waiting for year-end accounts that only show them historical data.
Accountancy practices that want to keep up with clients’ demands have to progress and develop systems and practices accommodating them. It’s why Grunberg offers cloud accounting systems, with up-to-date online financial dashboards, cash flow forecasts and budgets.
CIMA is well aware of this shift and the CGMA syllabus focuses on looking forward rather than evaluating historical data. It’s one of the reasons I’ve found it a really useful qualification to have within the practice sector.
Studying the CGMA Qualification with CIMA has prepared me for the working world.
When I started at Grunberg, I would go into meetings with directors and find it very stressful. But as I’ve progressed my CGMA studies, I’ve got the confidence to approach more difficult tasks. I don’t find dealing with senior leaders stressful anymore.
Studying for the CGMA Qualification, together with the experience I’m gaining at Grunberg, is the ideal combination. I can apply what I’m learning to my job — and that has given me more confidence, as well as improved the quality of my work.
The CGMA exam system is also set up to give you practical experience. The Case Studies force you to think outside of the box. And that’s really relevant to the workplace — it’s what I have to do day to day with my clients.
Remember that to get the CGMA designation, you need at least three years of relevant work experience. So, employers can be confident that you’ve got both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
CIMA has definitely helped me get to where I am today.
Studying the CGMA Qualification with CIMA has given me comprehensive knowledge and boosted my confidence and technical expertise. I know that I’m valued by both my clients and employers. I’ve won both Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year, so I must be doing something right!
