How I Passed ACCA SBL and Built a Career at Deloitte

Background and Journey

Introduction and Background: 

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I grew up in Paphos, Cyprus, with a passion for love music, sports and self improvement! I am currently a newly employed assistant 1 in Deloitte Limassol, audit department.

What initially motivated you to pursue the ACCA qualification?

Having dropped out of university for not having made up my mind on what I wanted to study, ACCA proved to be a very suitable option for the situation at hand, as I was interested in attaining formal education in business, finance and economics. Being 24 at the commencement of my journey, I considered the commitment of attending a university of similar prestige not worthwhile in comparison. ACCA was truly the best option providing me with a challenge and a qualification that would pave the way for professional opportunities all over the globe. 

Journey with Learnsignal

How did you discover Learnsignal, and what made you choose it for your ACCA preparation?

Having attended college classes, which consumed many hours of my week,  I decided to search for better alternatives for studying ACCA, as I desired to continue working full-time while being able to make time for my hobbies. Hence, I had decided to take a look at the approved learning providers ACCA suggested, and consequently stumbled upon Learnsignal. With the excellent value for money price provided, the personal life and studying balance that could be sustained through this Learning platform (as it enabled me to watch educational videos at my own pace) , Learnsignal was clearly the most appropriate choice. 

How did Learnsignal support you throughout your ACCA journey?

Learnsignal provided me with very informative videos, which were up to date with the subjects of the ACCA syllabus, where every section and chapter of each module was divided into concise, well thought-out and easy to follow videos for understanding theory. What really helped me prepare for the exams, was the interactive platform within learnsignal, providing students with the ability to solve exam type questions on a CBE like platform. Complete answers were provided to thoroughly prepare any doubtful student, and extinguish any self-doubt, with structured videos and exercise packs following a count-down to the exam date. Last but definitely not least, the Learnsignal support team was eager to answer every single question I had. The answers provided to me were exemplary, showcasing the competence of the Learnsignal staff and their attention to detail.

Exam Preparation and Strategies

Preparation Techniques:

Can you share your study routine and how you managed your time effectively?

The most important aspect of studying and memory retention in general is to forcefully think of the newly learned topics and subjects. It is easy for students to rest after a hard studying session, but the real work comes with revising and creating the neuron patterns during idle time (I personally would think of the subjects learned during my delivery job). With thought, great things can be achieved, and once I had realized that active thought throughout the day (despite not being study hours) was the most appropriate way to blend the pieces together, and logically deduce the way IFRS, Finance etc work in the grand scheme of things, was when consecutive success was granted.  

To ace ACCA exams you need to be a perfectionist, and with platforms such as Learnsignal, it is impossible to fail if you know you had the boxes, and time management ticked. I would personally take studying a bit slow, where active attempts at memorization wouldn’t necessarily take place in the first two months leading to the exam, as the goal by the end of that period was simply to get a decent understanding of the syllabus.

And subsequently allocate more time to learning the details and solving exam type questions during the first two weeks phase of the final month. I wouldn’t attempt mock papers in real time unless I had my theory in line, as mock exams can make or break you, hence I considered them more appropriate during the final week, where I would gain a reality check on how much harder I might need to study or practice in the remainder week.

So, to conclude: First two months relaxed studying for roughly 1 hour a day on average, First two weeks of the final month: Attention to the technicalities, rigorous memorization and willful thought of the subject matter throughout the day and past exam type and MCQ exercise solving. Final Week leading to the exam: The aforementioned processes along with 3 real time mock papers spread through the final week (usually one every two days with the last one being two days prior to the sitting) with each Mock exam adjusting the studying for the following days.

What specific strategies did you use to prepare for the SBL exam?

My strategy which granted me a prize-winning position in Strategic Business Leader was rather unorthodox, however it proved to be a sensical approach. The common consensus is that ‘the models’ are what is going to guide you in the exam, however that is not a particularly realistic scenario.

