Financial control accountant — Paddy Gauld

After completing the BA International Business Management at Robert Gordon University, Paddy secured a job with FNZ UK while studying for the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification

How did you get your job as a financial control accountant?

I initially applied for my current role through a LinkedIn post for a graduate financial assistant at FNZ UK. This then led to an aptitude test, and I managed to make the 99th percentile of a few hundred applicants.

Following this, I had two interviews, including one with my current manager, which led to me getting a job offer.

I worked for the best part of two years remotely in Aberdeen, an opportunity that largely arose due to the COVID-19 pandemic - something that likely wouldn't have been possible under normal circumstances.

I then moved to Edinburgh to experience the job fully by working in the office and being closer to my peers.

Why did you choose this career path and qualification route?

I chose accounting because I've always enjoyed working with numbers and using analysis in everyday life. This started in secondary school, where the finance modules became second nature to me.

Furthermore, my degree in international business management, where I excelled in the finance modules, confirmed that this was the right direction for me.

I also pursued the ACCA qualification because of its global recognition and broad focus on financial management and reporting, which meant I could work in practically any field.

I started studying ACCA less than a year after my university degree, with the aim of not losing the motivation for further education. This was encouraged by my employer to start studying as soon as possible, as it would be beneficial for both me and the company.

This route has enabled me to develop expertise in financial control, reporting and process improvements. These are skills I've applied at FNZ UK by streamlining month-end processes and delivering insights to senior stakeholders.

How important are professional qualifications for this career?

The ACCA qualification has been invaluable in developing a deep understanding of UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), both of which are essential in the day-to-day operations of the business.

In addition, gaining this professional qualification has accelerated my career progression by enabling me to take on greater responsibility earlier than would have been possible without it.

Tell us a bit more about studying for your ACCA qualification.

ACCA is a globally recognised accountancy qualification that combines exams, practical experience, and an ethics module. It requires individuals to pass 13 exams across three levels, including Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional, alongside 36 months of relevant experience.

I've now completed all the exams and gained practical experience through my role as a financial control accountant, which means I'm fully qualified as a chartered accountant.

I began my studies in early 2022, sitting my first exam in March of that year. From then on, I followed a consistent schedule, completing one module at a time and sitting an exam every three months, with the goal of finishing the qualification within three years.

I sat my final exam in December 2024 and received the results in January 2025. By this point, I had already completed 36 months of relevant work experience and only needed to have my final competencies signed off, which I successfully completed in April 2025.

How have you found the work/study balance?

I found it challenging at times, as I chose to take as little time off as possible so that I could keep my annual leave for myself.

This meant many late nights after work in the weeks leading up to the exams, particularly during the Strategic Professional papers, when I dedicated as much time as I could to make sure I fully understood the material.

It was demanding and, at times, I probably pushed myself harder than I should have.

Ultimately, it paid off though, and I'm proud to have achieved my ACCA qualification while maintaining my professional responsibilities.

What support have you received during this time?

I was given both the day of my exam and the day before off without needing to use annual leave. This allowed me to fully concentrate on my studies without worrying about work responsibilities. My employer supported me by ensuring my workload was covered during my absence so I could return without a backlog.

Financially, my employer also covered the cost of study materials, membership and exam fees, which I appreciated. That said, I primarily used free resources throughout my studies and only purchased learning videos for the final two exams.

However, without this financial and practical support, it would have been very difficult for me to pursue the qualification.

How does the qualification fit in with your career ambitions?

I believe the ACCA qualification will act as a springboard for my career, opening up opportunities that wouldn't have been available without it. It has given me a strong technical foundation in areas like financial reporting and management accounting, which allows me to progress more quickly and take on greater responsibilities in my current role.

Looking ahead, the global recognition of ACCA means I'll also have the flexibility to explore senior finance positions both in the UK and internationally. It will support my ambition to progress into leadership roles where I can leverage my technical expertise alongside my growing commercial insight to add value to the business.

What are the main benefits of being a member of a professional body?

The main advantages of being an ACCA member are credibility, continuous learning and access to a global network.

Membership demonstrates that I've met high professional and ethical standards, which builds trust with employers and stakeholders.

ACCA also provides ongoing opportunities for professional development, meaning I can keep my knowledge up to date as accounting standards evolve.

How will this help you as you progress your career?

Being part of a professional body will support me in taking on greater responsibility, whether that's leading teams or moving into senior finance roles.

The international recognition of ACCA also means I'll have the flexibility to pursue opportunities globally, giving me long-term career mobility and security.

What advice would you give to others who are interested in pursuing a professional qualification in this field?

• Go into it with full commitment and a clear plan. A professional qualification like ACCA requires consistency and discipline, so building a study routine that works around your job is essential.
• Use all available resources. Past papers, study materials, videos, and examiners' reports are invaluable for understanding the exam style and preparing effectively.
• Connect what you're studying to your day-to-day role. Applying the theory in practice makes it stick. Connecting what you're learning to real-life examples enhances your understanding and will help you retain the knowledge even after the exams are complete.
• Be prepared to make short-term sacrifices. The long-term rewards, including career mobility and global recognition, make these short-term sacrifices absolutely worth it.

Find out more

• Discover how to become an accountant.
• Explore accounting courses.
• Read more about the ACCA qualification.