Accounting Student Calculates Path to Career Success

ICMS Accounting student Mariana Vicente counts academic success, an overseas study experience and an internship at Kelly+Partners as part of her ICMS experience – all before she graduates in 2024.

Mariana is in her second year of her ICMS Bachelor of Business (Accounting) degree. She chose to study accounting after becoming aware of all the different aspects involved in the business environment through completing the Economics and Business Studies subject as part of her Higher School Certificate (HSC).

“During my study of the ‘Finance’ topic in Business Studies, I learnt about the basics of financial reports, which made me aware of the importance of accounting,” Mariana said.

“In my opinion, accounting is useful not only in a workplace setting, but also in one’s personal life, which is one of the main reasons as to why I chose this specialisation. By studying in a program like accounting, I will be able to work in any area of the business industry with my general business management skills and knowledge.”

Academic Excellence = Erasmus Scholarship = German study experience

When Mariana attended the ICMS Dean’s List Ceremony last year, which recognises and celebrates academic excellence, she became aware of the Erasmus Programme.

This prestigious programme offers students the opportunity to study in Germany for three months.

“This sounded like a great opportunity for me and so I decided to apply. I submitted my expression of interest along with my application essay, and two weeks later I found out the panel interviews for shortlisted candidates weren’t going ahead, and that I was the recipient of the scholarship,” Mariana said.

“Fast forward four months, I am now in Frankfurt studying with other international students and having the experience of a lifetime thanks to ICMS!”

Back from Abroad, straight into Internship

When Mariana arrives back from Germany she will head straight into her industry placement at Kelly+Partners in Northern Beaches.

The placement is part of the ICMS Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme which offers individually tailored internships as part of all degrees offered at the industry-focused higher education institution.

Kelly+Partners is an accounting firm which offers a variety of services, including accounting, tax & audit, business advisory, estate planning, amongst others, all of which will enable Mariana to apply what she learns in her accounting degree to real-world scenarios. WIL is also the perfect opportunity for students to network and make connections that will help in their future careers, graduating with relevant industry experience on their CVs.

“By doing my industry training at this prestigious firm, I hope to gain exposure to real life scenarios currently happening in the accounting field,” Mariana said.

“Additionally, by the end of my internship I hope to have a proficient understanding of tax returns and business activity statements, along with their usefulness and importance.”

Future finance goals

Mariana appreciates the broad base accounting offers upon which she can build her career and specialise in an area that interests her most.

For now, she aspires to be a finance manager producing financial reports for businesses and advising, as well as developing long-term business plans based on these reports, but she is keeping her options open to other career opportunities her degree will offer her.

It helps that after completing the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Mariana will be able to follow a route to Chartered Accountancy, should she desire.

The degree has been accredited by professional accounting bodies Charted Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia and by ACCA, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, providing a solid endorsement of quality.

Upon completion of the degree, Mariana will be able to enter CA ANZ and CPA professional level programs directly and immediately register as an Associate Member. The degree has also been recognised by ACCA, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. This means that graduates receive exemptions for foundation exams and satisfy entry requirements into the professional level qualification, similar to CA ANZ and CPA Australia.

“Studying the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at ICMS, has allowed me to expand and solidify my previous existing knowledge, and build a foundation of skills which will be useful in my future job when reviewing, monitoring and managing budgets.”

Mentored and Guided by ICMS

“Throughout my time at ICMS, my lecturers have been great mentors and have taught me incredibly valuable lessons. Each one of them has had years of experience in the industry, which has provided great value to my learning as they are able to share their personal opinions and past experiences,” Mariana said.

“Subsequently, this has solidified my understanding of the topics being discussed and has also challenged me to question my own thoughts and put them into perspective. Overall, by learning from their experiences, I hope to make adequate decisions in the future to help me achieve my career goals.”

For more information about the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Accounting) degree, click here.

To connect with Mariana Vicente, click here.