Accounting and Finance Personal Statement

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

It is my curiosity towards the application of mathematics in the real world, especially in a business environment which has drawn me to study accounting and finance. I want to study this course as it is in line with my ambition of working in a position in which I can improve the financial prospect of a business by identifying the most efficient and cost-effective ways of running it. I am particularly interested in forensic accountancy as it is a field in which I will be able to use my skill of giving keen attention to detail to identify financial irregularities within an organisation. My career goal is to incorporate accounting and economics to become a chartered accountant. I hope that by studying accounting I will get a better understanding of the reasons behind such decisions and its effects.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

I enjoy doing statistical exercises as part of my A-level Mathematics. I feel that using probabilities allows me to transfer the methods I learn in the classroom to real-life situations. The subject allows me to improve my analytical and problem-solving skills. From studying the sciences, I believe that my experience in producing hypothesis and then conducting experiments to find a conclusion will be useful when tackling accounting concepts. Last year I attended a master class on economics at Cambridge University which increased my interest in the limitless opportunities of macroeconomics and microeconomics. I was particularly intrigued by the economic growth of India because although India is a rapidly developing country, a large proportion of its people live in poverty. Upon reflection, I was able to realise that the cause of this may be due to the uneven distribution of wealth across the country. My work experiences gave me some insights into the world of accounting. However, I felt that the concepts and terminologies that I came across were further reinforced by reading P. Weetman's "Financial and Management Accounting" books. From reading these, I taught myself some basic concepts and further strengthened my drive to study this course at university.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

My work experience in an international factory, Rachel's Organic provided me with valuable experience in the finance department. I learnt about the process of projecting and estimating revenues and the importance of these estimates in influencing decisions such as whether to introduce new machinery. I was also introduced to invoices and gained first-hand experience in generating and analysing financial databases. I had the opportunity of shadowing a financial accountant who introduced me to bookkeeping and the double entry system. I had the opportunity to develop my team working, presenting and ICT skills through Welsh Baccalaureate, where I worked with a group to set up a business idea. I was able to understand the importance of organisation skills, especially when handling the finances of a business. Additionally, my volunteering experience at the local Oxfam charity shop has improved my confidence and communication skills. I am also a member of school Amnesty International group. Being a prefect gave me the enthusiasm to take on challenges and made me more organised and responsible. In my leisure time, I enjoy dancing and painting. I am confident that I have demonstrated the skills and determination needed to successfully complete this course. I believe my independent learning nature and my willingness to understand the concepts of a subject that I have not been taught before demonstrates my natural drive to study this subject.