From what I had assessed from the type of questions that are asked in the exam, and the type of answers described in the examiner’s reports provided, models are but a means to explain aspects of the syllabus. It is unrealistic to deem models as the definitive guide to success, as on some occasions if the theoretical area that they were designed to describe pops up in a question, but the elements within the models themselves do not, then a candidate attempting to answer the aforementioned question is likely to not be awarded enough marks if they are to focus solely on the buzzwords within.

My advice, and my approach would be to not try to rote learn the models, but instead get a holistic view of which areas of business they are trying to describe, and how. Porter’s value chain is a great example when it comes to describing my strategy, the model itself perfectly describes how a businesses may create value, if candidates are to use this model to thoroughly understand what ‘value’ means in a business sense, instead of focusing solely on the elements constituting the model, then they are more likely to be versatile and better equipped to answer questions for any scenario.

The examining team to add, has mentioned time and time again that relating points to the scenario is what will grant you marks. I strongly advise learning the theory by heart before the pre-seen is released and by the time it is released to mentally apply the theory to the scenario. This strategy, if applied correctly (learning the entirety of the syllabus and spending two weeks assessing past exam type questions and relating points of theory to every single point of the pre-seen) will most certainly adequately prepare anyone for the toughest of papers. 

Resource Utilization:

Which resources or tools from Learnsignal did you find most helpful?

Every single tool from Learnsignal was helpful, but if I were to pick one, the Learnsignal support and communication was what boosted my confidence and assured my understanding of the subject matter was sufficient. 

How did you balance between theory and practical case studies in your preparation?

The case study was essentially a world of endless probabilities. I had thought of a sensical approach which involved thought throughout the day, of connecting areas of the syllabus, to the pre-seen. This not only helped me connect the elements of the syllabus with each other, but also learn the pre-seen like the back of my palm. When I was faced with a very tough paper, my detailed memory of the pre-seen, the potential scenarios I had made in my mind, and the thorough understanding of the elements of the syllabus allowed for me to remain calm and give ‘sensical’ responses to two 18 marks questions I genuinely believed I didn’t understand at the time. Learning the elements of the syllabus in an integrated way and applying endless thought to the adequately understood pre-seen are to render any candidate successful in their attempt.

Challenges and Overcoming Them:

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while preparing for the SBL exam?

The biggest challenge I had faced was my introduction to my audit job. I had previously worked delivery throughout which provided me with more idle time to think about the ACCA subjects, however the commute to work to my new audit position was way longer than expected and studying time had become way more scarce than I had anticipated. With the remaining time I had to study while adapting to the new work environment, another challenge I had faced was the different opinions when it came to tutors and peers, and their differing suggested approaches to this paper. I was personally very stressed going into this exam as I didn’t know what to expect, however when the results came it was evident that the approach I decided on was more than satisfactory for this type of paper.

How did you overcome these challenges and stay motivated?

I persevered by remaining calm. As time was scarce, working smart was how I could make it through. I also avoided any stressful activities, or time-wasting activities which I had assessed to not be worthwhile and through my personal assessment and comparison of mark awarding responses to what I could produce, I adapted my studying so as to increase my possibilities of passing. What motivated me the most was that this would be the end to the ACCA exam phase of my life, and that I would make myself, my parents, colleagues and employers proud of me for finalizing this wonderful journey.

Exam Experience

Exam Day Insights:

Can you walk us through your experience on the day of the SBL exam?

Before entering the st.George hall (which was where I was to be examined), I was taking a stroll through the city to deeply think about the subjects and connect everything together one last time. This was what I would do before every sitting of mine. The last 30 minutes before the examination, I meditated and tried to clear my head, to be more efficient and relaxed during the exam, but when the exam began, things took an unexpected turn.

The first question of the exam was an 18-mark question, relating to the benefits that could be obtained by ‘’formalizing employee participation in strategic decisions’’ . I had no idea what that could mean.

How did you manage stress and stay focused during the exam?

