My main role is to oversee the entire suite of accounting and finance courses at the Claude Littner Business School at the University of West London. I also ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning are in place so that the students have a positive experience. I liaise with lots of different departments within the university and with ACCA staff, as a number of our courses are ACCA-accredited.
A typical working day for me starts around seven or eight in the morning. I provide pastoral care to students, see to operational matters and attend strategic planning meetings. A typical week includes a lot more than that, though – lecturing, preparing assessments, marking, dissertation supervision and attending training.
The biggest challenge is coming up with innovative teaching and learning methods to keep the students engaged and motivated during these unprecedented times. At UWL, we are doing much to improve the social mobility of students. I would like to take that even further by being a super-connector who brings together students and experienced finance professionals to create more opportunities.
You need to figure out what you love to do and what you are good at doing
My advice to those embarking on their career would be that roles in professional accounting can come in many shapes and sizes. You need to figure out what you love to do and what you are good at doing. You might not discover this in your first job (unless you are really lucky), so try to get plenty of experience and exposure in different settings, sectors, types of firms, and maybe even across borders if possible. Do not be afraid to be bold and venture into the unknown, because you never know unless you try.
When I decided to study my ACCA Qualification in 2009, I had no idea that it would make this much of an impact on my career. My network of connections has really helped me – I have learnt from like-minded professionals all over the world, which has broadened my perspective. My ACCA Qualification has been the stepping-stone for me in terms of education because the skills and knowledge I gained have helped me all the way through my higher studies as well; it also opened up a network of professional connections.
My biggest career achievement was getting elected to Council – ACCA’s governing body – in 2018. I was based in Sri Lanka at the time I was elected and there are only a small number of members there, so to have secured enough votes on a global scale was truly humbling, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to give something back to the profession. I have learned so much from the wealth of experience of the other members, and I am glad that I am able to contribute with insights from the higher education sector.
In my spare time I do some crafting, such as card-making and home decor. I also play tennis with my husband.
