Young accountant is best in South West

A YOUNG Exeter trainee accountant has been once again been recognised as one of the best in the South West, after coming first in his accountancy exams.

25-year-old, Mark Johnstone, who works at Thomas Westcott in Exeter, came first and joint first in two of the most difficult exams trainees face during their training.

All trainee accountants have to pass the Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ACA) which then grants access to the professional accountancy body the ICAEW.  They have to pass a series of 12 initial exams, then three advance exams covering case study, business reporting and business change. Mark came joint first in case study and first in business change.

Mark, who has worked for the firm for the past three-and-a-half years, said: “It was a nice surprise after the Christmas holidays to find out I had come top in the exams and a great start to the New Year.

“I have to say a big thank you to Thomas Westcott for all their support during my training. It was hard work and there was a lot to learn but I had excellent tuition and am delighted to now have passed all my exams.”

Mark, who is one of 21 trainees at Thomas Westcott, has now completed all the exams required to become a fully qualified chartered accountant and is just waiting for the paperwork to come through and his registration.

Richard Thomas, Chairman of  Thomas Westcott said: “We are all very proud of Mark’s outstanding performance in his accountancy exams.
“His success is a testament to his ability and to the diligent and dedicated way that he has approached his studies.”

To learn more about Thomas Westcott visit www.thomaswestcott.co.uk