After facing the 18-mark question I had no idea how to respond so I decided to try to make sense of it, respond to the extent I could, and move on. I thought to myself, ’what’s the worst that could happen with an unsatisfactory response? Let’s take a look at the rest of the paper!’’ Having fortunately completed a rather straight-forward 2nd question, to my surprise another 18-mark question appeared on section B of similar nature. I, once again, was unfamiliar with this type of question.

The question related to ‘”the amendments that Rodnim ( the case study industry) would have to make with regards to their risk strategy if they were to proceed with the proposed joint venture agreement(exhibit B)’”. At that point, I had completely panicked,” Lackluster responses to two 18 mark questions, no matter how explanatory and conc,ise can not possibly provide me with enough marks to pass!.. I’m definitely failing this paper.’’ I thought. I looked around the room, looked at the countdown, took deep breaths, stretched slightly and then thought to myself ‘’Even if I fail, life goes on, and every failure is a lesson, I will come back more willing to pass and will definitely succeed on my next attempt if I fail.”

This helped me calm down and prevented the stress I had from further clouding my judgment. After that, I proceeded with an uneasy feeling to the remaining questions of the paper which, were fortunately very straightforward, with 40 minutes remaining to re-attempt both of the 18-mark questions. I kept going back and forth between those two questions, inputting an influx of ideas, points, etc, that I thought COULD make sense with what I assessed the examiner was asking for. I used the entirety of my syllabus knowledge just to squeeze out as much info as possible that would make for potentially award-winning point on both questions(back and forth between question 1 and 3) until the timer ran out and I left the exam thinking that failure was very likely.

Advice and Inspiration

Advice for Fellow Students:

What advice would you give to other ACCA students, especially those preparing for the SBL exam?

Thoroughly understand the syllabus, business as a whole and under no circumstances neglect the pre-seen ! Time management and well-being are key!

How important is consistency and discipline in achieving high scores in ACCA 

Just like everything in life, the more you put in, the more you put out. Being a perfectionist and loving what you do will always yield great results, and you can’t be a perfectionist without being disciplined and consistent. It goes without saying that the more you make sense out of accumulated knowledge, and the more the pieces are connected together in the process, the more interesting it inevitably becomes therefore being consistent will only reward you.

Motivation and Inspiration:

Can you share any motivational tips for students who are struggling with their ACCA studies?

Never give up! Your mind is a realm of infinite possibilities, you yourself can deduce your own strategies to suit your needs and goals and the road to success is a long and glorious process. Most importantly, consider the possibilities with ACCA in your arsenal!

How did you stay motivated throughout your ACCA journey, and what kept you going during tough times?

I considered it as a personal goal of mine that would grant me confidence for anything in life. Having had no prior formal education, passing my ACCA exams with flying colours would provide me with tangible evidence for my potential to learn and perfect anything moving forward. Studying helped me distract myself from any potential worries I had, while also improving myself. 

 Future Aspirations:

What are your future career aspirations now that you are an ACCA affiliate?

With ACCA the sky’s the limit! I am very happy with my current position in Deloitte CY and I am looking forward to the opportunities that may come my way and becoming the best professional I can possibly be. 

How do you plan to leverage your ACCA qualification in your professional life?

With no prior degree, being part qualified helped me land a job in the largest professional services firm in the world! There’s just no possible way that ACCA won’t pave the way for a remarkable career.

Personal Insights

Personal Growth:

How has studying and passing the ACCA exams contributed to your personal and professional growth?

Having struggled with studying in the past, ACCA helped me prove to myself that I can better myself in all aspects of life, and not just the ones I’m good at. I’m therefore forever grateful for the endless hours spent disciplining myself to achieve this goal, and I already see myself as a more capable and adaptive person because of it.  

What are some key skills or lessons you’ve learned from this journey?

The power of focusing and managing your time. To be able to make the most out of the time at hand for your own benefit is a vital component in having a happy and successful life.

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