Student Stories

Advancing My Accounting Journey Through Further Education

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance from Coventry University (CU) at PSB Academy in September 2025. Pursuing this degree was an important step towards advancing my education and working towards my long-term goal of obtaining professional accounting qualifications, particularly ACCA.

After conducting thorough research into the available programmes, I chose PSB Academy because it offered an accelerated pathway that suited my time constraints. By first completing a Diploma in Accounting and Finance at PSB Academy, I was able to progress directly into Year 2 of the bachelor's degree programme. CU was also a suitable choice because its degree offered exemptions that aligned with my plans to pursue further professional accounting studies.

I found CU’s curriculum intensive but rewarding. Some modules were challenging, particularly when classes were scheduled back-to-back within the same week. However, this structure allowed me to gain substantial knowledge within a relatively short period and encouraged me to stay focused and organised throughout my studies.

Two lecturers who made a lasting impression on me were Mr. Navin and Mr. Ng. Mr. Navin made learning numbers and calculations enjoyable through his engaging teaching approach, while Mr. Ng helped me strengthen and deepen my accounting knowledge. Their different teaching styles contributed positively to my learning experience and motivated me to develop a greater interest in the subject.

Today, I work as an Assistant Accountant at D Next Stop Pte. Ltd., where I support various accounting and corporate administrative functions. My responsibilities include recording financial transactions using Xero, processing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements and general ledger accounts, and preparing management accounts for clients. I also assist with corporate tax, CPF and GST filings, as well as corporate secretarial administration.

One aspect I particularly enjoy about my work is gaining exposure to businesses across different industries. Through preparing management accounts, I get to understand how different businesses operate and manage their finances. This has given me a broader perspective on the role accounting plays in supporting business operations.Working in accounting requires a sound understanding of fundamental concepts, including bank reconciliations, prepayments, accruals and financial reporting. It is also important to understand how accounting standards such as IAS and IFRS are applied in practice. While my foundational accounting knowledge has been important in my current role, my education at CU has been particularly valuable in supporting my plans for further professional studies and strengthening my overall understanding of the discipline.

I do not believe that studying at a private institution has put me at a disadvantage in my career. Ultimately, I believe employers also consider how candidates present themselves, their knowledge, communication skills and willingness to learn. As an accountant, being able to communicate clearly with clients and work effectively with different stakeholders is especially important when following up on supporting documents and resolving accounting queries.

Looking back, my journey at PSB Academy and Coventry University has been a meaningful step in my professional development. It has strengthened my accounting knowledge, broadened my understanding of the discipline and brought me closer to my goal of pursuing further professional qualifications.